Forum Display Enhancements - Threaded Forum Views (Version 3.0)

Threaded Forum Views (Version 3.0)

This Modification is based on Threaded Forum Views (Version 1.8) for vBulletin 3.0 & Threaded Forum Views (v2.0) for vBulletin 3.5

Version 3.0 should function the same as the previous version. If you notice any quirks or problems please post them here. I took a couple different approaches in outlining the Modifications from the original as well.

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Threaded Forum Views will allow the user to display an individual forum or search results in a fully threaded manner. To enable this support the user selects Enable from the new Threaded Forum Views section within Edit Options in the User CP. In addition to the Enable/Disable setting the user may also select Compact or Expanded modes as well as the number of characters to be displayed in the thread/post titles.

Features:
Functionality controlled via the Users CP.
Supports 2 display modes. Single line or Dual line.
Supports variable title lengths.
Works with the display of forums and search results.
Indicates which posts have been read and which are new.
Indicates which posts have attachments.
Handles Sticky posts - limits the thread to the opening post.
Displayed results may be sorted using the existing tools provided by forumdisplay.php
Tested with vBulletin 3.6.0

Caveats:
Some of the Administrator functions (such as thread maintenance on deleted threads) are not available while in this mode. While doing administrative tasks the Admin should disable Threaded Forum Views.

Feedback & Support:
If you have any problems or questions please post them here.

Miscellaneous:

Line numbers have been added, which correspond 'approximatly' to where an item can be found. Line Numbers are based upon previous modifications, so the line number listed in step 2, will be based upon the idea that step 1 has already been compleeted. Do Note these are approximate line numbers to help find certaion locations within the code, don't blindly use them for insertions as exact numbers vary considerably based on how you perform the changes.

To update existing users it is necessary to manually run an UPDATE query. I used

UPDATE userfield SET field5='Enable',field6='Compact',field7='30' where field5='';

to set the default values.

Also, a new field has been added to the search parameters. Because of this it is neccessary to erase the existing cached searches. This can be done using the following query

delete from search;

Instructions for making the necessary modifications to the files and templates are attached as are the 5 new graphics in the ZIP file.

Items to Work on:

- Quirkyness with 'Thread/Forum Read Marking Type' defaults to something akin to "Inactivity/Cookie Based" need to check into "Database (no automatic forum marking)" and "Database (automatic forum marking)"
- Should Verify SEO works well (Limit: Webserver with mod_redirect)

Possible Future Optional Additions:
- Collapsability / Javascript
- View Toggle from Main Forum View Tree
- Option to disable User Selectable Title Length

[Kaitlyn]

Originally Posted by Omegatron

Hello

I just installed based on the instructions into a clean vbulletin 3.6 install and see some differences on the file edits especially functions_threadedmode.php and when done and enable this the forum list is blank just empty rows so this modification does not appear to work.

If there are ommissions in the install or updated instructions please post them reason being the instructions state they are for a clean vb 3.51 yet this mod says 3.6?

There shouldn't be, I used the exact ones on the forum I'm running with this on it. Most likly, I've found the usual cause, especially on fresh installs, is that You haven't enabled the Plug-In's, which contain global functionality this hack needs in order to work.

If there's any instance of 3.5.1, it's most likely just a clerical error assuming the right download was obtained, I haven't noticed anywhere I didn't update the version number (Totally not saying it isn't possible!)

But, it works, promise, it's just kinda tricky. I'm using it right now on my own forums without issue.

-K

[Omegatron]

Got It Your Line Numbers Are Off

[Kaitlyn]

Originally Posted by Omegatron

Got It Your Line Numbers Are Off

Yes, they are just a guide to help in case people can't find a particular line, it depends greatly on how you add/edit. Always best to put things in by context.

Glad you got it working *smiles*

-K

[nevetS]

Just updated to 3.6.1 - the line numbers in the instructions are a bit off (I redid all the file modifications from scratch), but the instructions are still valid. Works great as far as I can tell.

[Kaitlyn]

Originally Posted by nevetS

Just updated to 3.6.1 - the line numbers in the instructions are a bit off (I redid all the file modifications from scratch), but the instructions are still valid. Works great as far as I can tell.

Absolutly, Even with version 3.6.0 depending on how you insert and replace parts of code the line numbers can be a bit off. I included them simply in case someone is having problem finding a particular line they know about where to look.

Thanks for the trial on 3.6.1! Much Appreciated.

-K

[Surfer]

Has there been anything done to the post status icons? i.e. The statusicon becomes read when read... this didn't work accurately with the previous versions...

Thanks

[Kaitlyn]

Originally Posted by Surfer

Has there been anything done to the post status icons? i.e. The statusicon becomes read when read... this didn't work accurately with the previous versions...

Thanks

It's something I still need to look into, my forums have always used the "Inactivity/Cookie Based" as opposed to either of the database updates for marking posts as read and it's likely that it's been overlooked, and sad to say I haven't had the time to track it down.

I'll add this on my to-do list.

-K

[SRO]

I'd love to install this, but I'd probably wreck my site in the process. Any way to simplify the installation?

[Kaitlyn]

Originally Posted by SRO

I'd love to install this, but I'd probably wreck my site in the process. Any way to simplify the installation?

Unfourtinatly, not if you want it to work. Pretty much all the changes listed are required for various aspects of it to function properly.

I'd highly recommend attempting it on a private test site/server/locally either with a fresh install or with a recent backup first, that way once you have it working when you go to apply it to your main site, you can simply copy the modified files that you know work, over to your live site, then just make the template & Plugin changes. Seriously reducing the risk of sodding up a live site.

It's how I implement it personally, and I wrote the upgrade *grins*

-K

[bgray]

Kaitlyn,

I want to commend you on an incredible hack! Wow!
I'm really tempted to install but I'd really like to have the collapsable feature first.

Any chance you are working on it now?
I'd be willing to make it a paid addition if you are interested.