=V.2= vB3 Similar Threads

vB3 Similar Threads =Version 2=
by Velocd

This hack, as well all my other vB2 hacks, I no longer provide support for (being I run vB3 and it's too much hassel to debug vB2). When vB3 Release Candidate comes out, by request I might convert some of my hacks.


Update - Version 2.1
View this post for complete information.


Description:

I recoded the old vB3 Similar Threads hack earlier today, realizing a much better and enhanced method of making it work.
Also, I made a new thread for this hack mainly so it would be better known, since the old one had many unsolved issues.

Improvements:

• It no longer compares threads via a similarity or priority level, but rather using a MySQL string-comparison function.
  I experienced no slow downs on any pages, and many of my pages seem to be generating .20 faster (from the old version).
• The comparison between threads is even more accurate and efficient, and best of all requires no toggling of a priority setting like the previous version. The threads are now searched via the one and only query, making things faster.
• The hack has been tested on 2.2.6 and 2.2.9, and also does not require the use of PHP function trim(), so older versions of PHP should deal no trouble.
• The overall appearance of the hack has been enhanced to look more vB3 as well

The MySQL function MATCH..AGAINST requires MySQL version 3.23.23 or later, else the hack will not operate.

Screenshots:

Refer to the .zip, they are located inside.


Upgrading?

If you are upgrading from the old version, just replace the codechunk.txt file in the location of the old chunk, as well replacing the templates.

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Remember, if you use this hack on your forum, please click the install button! ^__^

side note: once installed, the similar-thread box will not show until you start replying to threads or create new ones. I predict this has something to do with the altering of the field title to FULLTEXT

side note 2: if for some reason you are getting an error about FULLTEXT not being functionable on your thread table, you are running a non-MyISAM table type, and thus must be converted. Run this query to do so:

PHP Code:

ALTER TABLE `thread` TYPE = MYISAM 


[Boofo]

Ok, I see. Sorry I missed that. But where I have it now, it seems to be a lot more accurate. It is supposed to pick words out of the title and use those, right? Well, now it does that even better. Any word in the title and it pulls up a Similar thread with the same word in it. Isn't that how it is supposed to work? And will it be alright where I have it now or will it mess with anything, do you know?

[Auero]

=/ Okay, it's not working at all for me. I've followed the install file exactly and I still cant get anything to display....????

[Velocd]

@boofo: you're fine

@auero: Make sure you have placed the variable $similarthreads in your showthread template.

Give me a link to your forums, and I'll check it out if it is still not working.

[ptm]

Whew!!! Got it working perfectly.

[Bison]

Originally posted by Boofo
Rolodex, try putting the chunkcode above this line and see if that helps. It fixed my forumjump problem and the threads are only showing similar threads if they really ARE similar. Let me know if it works for you.

eval("dooutput(\"".gettemplate("showthread")."\");");

So far, so good ... but occassionally when I click on a thread link the page comes up blank. I have to refresh the page or click on the back button to get the pages back ... yikes!

[Velocd]

I just realized a good fix for this hack, to make it more accurate. I noticed with the first version I had it check for similar threads only in the forum which the thread originated in. If you do this with this hack, you get much more valid results, mostly if you have a large forum.

I've updated the instructions to include this, so just re-upgrade the codechunk.txt.

If you want to just do it manually, find (in the codechunk):

PHP Code:

AND thread.visible=1 


And replace it with:

PHP Code:

AND thread.visible=1 AND thread.forumid=$thread[forumid] 


[Velocd]

Actually.. I just realized that if this is done, the displaying of which forum the similar thread is in is pointless.

Although, I just got another good idea: Search the parent forum and all sub-forums within for similar threads, that the thread originates from.

Now if I can only figure out how to do this....

[NTLDR]

A note on the permissions for this hack. They only work if custom permissions are applied to all forums (which have different permissions) as it ignores inherited permissions. I've had to disable this hack now till they work correctly.

[Bison]

Another question ... why are you pointing the category background in your showthread_simularthreads template to:

<tr align="center" bgcolor="#336D95" background="https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/images/catagory_backing.gif" background="https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/images/catagory_backing.gif">

Is there a reason for this, or are you "unknowingly" duplicating the same mistake in every update of this hack?

[Velocd]

It's only one small mistake Rolodex, nobody is perfect, eh? I'm quite lazy as it is, so I'll update it next time I figure it need be. If it's gonna kill you, then well.. I bid you the best farewell j/k

@NTLDR: When you say inherited permissions, do you mean specific permissions geared to user groups? Also, can you give an example of how it is not working? I have user group and forum permissions set, and this hack is working correctly--unless I am overlooking something.