Designing a Modding tool

[yummie]

ORIGINAL: Shark7

Just curious, but will this function on older versions of Windows? Win 7 mainly, pretty sure there aren't many XP users left.

Should run on any windows os, i currently have 10 but i do have access to a machine that My nieghbor has windows 7. I can run test on xp if youd like. But if you are up to date with your software, ex: java, then it should run just fine. Although i probly will not go out of my way to fix xp problems, 7, 8, and 10 I would take seriously. If i get alot of demand for xp i would look into it. Since this program basicly make text files, and converts images to png formats I see no reason why it should not work across all OS's of windows. The only real problem i could see would be load times as xp is limited to ram and processor speeds. So no there should not be a problem running on older pcs, maybe longer load times.

[yummie]

ORIGINAL: ChildServices

How many of those Windows XP machines do you think are used for gaming, though? Seems like they'd mostly be office computers to me.

scarey thing is most xp computers are government based compters. Oh yeah the atm you use is most likely using xp. Most home users have 7 while the bussiness world is in the stoneage.

[CyclopsSlayer]

All the Security Camera software is currently XP based. Hell, XP isn't even supposed to be supported anymore yet they still pump out new Software for it.

[yummie]

ORIGINAL: CyclopsSlayer

All the Security Camera software is currently XP based. Hell, XP isn't even supposed to be supported anymore yet they still pump out new Software for it.

because US gov pays an insane amount for the sypport instead of updating to a newer verision. When they stop paying for out of date security updates that are easy to by pass.

Just a quick update, had 15 hour days at work this week and today was my only day off. I am working on writing the array classes, that will populate the race creation page. About section is complete. Saves data in correct format and in proper places. I am also working on multi treading the race config form to make loading as smooth and seamless as possible, with as little lag as possible. Not sure if ill get all the array classes done tonight, if so ill start populating the combo boxes. Then it will be all about saving the selections in proper format and proper order. Then work on loading a saved race. Alot of unknows on that end for me, will have to spend some time reseaching that. Although it should be fun. Also was looking at the forum might check into AI modifation, not till i am futher along. Thats about it for now, got probly two mybe three more hours in me tonight, then bedtime.

[marcinius]

Yummie, looks like you are using C# with a XAML UI system, or am I just looking at this wrong? Looks great though

edit: nevermind, went back to take a look at the photos you posted, it's WinForms. How far along are you? I dev in c# and would love to have a peak at the source code lol

[yummie]

ORIGINAL: marcinius

Yummie, looks like you are using C# with a XAML UI system, or am I just looking at this wrong? Looks great though

edit: nevermind, went back to take a look at the photos you posted, it's WinForms. How far along are you? I dev in c# and would love to have a peak at the source code lol

on my way to work right now, i am not a dev just learning, and yes its win forms. Got a 15 hour day ahead of me but if i am not to tired when i get home ill post it. Be nice to see if there are ways to improve the source code. Or if i miss something. Last night was figuring out arrays, was quiet entertaining

I thought about using xaml ui system but had no clue where to start. So i started with win forms becuase design of the app in win forms is something i have the most experience in. At least the front end, ex basicly thought that to m. Honestly dont think he trusted me with the back end. This is my attempt at wanting to learn the back end. So start where you know and build from there. So not going to say its the cleanest program. So when i do share it, i am sure there are probly better ways to do it. Simplar ways, but this is my first real attempt of soloing, the back end. Grasping the syntx has been a bit of a struggle. But i am getting there. Write, rewrite, google, google, rewrite, google some more. Trail and error is my friend. havent decided if i will just screen shot the script or copy paste it. But thanks for the interest, will be nice to get criqued, maybe even some advice.

[marcinius]

This is what I use for a modern ui for XAMl (apparently I can't post links but search for modernui xaml in google and select firstfloor's git hub account.). The awesome thing about XAML and C# (WPF) is that some one can work on the UI part of the program while someone else can work on the back end. I'd love to take a peak at the source code and give you any tips. I self taught C# and XAML my self so I know the struggle.

