Status of TDN
by Michael Perry · in Torque Developer Network · 01/28/2009 (2:31 pm) · 94 replies
For anyone who has tried accessing TDN over the past month, you may have run into login issues. We are quite aware of the problem, however solving the issue is proving more difficult than we anticipated.
* MediaWiki: 1.5.5
* PHP: 5.1.6 (apache2handler
* MySQL: 5.0.45-log
Compare that to the latest version of MediaWiki:
MediaWiki 1.15alpha (r46424)
PHP 5.2.4-2ubuntu5wm1 (apache2handler)
MySQL 4.0.40-wikimedia-log
TDN is outdated by 10 versions! This is a cause of concern because we are working with outdated functionality and outdated security measures. Late in 2008 TDN was compromised, which is why it was brought down temporarily. While the content was updated, the framework was neglected to the point where updating TDN to the latest version of MediaWiki is a major hurdle.
If you have access to TDN, but cannot get into the starter kit pages (Adventure Kit, Platformer Kit, and RTS Kit), we will be downloading and converting the pages to work within our Doc System framework. A new download link will be added to your account page to download the docs.
The big problem is with users who cannot log into TDN. This is because TDN is unable to create new accounts in the database. If you are given a link that goes to TDN, you can contact me or post in this thread. I will manually grab the doc and send it to you.
I am definitely going to work out a solution to start grabbing the best of the TDN docs and rolling them into our official sources. That's a hefty task, but when complete this may result in not needing TDN anymore. Again, we are still working out a plan of action.
I appreciate the patience everyone has shown. I'll try to do my best to help get this content into your hands.
Tech Information
TDN was created quite a while ago:* MediaWiki: 1.5.5
* PHP: 5.1.6 (apache2handler
* MySQL: 5.0.45-log
Compare that to the latest version of MediaWiki:
MediaWiki 1.15alpha (r46424)
PHP 5.2.4-2ubuntu5wm1 (apache2handler)
MySQL 4.0.40-wikimedia-log
TDN is outdated by 10 versions! This is a cause of concern because we are working with outdated functionality and outdated security measures. Late in 2008 TDN was compromised, which is why it was brought down temporarily. While the content was updated, the framework was neglected to the point where updating TDN to the latest version of MediaWiki is a major hurdle.
Short Term Solutions
For those of you who have access to all of TDN without any login problems, you are good to go.If you have access to TDN, but cannot get into the starter kit pages (Adventure Kit, Platformer Kit, and RTS Kit), we will be downloading and converting the pages to work within our Doc System framework. A new download link will be added to your account page to download the docs.
The big problem is with users who cannot log into TDN. This is because TDN is unable to create new accounts in the database. If you are given a link that goes to TDN, you can contact me or post in this thread. I will manually grab the doc and send it to you.
Long Term Plans
I am going to be dedicating more and more of my time to creating new content for our official docs. Spending time maintaining TDN tech and trying to fix old content will be a detriment to the official docs. We are weighing our options right now.I am definitely going to work out a solution to start grabbing the best of the TDN docs and rolling them into our official sources. That's a hefty task, but when complete this may result in not needing TDN anymore. Again, we are still working out a plan of action.
Using This Thread
This will be the place to post your need for specific tutorials. Also, whenever I have news about the status of TDN I will post it here. I'm locking down the other threads so we can start pushing more readers to this location. Feel free to send this link to anyone else who is experiencing TDN difficulties.I appreciate the patience everyone has shown. I'll try to do my best to help get this content into your hands.
About the author
Programmer.
#42
03/08/2009 (11:52 am)
I'm not so sure what I can help with, but I'll gladly do whatever I can if you can think of something.
#43
I don’t want to bother you sins you seem to be really busy but David Montgomery referred me to you. The thing is that I can’t access TDNs Adventur kit so I would like to get the documentation sent to me please.
03/09/2009 (5:02 am)
Hi Michael Perry I tried to email you whit the email address at your contact page last week but my mail have kept bouncing back. I don’t know if this is because the address is wrong or if your mailbox is just full but I really need help. I don’t want to bother you sins you seem to be really busy but David Montgomery referred me to you. The thing is that I can’t access TDNs Adventur kit so I would like to get the documentation sent to me please.
#44
03/09/2009 (8:51 am)
The documentation is in your account Christer. Click on the Adventure Kit in your account, and you will see them.
#45
03/09/2009 (12:36 pm)
@Christer: Did you cut and paste the email address from Michaels profile page? If so, make sure you remove the word "null" from it when you paste. It doesn't show up on the profile but appears when you cut and paste, presumably an anti-spam measure.
