Plan for Sam Bacsa
by Sam Bacsa · 09/06/2005 (4:16 am) · 22 comments
Well, Delta 4's been released for TorqueDev. There are quite a few bug fixes that went into this one, along with some additions to the SDK.
I'm cranking out this update (and not waiting to include these features in final) for a number of reasons:
One of them is, well, the whole lag thing was annoying while debugging ... so I figured, including that in an update before the world froze and stuff might be a good idea (since, you know, final's a way off). The other is myself (and a few others that have spoken to me) had wanted to make content available (through plugins or through other methods, like web sites) that featured the EULA-protected GG stuff, and we obviously couldn't do that because TorqueDev is a public resource. Well, that has changed in this version.
This version includes an "authorization system" (I guess you can call it "activation", but I don't want to call it that, because that conjours up evil images of like ... evil things and stuff -- like Steam and Microthingy). Basically, the system works like this:
You register an account on the site (not the forums) and select the engine(s) you have purchased. You'll be asked to authorize the engines by pasting a line of code from one of the files of the C++ source code. The line is chosen at random and is based off the distros available on GG (not the CVS HEAD but the installations).
You'll then have to fill in that e-mail and password when prompted in TorqueDev. You can get more information about this process at the registration page.
So, some of you may not like it. If this is the case, just go ahead and use Delta 3; unfortunately, that series won't be supported any more.
I've also added an update wizard which will only download the necessary components from here on when an update is released. You can select which components to update, along with some optional stuff should you choose to do so.
Oh, and also, Brainchild Games' object browser is now available as a standard component. It's certainly a very useful tool, and I want to thank Claudio Martinez for his contribution.
So, to summarize:
- Fixed bugs listed in Mantis
- Fixed ridiculous lag encountered while debugging
- Fixed some memory usage problems
- Added exclusive content authorization scheme
- Added object browser (plugin by Brainchild Games)
- SDK: Added event "onBreak" to fire when a breakpoint is encountered
- SDK: Added function ConfigSetValue
- SDK: Added function ConfigGetValue
- SDK: Added function ConfigClearValue
- SDK: Added function EditorSetFocusActive
- SDK: Added function EditorSetFocus
- SDK: Added function TabSetActive
- SDK: Added function IsAuthed
You can download the latest installation package here. Please make sure you completely uninstall the previous version before installing the new version.
If you have any problems with the authorization procedure, or just have general questions, feel free to contact me.
- Sam
#2
At the moment, yes. Very soon (within the next few day or so most likely) I will be implementing an offline auth system. I do want to add, however, that you only need to authenticate the system once every thirty days and it only requires a split-second of internet time. Most computers nowadays have access to the internet in at least that interval.
I just want to remind everyone that the purpose of the authorization system is to allow the utlization of content that may otherwise be restricted by the Torque EULAs. I certainly don't want to inconvenience anyone and I am willing to work with anyone to solve their problems with the system should any arise.
- Sam
PS - The link is fixed. Thanks.
Edit - Removed some random comma from my "PS".
09/06/2005 (6:44 am)
@Shawn:At the moment, yes. Very soon (within the next few day or so most likely) I will be implementing an offline auth system. I do want to add, however, that you only need to authenticate the system once every thirty days and it only requires a split-second of internet time. Most computers nowadays have access to the internet in at least that interval.
I just want to remind everyone that the purpose of the authorization system is to allow the utlization of content that may otherwise be restricted by the Torque EULAs. I certainly don't want to inconvenience anyone and I am willing to work with anyone to solve their problems with the system should any arise.
- Sam
PS - The link is fixed. Thanks.
Edit - Removed some random comma from my "PS".
#3
09/06/2005 (6:56 am)
Good work, Sam!!! 
#4
It also sucked having to download torque again :P
09/06/2005 (7:10 am)
I do understand the system, I just use it at school and not all of the labs at the college have access to internet so I wouldn't be able to use it in those labs, and TorqueDev is by far my favourite of all editors.It also sucked having to download torque again :P
#5
Hopefully you can fix it soon as I'd really like to try out Delta 4 and I thinking i've missed the download link somewhere.
Thanks a lot for your hard work :)
09/06/2005 (7:33 am)
You said the link is fixed but it still shows up wrong, perhaps you forgot to update?Hopefully you can fix it soon as I'd really like to try out Delta 4 and I thinking i've missed the download link somewhere.
Thanks a lot for your hard work :)
#6
I've successfully registered and logged in, however TorqueDev requires that I authenticate every time I close and restart the application. This makes plug-in development a nightmare. Is there anyway to have the application remember that I've completed the initial registration/login process?
Thanks,
cm
PS I'd also like to add that it might be prudent to add a "disconnected" mode for the editor, such that in the event netMercs can no-longer support (God forbid) TorqueDev, it will continue to be of use well into the future. Let
09/06/2005 (7:37 am)
Sam,I've successfully registered and logged in, however TorqueDev requires that I authenticate every time I close and restart the application. This makes plug-in development a nightmare. Is there anyway to have the application remember that I've completed the initial registration/login process?