[yummie]

ORIGINAL: marcinius

This is what I use for a modern ui for XAMl (apparently I can't post links but search for modernui xaml in google and select firstfloor's git hub account.). The awesome thing about XAML and C# (WPF) is that some one can work on the UI part of the program while someone else can work on the back end. I'd love to take a peak at the source code and give you any tips. I self taught C# and XAML my self so I know the struggle.

when i get home in a couple hours i will toss some screen shoots up. you can also do the same with forms as long as youre working on different forms, and set up a library in team foundation, where the code can be checked out, right now i am not able to do that. I can do it on my next pay day. Might be able to swing it before then we will see. I will be heading home in 2 and half hours.

[marcinius]

Sounds good. Just post it when ever you get a chance to no rush!

[yummie]

Just woke up ill put the script up in a couple hours no i havent forgot, just long hours at work day off and slept most of it away.

[yummie]

okay here it is so far I think I got most notes written there are still problem areas but I am cleaning them up tonight. Also finally found a PDF for modding which was a pain to track down and was slowing me down. Should be able to start picking up speed with being able to copy paste.


using distantrworldmodder1._0._1.Properties;
using System;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.ComponentModel;
using System.Data;
using System.Drawing;
using System.IO;
using System.Linq;
using System.Text;
using System.Threading.Tasks;
using System.Windows.Forms;

namespace distantrworldmodder1._0._1
{
public partial class AboutYourMod : Form
{
public AboutYourMod()
{
InitializeComponent();
}
// sets close button effects
private void closePictureBox_MouseHover(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
closePictureBox.Image = Resources.closebutton2;
}

private void closePictureBox_MouseLeave(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
closePictureBox.Image = Resources.closebutton1;
}
// closes window button effects
private void closePictureBox_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
this.Close();
}
// save button moouse hoover over effects
private void savePictureBox_MouseHover(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
savePictureBox.Image = Resources.save2;
}

private void savePictureBox_MouseLeave(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
savePictureBox.Image = Resources.save1;
}

//drag drop events

private void AboutYourMod_DragEnter(object sender, DragEventArgs e)
{
if (e.Data.GetDataPresent(DataFormats.FileDrop, false) == true)
{
e.Effect = DragDropEffects.All;
}
}
private void AboutYourMod_DragDrop(object sender, DragEventArgs e)
{
// take dropped items and store in array
string[] droppedfiles = (string[])e.Data.GetData(DataFormats.FileDrop);

//loop thru dropped items and display them
foreach (string file in droppedfiles)
{

string filename = getFileName(file);
//Displays file name in label
imageConverterLabel.Text = filename.ToString();

// set image
//Picturepanel.Image = Image.FromFile(file);


}
}
//Get FileName
private string getFileName(string path)
{
return Path.GetFileNameWithoutExtension(path);
}

private void openImagePictureBox_MouseHover(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
openImagePictureBox.Image = Resources.openimage2;
}

private void openImagePictureBox_MouseLeave(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
openImagePictureBox.Image = Resources.openimage1;
}
// opens file selection screen after click
private void openImagePictureBox_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
OpenFileDialog ofd = new OpenFileDialog();
ofd.Title = "Please Select your Main Image Image";
ofd.Filter = "JPG|*.jpg|JPEG|*.j|GIF|*.gif|PNG|*.png";

if (ofd.ShowDialog() == DialogResult.OK)
{
modDisplaypictureBox.Image = Image.FromFile(ofd.FileName);
}
ofd.Dispose();
{
}
}




private void AboutYourMod_Load(object sender, EventArgs e)
{

}

private void savePictureBox_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
string filePath = @"C:\Matrix Games\Distant Worlds\Customization" + modNameTextBox.Text + "about" + ".txt";
string folder = Path.GetDirectoryName( @"C:\Matrix Games\Distant Worlds\Customization" + modNameTextBox.Text + "about" + ".txt");
if(!Directory.Exists(modNameTextBox.Text))
{
Directory.CreateDirectory(@"C:\Matrix Games\Distant Worlds\Customization" + modNameTextBox.Text);

}

File.WriteAllText(@"C:\Matrix Games\Distant Worlds\Customization" + modNameTextBox.Text + "about.txt", "Created by Distant World Modder\n"
+ verisionTextBox.Text
+ AboutRichTextBox.Text);



