Author Topic: So you want to be a Decal Developer...
MT_Gouru 
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Subject: So you want to be a Decal Developer...
Not everyone can be a Decal Developer, but a lot have interest. Here are some tips on how to get started.

a) Learn to program, preferably in C++, but C# is useful as well now. Do not expect to learn on the job. The current devs will teach Decal, but they WON'T teach you to program.

b) Demonstrate your skills. Write a plugin using the current API. Write it well so that it makes efficient use of the servers with low impact. Do NOT write it in VB. Make it do something complex or interesting to show off your skillz. Hello World won't cut it.

c) Get active on support. Help users with Decal questions. Get on IRC and be active there.

d) Learn to use IDA or a debugger to examine AC Client code. Figure out an API function that you would like to have, independently find the hook and send some sample code to a current dev.

e) Build trust. Show that you care about AC, Decal and the relationship with the players and with Turbine. Show that you can see, understand and support a view of Decal that goes beyond your individual desires. That you realize that just because something is possible, it doesn't mean it should be done.

f) Once you've done all the above and shown interest, chances are you will be invited to join the team, as
Decal can use new developers, especially those that really have time to devote to it.

And if you don't have the desire, skills, time and attitudes to do the above, don't ask if you can 'just' update memlocs. It ain't gonna happen.

 

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CyranosCottage 
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Subject: So you want to be a Decal Developer...
*leaves a white Russian on the table for the Gouru*

 

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ColdAvaton 
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Subject: So you want to be a Decal Developer...
So VB.NET is no good for plugins?

 

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Virindi-Inquisitor 
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Subject: So you want to be a Decal Developer...
ColdAvaton posted:
So VB.NET is no good for plugins?


A lot of plugins are written in VB.NET. It is probably fine for that. On the other hand, I just do not think it is appropriate for things that may require low-level tasks, such as Decal.

Personally, I use C# over VB whenever possible. It just gives you more control over what you are doing.

 

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Virindi
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ColdAvaton 
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Subject: So you want to be a Decal Developer...
Ah I see. So it's pretty much just presonal preference of which syntax the user is most comfortable with since VB.NET and C# share the same runtime engine. Meaning, after compilation the .NET Framework doesn't care what language you used. It's all the same bag of apples at the end of the day whether you pulled them off the tree or picked them up off the ground.

Now if he meant VB6 then yeah I can fully understand why he seems to dislike VB. VB6 should be run out of town with pitchforks and torches.

VB.NET is just as powerful and versatile as C#. In fact it's just a syntaxically (is that a real word?) different way of doing exactly the same thing. That's why his statement about not using VB confused me.

 

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Virindi-Inquisitor 
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Subject: So you want to be a Decal Developer...
ColdAvaton posted:
VB.NET is just as powerful and versatile as C#. In fact it's just a syntaxically (is that a real word?) different way of doing exactly the same thing.


Not true. There are things you can do in C# that cannot be done in VB.NET. Check out the unsafe{} keyword.

 

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Virindi
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ColdAvaton 
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Subject: So you want to be a Decal Developer...
And vice-versa:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_C_Sharp_and_Visual_Basic_.NET
None of that is really important though and it can all still be done in either language with a tiny bit of thinking.

Edit: I am of course talking about plugins here not Decal itself.

 

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-paradoxlost- 
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Subject: So you want to be a Decal Developer...
The primary reason is that our existing .net code within decal core is c#.

 

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MT_Gouru 
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Subject: So you want to be a Decal Developer...
Any language you're comfortable with is fine for developing plug-ins. However, if your goal is to become a Decal Developer, use C++ or C#. VB6, VB.NET, J#, Python, whatever won't give you the experience or credentials to show that you would be a good Decal developer.

 

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Strikefast 
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Subject: So you want to be a Decal Developer...
Ok, for those of us not willing to spend the time writing code but are willing to help however possible.

Nope don't even want on the "Inside" or to be in the loop. At times there has been mentioned pizza for the devs etc...


What else might they need on an "Ongoing" basis. Servers for the forum, help with the ISP bills... What????


I would like to contribute.

 

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jaclin_ff 
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Subject: So you want to be a Decal Developer...
Great Post(s).

I probably won't ever write a plugin but would like to check out one that I can look at the source code for. Any suggestions on a pretty clean plugin that has source code available?

 

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ColdAvaton 
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Subject: So you want to be a Decal Developer...
Digero has some source code for several plugins on his site.

http://decal.acasylum.com/index.php

I'm currently trying to pick through SSSort and figure out how he's getting stuff from Decal. I'm still not clear on how this is done even after looking at the code sad

 

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Xnumt 
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Subject: So you want to be a Decal Developer...
C++ For teh w1n!

I am taking MT_Gouru’s advice and making a plug-in.

Nothing says “I can cook” like fresh cookies.

 

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