Thanks,
cm
PS I'd also like to add that it might be prudent to add a "disconnected" mode for the editor, such that in the event netMercs can no-longer support (God forbid) TorqueDev, it will continue to be of use well into the future. Let
#7
@Claudio: If you successfully exit the application (File->Exit or X button), it *should* remember your authentication because it saves it to the config.dat file in the local directory and caches the auth info for 30 days. Is your recent files list being saved between sessions? If you change something in Preferences, does it stay changed? Check your permissions on that directory and make sure it's writable (or at least that file).
I'm writing in the "offline mode" now and I should have that version up later today. I don't plan on going anywhere (*grin*), but the offline mode would allow for a non-expiring authorization should one be required. I'll have more details on that when I roll it out.
Also, I will be releasing details on an API that would allow webmasters and other non-TorqueDev tool authors to communicate with the TD servers to verify a user's license.
09/06/2005 (7:48 am)
@Nathan: The link to TorqueDev is available here. Scroll down the page. On the left side you'll find the links about midway down.@Claudio: If you successfully exit the application (File->Exit or X button), it *should* remember your authentication because it saves it to the config.dat file in the local directory and caches the auth info for 30 days. Is your recent files list being saved between sessions? If you change something in Preferences, does it stay changed? Check your permissions on that directory and make sure it's writable (or at least that file).
I'm writing in the "offline mode" now and I should have that version up later today. I don't plan on going anywhere (*grin*), but the offline mode would allow for a non-expiring authorization should one be required. I'll have more details on that when I roll it out.
Also, I will be releasing details on an API that would allow webmasters and other non-TorqueDev tool authors to communicate with the TD servers to verify a user's license.
#8
Thanks, looking forward to using the new version :)
09/06/2005 (8:14 am)
@Sam: Ah, sorry, my bad. I was seeing the 1.2 and missing the "release 4" part. Sorry about that, I woke up too early this morning and apparently it's affecting my thought process :pThanks, looking forward to using the new version :)
#9
I haven't played with version 4 yet. I love the IDE - it's definitely helped my productivity. But I have a few issues.
#1 - No memory / history of searches - if you are searching for a keyword in a couple of different files, you have to re-type it each time.
#2 - Still getting a handle on the auto-tabbing behavior, but it's not bad.
#3 - If you try to create a new file under, say, the "Server" heading (folder), it defaults the save location back to the root, and you have to navigate each time to the correct directory. It would be very handy to store some kind of base directory for each folder in the project.
Little things like that would help. But dude, I'm highly impressed with it!
09/06/2005 (9:58 am)
Hey Sam,I haven't played with version 4 yet. I love the IDE - it's definitely helped my productivity. But I have a few issues.
#1 - No memory / history of searches - if you are searching for a keyword in a couple of different files, you have to re-type it each time.
#2 - Still getting a handle on the auto-tabbing behavior, but it's not bad.
#3 - If you try to create a new file under, say, the "Server" heading (folder), it defaults the save location back to the root, and you have to navigate each time to the correct directory. It would be very handy to store some kind of base directory for each folder in the project.
Little things like that would help. But dude, I'm highly impressed with it!
#10
Another thing about the Auth. I was reading into it more and it says 12 different servers can authorize. Now, each time I do it at school, thats going to be 1. So just today I've already used up 3 of my 12? This aint good.
You did say something about e-mailing you to allow more than 12, I'll have to get around to that. I really don't wanna have to stop using TorqueDev, even if its just the few hours I put in at school, it's so handy.
09/06/2005 (1:06 pm)
I must agree with Jay's #3 point, that can be a bummer at times.Another thing about the Auth. I was reading into it more and it says 12 different servers can authorize. Now, each time I do it at school, thats going to be 1. So just today I've already used up 3 of my 12? This aint good.
You did say something about e-mailing you to allow more than 12, I'll have to get around to that. I really don't wanna have to stop using TorqueDev, even if its just the few hours I put in at school, it's so handy.
#11
After being tempted by Torquedev for a while I decided to try out version 4 but Im sorry to say that the files asked for in verification just happen to be ones I have made changes in :( (the lighting pack for a start changes a lot of TGE).
Are you planning an alternative way or am I stuck?
09/06/2005 (1:14 pm)
@ SamAfter being tempted by Torquedev for a while I decided to try out version 4 but Im sorry to say that the files asked for in verification just happen to be ones I have made changes in :( (the lighting pack for a start changes a lot of TGE).
Are you planning an alternative way or am I stuck?
#12
@Shawn: I've taken the liberty of extending it to 50 auths. If you need any more, please let me know. I'll have a web interface pretty soon that will let you manage all of that.
@David: Go ahead and head to the registration page. When it asks you for verification of the engine, leave it blank and click "Continue". It will say you failed. Click "Continue" anyway and it will create an account with no credentials. That, obviously, won't be acceptable to the system and you won't be able to use it like that. When you've done this, activate your account (check your email) and then e-mail me. I'll set your account as verified for TGE. If you have the other products, make sure you verify for those. Remember to include the e-mail address you used to register if it differs from the one you're emailing me with.