//File.WriteAllText(filePath + "Created by Distant World Modder\n"
// +"Writen By C.Lucas"
// + verisionTextBox.Text
// + AboutRichTextBox.Text
// );
}
}
}




using distantrworldmodder1._0._1.Properties;
using System;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.ComponentModel;
using System.Data;
using System.Drawing;
using System.Linq;
using System.Text;
using System.Threading.Tasks;
using System.Windows.Forms;

namespace distantrworldmodder1._0._1
{
public partial class RaceCreation : Form
{
public RaceCreation()
{
InitializeComponent();
}

private void pictureBox1_MouseHover(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
ClosingPictureBox.Image = Resources.closebutton2;
}

private void pictureBox1_MouseLeave(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
ClosingPictureBox.Image = Resources.closebutton1;
}

private void openImagePictureBox1_MouseHover(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
openImagePictureBox1.Image = Resources.openimage2;
}

private void openImagePictureBox1_MouseLeave(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
openImagePictureBox1.Image = Resources.openimage1;
}

private void openImagePictureBox2_MouseHover(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
openImagePictureBox2.Image = Resources.openimage2;
}

private void openImagePictureBox2_MouseLeave(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
openImagePictureBox2.Image = Resources.openimage1;
}
private void openImagePictureBox1_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
OpenFileDialog ofd = new OpenFileDialog();
ofd.Title = "Please Select your Main Image Image";
ofd.Filter = "JPG|*.jpg|JPEG|*.j|GIF|*.gif|PNG|*.png";

if (ofd.ShowDialog() == DialogResult.OK)
{
raceCreationPictureBox1.Image = Image.FromFile(ofd.FileName);
}
ofd.Dispose();
{
}
}

private void openImagePictureBox2_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
OpenFileDialog ofd = new OpenFileDialog();
ofd.Title = "Please Select your Main Image Image";
ofd.Filter = "JPG|*.jpg|JPEG|*.j|GIF|*.gif|PNG|*.png";

if (ofd.ShowDialog() == DialogResult.OK)
{
raceCreationPictureBox2.Image = Image.FromFile(ofd.FileName);
}
ofd.Dispose();
{
}
}
private void pictureBox1_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
this.Close();
}

private void panel2_Paint(object sender, PaintEventArgs e)
{

}

private void createRacePictureBox_MouseHover(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
createRacePictureBox.Image = Resources.createrace2;
}

private void createRacePictureBox_MouseLeave(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
createRacePictureBox.Image = Resources.createrace1;
}
}




}



using distantrworldmodder1._0._1.Properties;
using System;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.ComponentModel;
using System.Data;
using System.Drawing;
using System.Linq;
using System.Text;
using System.Threading.Tasks;
using System.Threading;
using System.Windows.Forms;

namespace distantrworldmodder1._0._1
{
public partial class Main : Form
{

public Main()
{
InitializeComponent();
}
// mouse hoover over effects for panels
private void aboutYourModPictureBox_MouseHover(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
aboutYourModPictureBox.Image = Resources.about2;
}

private void aboutYourModPictureBox_MouseLeave(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
aboutYourModPictureBox.Image = Resources.about1;
}

private void charaterPictureBox_MouseHover(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
charaterPictureBox.Image = Resources.charaters2;
}

private void charaterPictureBox_MouseLeave(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
charaterPictureBox.Image = Resources.charaters1;
}

private void designTempltepictureBox_MouseHover(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
designTempltepictureBox.Image = Resources.designtemplate2;
}

private void designTempltepictureBox_MouseLeave(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
designTempltepictureBox.Image = Resources.designtemplate1;
}

private void empirePolicespPictureBox_MouseHover(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
empirePolicespPictureBox.Image = Resources.empirepolices2;
}

private void empirePolicespPictureBox_MouseLeave(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
empirePolicespPictureBox.Image = Resources.empirepolices1;
}

private void gameSoundPictureBox_MouseHover(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
gameSoundPictureBox.Image = Resources.gamesounds2;
}

private void gameSoundPictureBox_MouseLeave(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
gameSoundPictureBox.Image = Resources.gamesounds1;
}

private void gameTextPictureBox_MouseHover(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
gameTextPictureBox.Image = Resources.gametext2;
}

private void gameTextPictureBox_MouseLeave(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
gameTextPictureBox.Image = Resources.gametext1;
}

private void nameAdditionsPictureBox_MouseHover(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
nameAdditionsPictureBox.Image = Resources.nameadditions2;
}

