A humble question about mod updates

[jacobgsp]

Good day Nexus community!

 

Apologies in case this topic was already discussed (I did a quick search and couldn't find an answer).

 

I have an honest question here, but why do most (or at least a lot of) modders prefer uploading a separate file to update a mod instead of updating the original mod file?

 

Let me explain. Let's say a new mod comes out, it's great, but there's a small glitch to fix. Instead of updating and replacing the original file to say version 1.1, many modders prefer adding a second, smaller patch along the original file, resulting in both the 1.0 mod and the 1.1 patch being present in the files section of the mod.

 

I guess it makes for a smaller download. But the cons that I see is that:

 

1. Vortex won't flag that there's an update available. Unless I'm missing something, you have to manually track the mod and check the page regularly in case an update is released.

 

2. It gives you two files to manage in Vortex instead of one. It might seem silly, but when you have over 100 mods, if many of them have update patches, it adds up quickly... I know that is doesn't take an extra ESP slot, since the update patches the same ESP, but still, visually it takes a lot more room.

 

So, I'm humbly asking, why are most mods like that? Is there something I'm not seeing or understanding? Or do you make sure you don't miss updates? I'm just curious and this is in no way a criticism, I'm eternally grateful for all of the free hard work modders are doing.

 

Cheers,

Jacob

[RoNin1971]

Well, I can only give you my 'opinion' on that and how I would do it.

 

First of, this method has merit (only) if the main file is of considerable size and the patch relatively small. As you already stated, to reduce the download size (for those who need to update), BUT I would always upload a new complete/main file as well, so new downloads/installs have the update included.

Imho, that's how it should be.

 

...but some modders are lazy, others are clueless, and then there are those who don't care or have different opinions.

 

edit:

...and lets not forget about situation specific patches. (like compatibility patches, who only need those in certain cases, not always, or even absolutely not.)

Edited October 14, 2021 by RoNin1971

[romalight]

Hello. The only solution i can think is, if at our download history page, all the mods are updated, going first so we can know about it. A patch of esp file is a good solution if only change that. That's all. Thanks.

[jacobgsp]

Thanks! I've noticed a few mods that indeed do that, upload both a small update and the full updated mod file, I'm quite a fan of that actually!

 

Well, I can only give you my 'opinion' on that and how I would do it.

 

First of, this method has merit (only) if the main file is of considerable size and the patch relatively small. As you already stated, to reduce the download size (for those who need to update), BUT I would always upload a new complete/main file as well, so new downloads/installs have the update included.

Imho, that's how it should be.

 

...but some modders are lazy, others are clueless, and then there are those who don't care or have different opinions.

 

edit:

...and lets not forget about situation specific patches. (like compatibility patches, who only need those in certain cases, not always, or even absolutely not.)