- Sam
09/06/2005 (2:13 pm)
@Jay:Quote:I can add that no problem. Thanks for the suggestion.
#1 - No memory / history of searches - if you are searching for a keyword in a couple of different files, you have to re-type it each time.
Quote:I'm sorry, I can't say I know what you mean =x
#2 - Still getting a handle on the auto-tabbing behavior, but it's not bad.
Quote:That's an excellent idea! I shall add that as well :)
#3 - If you try to create a new file under, say, the "Server" heading (folder), it defaults the save location back to the root, and you have to navigate each time to the correct directory. It would be very handy to store some kind of base directory for each folder in the project.
@Shawn: I've taken the liberty of extending it to 50 auths. If you need any more, please let me know. I'll have a web interface pretty soon that will let you manage all of that.
@David: Go ahead and head to the registration page. When it asks you for verification of the engine, leave it blank and click "Continue". It will say you failed. Click "Continue" anyway and it will create an account with no credentials. That, obviously, won't be acceptable to the system and you won't be able to use it like that. When you've done this, activate your account (check your email) and then e-mail me. I'll set your account as verified for TGE. If you have the other products, make sure you verify for those. Remember to include the e-mail address you used to register if it differs from the one you're emailing me with.
- Sam
#13
Other than that: sounds really cool, I *love* the TIDE-style function browser :)
09/06/2005 (2:28 pm)
Err, how do I verify for TSE? It's CVS-only still, isnt it? And that obviously has changed recently (at least the verification doesnt work with a current checkout...).Other than that: sounds really cool, I *love* the TIDE-style function browser :)
#14
09/06/2005 (2:35 pm)
Well most good ideas are stolen. I got used to the feature while using TIDE. I totally ganked it from you Stefan!!! As a matter of fact I mentioned that before submitting the code. Also Sam, I just submitted a bug fix for the TorqueBrowser via e-mail!!!
#15
09/06/2005 (2:45 pm)
@Stefan: I got the HEAD release on July 9. I am not sure what has changed since then. I just did a CVS update to the latest HEAD that's available as of this post. Give it another try; see if it works for you.
#16
09/06/2005 (9:17 pm)
Small problem, when I try to run the installer, I get "This advertised application will not be installed because it might be unsafe. Contact your administrator to change the installation user interface option of the package to basic".
#17
09/06/2005 (10:43 pm)
@Matt: Make sure you're installing with administrative rights. It may have issues otherwise.
#18
@Sam: seems your TSE update did the trick, the registration worked for me now, thanks!
09/06/2005 (11:12 pm)
@Claudio: that's cool, now I have everything I need in TorqueDev, too, glad you "copied" TIDEBrowse! ;)@Sam: seems your TSE update did the trick, the registration worked for me now, thanks!
#19
Or rather, I can see the need to activate for the different engines - but once you've activated why's the need to redo it every 30 days?
I mean - it's not like I somehow don't have the engine licenced 30 days from now or something - I don't think it's possible to refund it or am I wrong?
The reasons for my ranting is that I don't have internet access from home yet, but would of course like to use TorqueDev there...
I have another application which also works with a unique machine-id which you have to activate over the net - but you can do this from another computer.
It works like this:
1) install application on your computer
2) generate unique machine number (in the about dialog or something)
3) surf to a webpage and enter the number in one of two available slots (this could be done from another computer).
It also means you can activate the application for more than one computer (in this case two different at a time) - you could use more slots if you wanted.
4) download the activationkey - it's a textfile with some type of hash or something.
5) drag-n-drop the activationkey-file on the application - and the application is activated.
Otherwise - good work with the ultimate TorqueScript-editor!
09/07/2005 (12:12 am)
Maybe a stupid question - but exactly what do we need this authentication for?Or rather, I can see the need to activate for the different engines - but once you've activated why's the need to redo it every 30 days?
I mean - it's not like I somehow don't have the engine licenced 30 days from now or something - I don't think it's possible to refund it or am I wrong?
The reasons for my ranting is that I don't have internet access from home yet, but would of course like to use TorqueDev there...
I have another application which also works with a unique machine-id which you have to activate over the net - but you can do this from another computer.
It works like this:
1) install application on your computer
2) generate unique machine number (in the about dialog or something)
3) surf to a webpage and enter the number in one of two available slots (this could be done from another computer).
It also means you can activate the application for more than one computer (in this case two different at a time) - you could use more slots if you wanted.
4) download the activationkey - it's a textfile with some type of hash or something.
5) drag-n-drop the activationkey-file on the application - and the application is activated.
Otherwise - good work with the ultimate TorqueScript-editor!
#20
I just tried to activate and run update wizard from work (behind firewall/proxy) and neither worked - I just got the message about checking my internet connection...
09/07/2005 (12:20 am)
One more thing - if you don't make use of Internet Explorer's proxy settings I would recommend you do this.I just tried to activate and run update wizard from work (behind firewall/proxy) and neither worked - I just got the message about checking my internet connection...
Torque Owner Shawn Simas
Bigfoot Studios
Edit:
Your 'here' link is linking to torqudev.com not torquEdev.com