private void nameAdditionsPictureBox_MouseLeave(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
nameAdditionsPictureBox.Image = Resources.nameadditions1;
}

private void raceBiasesPictureBox_MouseHover(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
raceBiasesPictureBox.Image = Resources.racebaises2;
}

private void raceBiasesPictureBox_MouseLeave(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
raceBiasesPictureBox.Image = Resources.racebaises1;
}

private void raceDialogPictureBox_MouseHover(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
raceDialogPictureBox.Image = Resources.racedialog2;
}

private void raceDialogPictureBox_MouseLeave(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
raceDialogPictureBox.Image = Resources.racedialog1;
}

private void shipDesignPictureBox_MouseHover(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
shipDesignPictureBox.Image = Resources.ShipDesign2;
}

private void shipDesignPictureBox_MouseLeave(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
shipDesignPictureBox.Image = Resources.ShipDesign1;
}

private void raceCreationPictureBox_MouseHover(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
raceCreationPictureBox.Image = Resources.racecreation2;
}

private void raceCreationPictureBox_MouseLeave(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
raceCreationPictureBox.Image = Resources.racecreation1;
}

private void ClosingPictureBox_MouseHover(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
ClosingPictureBox.Image = Resources.closebutton2;
}

private void ClosingPictureBox_MouseLeave(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
ClosingPictureBox.Image = Resources.closebutton1;
}
// closes application
private void ClosingPictureBox_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
Application.Exit();

}
//opens the about form
private void aboutYourModPictureBox_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
AboutYourMod aym = new AboutYourMod();
aym.Show();

}

// mouse hover
private void loadACurrentModPictureBox_MouseHover(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
loadACurrentModPictureBox.Image = Resources.loadcurrentmod2;
}

private void loadACurrentModPictureBox_MouseLeave(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
loadACurrentModPictureBox.Image = Resources.loadcurrentmod1;
}
// opens race creation form needs if statemets
private void raceCreationPictureBox_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
RaceCreation rc = new RaceCreation();
rc.Show();
}
// opens race naiases form
private void raceBiasesPictureBox_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
RaceBiases rb = new RaceBiases();
rb.Show();
}
// opens empire polices form
private void empirePolicespPictureBox_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
EmpirePolices ep = new EmpirePolices();
ep.Show();

}
// opens race dialog form
private void raceDialogPictureBox_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
RaceDialog rd = new RaceDialog();
rd.Show();
}
// opens game text form
private void gameTextPictureBox_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
GameText gt = new GameText();
gt.Show();
}
// opens charater form
private void charaterPictureBox_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
Charaters c = new Charaters();
c.Show();
}
// opens game sounds form
private void gameSoundPictureBox_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
GameSounds gs = new GameSounds();
gs.Show();
}
// opens name additions
private void nameAdditionsPictureBox_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
NameAdditions nm = new NameAdditions();
nm.Show();
}
// opens ship design form
private void shipDesignPictureBox_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
ShipDesign sd = new ShipDesign();
sd.Show();
}
// opens design temeplate
private void designTempltepictureBox_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
DesignTemplate dt = new DesignTemplate();
dt.Show();
}

private void Main_Load(object sender, EventArgs e)
{

}

}
}

[yummie]

Okay so run down so far, The saving feature I found it was glitch at best so looking into finding a better way to do that and allow the modder more control over where it saves. Next now that I found the PDF I now have every tool that I need to start assembling the arrays correctly instead of guessing. That was slowing me down a lot. I also can start writing the hovering over pop up bubbles that will tell modder what each object does. With copping and pasting being my friend. Been long week at work and not a lot of time for anything but sleep. [8D]

[yummie]

Okay, first short day at work and spent today catching up on shows, but now off to work on hover over menu. Wish me luck.

[yummie]

Okay home now, got tooltips working now to write all 150 tool tips 2 times. One for combo boxes and one for labels. The codes is actuall simple. tip.SetToolTip(this.comboboxname, "enter text here what ever typed is displayed");
for those who are following this and want to know what iam working on. This will take a bit but ill crank it out. Also will do it for labels. So instead of combobox name it will be label name. I will probly tread this as it will make it run slow, we will see.

