vbHacker & vbHackMaker

Version 1.0.1 released! [March 25th, 18:30]
New:
~ Backup files: Now the script will backup files before editing them. You can disable this, and also change the extension of the backup file. (note: the folder in which the files reside must be writable)
~ CHMOD: The script will try to CHMOD files instead of just dying. The parent folder must be writable if you want the script to CHMOD files in it.
~ Another small fix there's not much to say about.

Ok here's something I wrote yesterday, and today after testing it on serveral forums I can finally release it.

What is it?
vbHacker is a script that automatically installs hacks for you. It takes a xxxxx.hack.php file and comes up with the install script for it. This means you only need vbhacker.php to sit in your admin folder, and just upload data files every time you want to install a new hack.

How does one create hack files?
To make these xxxxx.hack.php data files, please read the post about vbHackMaker:
https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthrea...&postid=231705

The script does the following:
~ Hack files (only PHP have access to write that file)
~ Install new templates
~ Update existing templates
~ Run queries
If anything fails, the script skips it. Then you are taken to a page that lists all the changes the script couldn't do, with instructions how to do them yourself.

You also have the option to generate a plain text file with complete hacking instructions, in case you prefer that.
The installer also checks for your vBulletin version, warning you if the versions mismatch.

I took some screen shots earlier of the various steps.

Hack chooser - This is the part where you see a list of all hacks you have and you can choose which one, and whether to install it or create a text file:
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/1_chooser.gif
For the next screen shots I chose the Quick Reply Box hack.

Elements to install - There you can choose what parts of the hack you want to install. There are four main parts: File hacks, new templates, template edits and queries. This is good for upgrades if you only want to update the templates, and nothing else.
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/2_quick_elements.gif

Specific changes - A more specific step that allows you to select exactly what changes to what files/templates you want to make. Once again, this is helpful when upgrading.
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/3_quick_config.gif

Auto installer - The core of the script that actually installs the hack. This is how it looks like when it works fine:
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/4_quick_auto_ok.gif
And this is how it looks like when something went wrong (because I made it go wrong ):
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/5_quick_auto_bad.gif

Manual mode - An optional step that you will only use if the auto installer had some problems. It just lists the changes you need to do yourself:
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/6_quick_manual.gif

Text file - If you want to generate a text file with the full instructions to install the hack:
http://www.vbulletin.org/vbhacker/7_quick_text.gif

The style for my Admin CP was done by kier.

Well, hope you like what you see. I will start releasing my hacks with this installer soon, so you can see it in action. A script that creates these data files will probably come soon, so everyone will be able to use this for their own hacks.

Attached is the script, version 1.0.1.
Just upload it to your /admin folder, and you're done. Whenever you need to install a new hack just go to /admin/vbhacker.php in your browser.

[aaronx88]

I loved what i saw GOOD WORK ....

[Birdie501]

Hi Firefly,

you are really one of the main reasons why vbulletin is loved by so many people.

Just want to thank you for the great job you do!

Regards Birdie501

[Admin]

Thanks Birdie, and aaronx!

[MW[MWGN]]

So how do we create hacks that would work for vBHacker? is this similar to those MultiHack programs thingy that was used for UBB, you know, where the hacker can create a file with instructions to the program saying Find X, then replace with X etc.

[Admin]

Originally posted by FireFly
A script that creates these data files will probably come soon, so everyone will be able to use this for their own hacks.

[Neo]

Thank s Firefly, I am sure this will make everything alot easier.

[wooolF[RM]]

Negative... everybody want to make their board look different, not like others.
And what vbhacker does? standart look - standart look -standart look...

Sorry, not for me...

[Admin]

Huh? Did you understand what this is all about? You don't have to install hacks, this script only makes installation of hacks much easier because it's done automatic.

[filburt1]

I assume directory permissions will have to be 777 to PHP can write to files?

[Admin]

File permissions, yes.

[wooolF[RM]]

yep, I understand it's pretty much...
For example I can take your hack "Number of new replies per thread on forum display" that is specially designed for vbhacker.
U have a code there that inserts <b>Replies<br>(new / total)</b> into one of templates.
Now...What if I don't like to have text Replies to be bold? Or maybe I have not-english spoken board, or I want to change text Teplies to Answers (just as an example, don't take it serios).
If u want to make it different as I have wrote before, u will have to edit template anyway those making vbhacker a tool, that make all boards like others.
Got main idea?

[trainer]

i dont' know where you come up with all these ideas but what an asset! thank you very much for your hard work bro

[Admin]

Tell vbHacker not to make template changes...

[Neo]

or just change it after it is done installing it... not very hard.