New Feature: File requirements

[Dark0ne]

Many files across the Nexus sites depend on other files, official expansions or official DLCs in order for them to work properly. Up until this point the only way for people to find what files a specific mod needs has been to look for the information in the author's file description or in the ReadMe file. Some files have many, many file dependencies and finding all the mods can become a bit of a chore for all involved.

 

The latest feature addition for file authors is a new option in your "Manage files" section for all your files called "Required files". Using this page will enable you to select which official expansions and DLCs your file requires in order to work properly. Similarly it will allow you to find and select files on the Nexus sites that your file needs or provide external links to files not available on the Nexus sites for users to download.

 

It's all sexed up with some efficient AJAX/jQuery coding (so you'll have to allow the scripts in your script blockers if you use them) so all your additions won't have to wait for the page to reload. Finding mods on the Nexus should be much easier with an auto-fill input box that will find the most relevant files based on what you put in to the box.

 

Once you've added your requirements a new tab will be added to your file page called "Requirements" that will list all the requirements and provide links to the file pages so your users can head off and download all the necessary files. Similarly there is a new entry under the "Options" box that provides the number of files that require your file in order to work (with a link to a page that lists all the files that have a dependency on your file).

 

My current focus is on reducing the amount of clutter mod authors need to put in to their mod descriptions in order to get all the necessary information out there. Mod descriptions should really be for, guess what, describing the mod! Unfortunately lots of authors have lots of information they need to get out there and the actual mod description, i.e. what the mod actually does (!!), can get lost in-between change logs, news, troubleshooting, etc.. Hopefully this new feature should help to reduce this clutter.

 

As always this addition requires some work on the part of the mod authors in order to work properly and if there are any problems then leave a comment on this article and I shall explore it.

[Deleted1744345User]

Power to the modders yet again! Thanks for taking the time to do this, hopefully we'll hear less reports of red diamonds with exclamation marks. I'll go and update my mods now.

[Hickory]

This is a really great idea. Thanks for implementing this, Dark0ne.

 

Of course, the same people that can't be bothered to press on 'Description' or 'Readme' will also not bother to press 'Requirements', but at least it's there, and modders can point this out. Maybe it will filter through... eventually. :)

[Lisnpuppy]

Nice....actually I think if some people SEE a tab there..they would be more inclined to fill it out that perhaps writing up a read me....but *shrug*

 

I like this idea...glad to see these things happening for when I DL mods..or if I ever make one. :)

[Zaldir]

Great Addition as always, Rob! :D

[EnterSevenSeven]

Works great! Thanks for the feature.

 

I have a couple of other ideas that would be nice if you could implement.

 

1) Maybe a note section beside each "required file" entry? Some required mod pages may have more than one file and the modder may only want users to download one or two specific files.

 

2) A "recommended files" section. Some files may not be necessary, but they would greatly improve the experience if the users have them.

 

 

Edited January 27, 2011 by Enter_77

[CheeseyBall]

Great! Just what we needed.

:D

[SteGab1979]

GREAT addition! Thank you for this.

[forli]

An idea:

Together with the DLC list, you can add some of the most common requirements.

When you select a mod from that list, it automatically add the link to the page where you can get it.

 

I suggest these:

 

- OBSE (Oblivion Script Extender)

- Wrye bash

- OBMM (Oblivion Mod Manager)

- UOP (and all the DLC patches as well)

- UOP Supplemental

- All the body mod (HGEC, Exnem, Female EyeCandy, Robert)

 

Maybe you could also add an option to add a new mod/requirement to the list.

The "new entry" must be accepted from the Admin or a moderator, or from 200 members.

Edited January 27, 2011 by forli

[Deleted631007User]

Y'know the only reason this is a problem is because moders wouldn't just provide a full link in the first place, due to them being either too forgetful or too inconsiderate too realize how hard it is to find certain mods by just using the search box.

 

Hopefully though, this will simply remind them from now on. Or at least make it easier for them if they didn't feel like doing it before. :)