*UpDate* okay finished doing tool tips. Doesnt seem to be any lag. Will make dinner and work on arrays.

[yummie]

Today still working on populating combobixes. Doing it from a class has been frustrating to say it mildly. Right now have 3 choices i think. I stress think, first is manually add all data which would take a long time as there is 138 combo boxes. Second is bind the data to a databases. Seems even more complex than just adding data. Might be best bet, not sure. I know the origanal way it was done was with this method but it seems to be beyond me at this point. I might have to read extensively on classes and maybe test out on a smaller scale till i figure it out. There is one othere method that has been hinted to me using text based info to populate the boxes, but havent looked into that yet. Oh and thes also just writing out each combo box in c# but thats just insane and not happening. But fear not i will not give up. I will figure this out. No matter how fustrating it is. That is my plan for this week to figure this out. Read test read test read test read test. Over and over. I wll get this no matter what.

[yummie]

Been a few days since I've posted, had a lot research to, and also adding all the info for the comboboxes. At the end of the day needed a break from typing, but its done, now figuring out how to make defualt settings, for each of the comboboxes. It's being difficult, but i am spanking it's butty into shape. Will take a few days to do all the comboboxes. So whats left to do with races, well got to collect all data and have it write the text file, and save images. Then Ill work on loading the data both from saved from mod and custome txt files not created by this program. Always looking ahead blah. Still alot of work. Was thinking maybe releasing each seaction seprately then when all is done do a full verision. Not sure yet.

Update* race creation becoming tiresome, mostly due to research. Might have but, thinking I might design empire polices, just to get a break from the complex stuff. But i do believe I have figured out how to create defualt settings, took only 15 tries, but ive found that becuase it works once it isnt always repeatable. Some fuunctions can only happen once. But the functions all work great. Tooltips looks great so far, drop down menu's look great also, and seem to tread properly. Also figured out how to display all the code, even the design. Which means Ill post that all here, but its close to 35,000 lines of code. As for my real job, it should be picking up on thursday, which means back to 16 hour days, for 9 days and that means less programming on this, but i am get 4 days off, with pay right after which is awesome. Then back to 8 hour days for atleast two weeks. I hate when we are short handed. Also taked to our tech guy at work he said if i get really stuck he can give me a hand, so thats great. I have noticed I am the only talking again, in thia tread. If you have any questions, id be more than happy to answer then, it would give me a break, and help clear my mind. For those who have been check this tread thanks.

[yummie]

Okay got it to read the text files, now have to write code for it to load all the info into the combo boxes, and save the info from the drop down lists to txt files, then ill have to work on displaying all the races at the bottom. Also overwrite changes on saves, thinking will have to use an if statement for that. One step at a time. But might work on a diffenert form for a bit need some mindless work for a bit. Or i could watch netflix, but not really in mood for that, unless its something new.

[Cruis.In]

Hi there, nice work on this. In the end, what will I be able to do? Could post that goal you have in mind?

Adjust all race stats images?
Replace race etc (total conversion)

thanks.

[Capshades]

Will this be able to build the component file and research file? As in, will we be able to completely redo the files and add hundreds of components/research items?

[yummie]

Great, I'll run through it, not at home so can't cheat and just copy my chalk board(which is filled with most of the funcations I want with each form), but lets see if I can run all the functions, before my b my break is over.

1. Edit and or write new race files quickly, also will keep track of all races(inculding images)
2. Assocate all images for said race, basicly an image converter.
3. Edit charater txt files quickly and easly
4. To male doing baises easy to do and easy to keep track.
5. image organization, easily swap out new images.
6. Edit polices for each of the races.
7. Add remove tech easily and in a better format.
8. Handel ship images and assiocate the properly for each race
9. Convert music files to be usable with game.

All in all want to be able to quickly edit all text files that can be edited and save with out errors, and less crashing when making a new mod. I also want to convert images and music quickly, without having to do a google search. Basicly quicly change images and music according to mood.
In the first release, probly wont deal with ai so much but second release Ill add ai redesign. Also eventually want to add an interface redesign feature.

Those are the program goals, mostly choose becuase they are funcations I wamt to learn in c#. I know I am probly missing a few things, but I am basicly turning the modding manual onto a program, just working through it step ny step. Once I habe made it through the manual I want to write an interface for the game.