#46
03/10/2009 (3:15 pm)
@Michael: How is the RTS Starter Kit info going, I could really use the docs that were up there.
#47
03/10/2009 (3:56 pm)
@Stephen - Compiling it now, actually. Should be in your account in an hour or so.
#48
03/10/2009 (4:41 pm)
awesome! Thanks Michael!
#49
03/11/2009 (4:52 pm)
@Michael: do I have to download the Kit again, or will it be a separate link in the download?
#50
03/11/2009 (5:01 pm)
It's a separate link
#51
03/11/2009 (5:05 pm)
I don't have it, is it up yet?
#52
03/11/2009 (5:13 pm)
Did you go to your account, then click on the download link for the RTS Kit? You have to click that first, then you are given the option to download the Kit or the Documentation
#53
"RTS Kit in 15 minutes windows 23015.68 KB"
Thats the only option once I'm there.
03/11/2009 (5:14 pm)
Yup only RTS Kit is available"RTS Kit in 15 minutes windows 23015.68 KB"
Thats the only option once I'm there.
#54
03/11/2009 (5:39 pm)
Edit: Its their now! Hazzah! Thanks Michael! 
#55
You can count me in. I am willing to spend my time to ensure that the NEW TDN is the best place to get the best information.
One thing I would like to point out though is that when setting up the guidelines for community posting information, only COMPLETE articles will be allowed to be posted. I think that would help kill a lot of the dead weight that is in there right now and prevent it from ever being there in the first place.
03/26/2009 (7:36 pm)
Michael,You can count me in. I am willing to spend my time to ensure that the NEW TDN is the best place to get the best information.
One thing I would like to point out though is that when setting up the guidelines for community posting information, only COMPLETE articles will be allowed to be posted. I think that would help kill a lot of the dead weight that is in there right now and prevent it from ever being there in the first place.
#56
You know I'm not the most knowlegeable (sp?), nor most experienced TGE owner, but if there is ANYTHING at all I can do to help with the TDN, just ask. I'm working on a couple projects right now (my own as well as ZDAYGAME), but I've really gotten alot of help from the TDN over the years so I'd like to contribute back in any way that I can.
Just let me know!
Tony
infinitum3d_at_hotmail
03/28/2009 (8:36 am)
Michael,You know I'm not the most knowlegeable (sp?), nor most experienced TGE owner, but if there is ANYTHING at all I can do to help with the TDN, just ask. I'm working on a couple projects right now (my own as well as ZDAYGAME), but I've really gotten alot of help from the TDN over the years so I'd like to contribute back in any way that I can.
Just let me know!
Tony
infinitum3d_at_hotmail
#57
04/03/2009 (9:00 am)
... 
#58
I would wish there could be a user reward system of some sort where if you contribute useful contributions such as articles, resources, etc... you could earn something from it. Maybe you guys can have GarageGames "Points" or something. This is only an idea, but it would be nice.
How's the TDN plans today anyways?
05/17/2009 (1:55 pm)
Ah, may I ask why it's just you on the assignment of improving TDN? I know it's community-driven, but the TorqueX section of TDN is outdated for quite awhile now. I did some contributions, but in the end I would put in a lot of time into it with nothing coming from it.I would wish there could be a user reward system of some sort where if you contribute useful contributions such as articles, resources, etc... you could earn something from it. Maybe you guys can have GarageGames "Points" or something. This is only an idea, but it would be nice.
How's the TDN plans today anyways?
#59
05/22/2009 (10:15 am)
Can't we just get a page on wikipedia going? adding tutorials and sample code? and how to's? 
#60
I don't think it would be a good idea. Because TDN is under technical control of GG because it is on their servers. Wikipedia would be not. Also Wikipedia is more a lexica.
And if you ment these kind of wiki thingies, well TDN is basically just that. Everyone can add/change/delete things on it. Give it a try, it is very easy to add stuff to it. And the layout is very nicely setup imho.
05/22/2009 (12:09 pm)
Quote:Can't we just get a page on wikipedia going? adding tutorials and sample code? and how to's?
I don't think it would be a good idea. Because TDN is under technical control of GG because it is on their servers. Wikipedia would be not. Also Wikipedia is more a lexica.
And if you ment these kind of wiki thingies, well TDN is basically just that. Everyone can add/change/delete things on it. Give it a try, it is very easy to add stuff to it. And the layout is very nicely setup imho.
Employee Michael Perry
ZombieShortbus