The Dink Network

Hey Guys,

So, I've been a fan of Dink Smallwood from way back. Started playing it back in '99, and have from time to time played around with making dmods etc.

I'm a software developer and linux user, and the new Front End that comes with 1.08 gave me an idea. It's a great front end

Yes. It is a great front end. But what's your idea?

Um, is there a limit on the number of characters you can put in one post, it cut off most of my first post..

Anyway, the idea was, dmod package management.

There could be an online repository of available dmods. Meta-info could be stored on each one, such as name, level of development, size, etc. This information could be downloaded by the frontend to offer the user a list of available dmods, which can then be downloaded and installed by the frontend

No, there's no limit. Must've been some error. It's never happened since I registered here about the biginning of this year. Just modify your old post.

I posted the other post while you were typing so, that's a pretty good idea. I must say.

Well, if people were interested, I'd be happy to host an initial mirror for development purposes, but when the project was finished, I couldn't afford the bandwidth for being the only host, so we'd have to set up several mirrors to share the load.

The other thing is, is the source code for the current front end available? If so, I could just build this on that. Otherwise, I could do a whole new front-end, but it's kind of reinventing the wheel (for the 50 millionth time...)

I don't think the source code is available

It should be with the original 1.08 source code. If not, you might want to ask Redink1.

I don't really think having a database is necessary. After all, we have the Dink Network for all our Dmods. I had this idea some time ago (2 years or so), and we have decided it's not really necessary or worthy for a small (as in player base) game like Dink.

But it's a nice idea though.

It's not so much a database as a file repository. The fact it's a small game just says the resources needed aren't huge, and it's easy enough to set up. There's plenty of package management systems already implemented that can be replicated.

It could even be built on the already existant repository of dmods at TDN

I think it's a good idea. If you wanna do it Nag, go ahead. Release it here if you want. I'll download it! It could be pretty useful.

May I suggest something? It would be interesting for d-mods that are updated or in development to be accessible in this way as well. You could release demo's, updated versions of a d-mod or even new beta test versions for a select number of people (by adding password protection for the latter). If the front end would then, for example, alert the user of any new or updated d-mods when starting up and give the option to download them immediately, that would truly be awesome Just a thought.

I'm sure you could work something out with Redink1 concerning the hosting. Maybe something for his G9 design

*Stares at Kyle's awesome idea in awe*

I was thinking of a similar setup. You could easily have different categories for dmods at different stages of development. You could filter your search for new dmods to demos, and you could be alerted for updates to your currently installed dmods, or new dmods.

A ranking system could easily be added, so new dmods can be rated quickly by people who want to try them.

Get started please

Get started please

I second that emotion. You sound like a sharp guy and this project sounds Grrreat

Get started please

I third that emotion. This project does sound Grrreat. I'm assuming you have enough experience to do it?

Nag, are you going through with this? I'd really like to know. I'm looking forward to this.