!!! [UPDATE] !!! - 15th November
Yeah, so I've moved hosts a little while ago. Most of you already know, but I never really got around to announcing it properly!
The new location is just below these updates
[/UPDATE]
[UPDATE]
As of 19th August, the database is fully-functional again! ( although, I still cannot access a backup
).
The features are all up-to-date, and I even added another one - The ability to hide the header stuff. Simply add the variable 'nohead=1' into the address of the page, and from then on, the header will not be displayed
[/UPDATE]
[UPDATE]
As of 15th July, the Host has been having some trouble with the database, and as such, it is not possible to add new commands. An error will be received if you try to.
Everything is still viewable and up-to-date, though, so dbHelp is still sticking around!
[/UPDATE]
[UPDATE]
As of 25th June '05, I have completely populated the database with every standard DarkBASIC Professional command ( This does not include any expansion packs, with the exception of the Free Advanced Terrain ).
[/UPDATE]
Hello Everyone
This is an announcement of a new, slick, easy-to-use, online, user-based, user-ran, user-submitted DarkBASIC Professional Help Files.
http://dbp.tgchelp.com/?nav=dbhelp
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Ok... What?
This here is an online version of the current DarkBASIC Help Files.
It rely's entirely upon users submitting commands along with an example and what the original DBP Help files say.
User-comments are one of the main features of this new system.
Basically, you add a comment or an example to an already posted command which is then viewable by all.
The aim of the system is to end up looking much like the php help files at
php.net
We have blessings from Mike to do this, as well as quoteing the Current DBP Help files.
Also, Mike has mentioned that this may be used in new releases! ( *gasp* )!
There *may* also be a new French version of these help files, if Ec3t still wants to
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So, why?
Easy Question!
Ec3t first came up with the idea of making an area for everyone to submitt their comments about commands, etc, so that the current DBP Help files could get a kick up the butt with some user-submitted notes.
Seeing this, I thought it was a brilliant idea, and instantly took it upon myself to make an online based ( as opposed to forum based, which Ec3t's was ) form and database to keep the commands together and allow people to add comments to them.
After some work, I got all the basics down, and then after adding bells and whistles ( as well as spikes and horns for the Moderators of the help files ), it's all running smoothly.
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Great, I know what it does, but how do I work it?
Well then, Here's what you do;
To add a new command to the list, simply navigate your way to the "dbpHelp" section of the main site, then, on the sub-navigation bar, click "Add".
Follow the Examples in filling out the form VERY CLOSELY ( This system will only work if you do it right )!!
Post it, and voila! You're done.
That's one more command in the database, on our way to a full-list!
To browse these commands that have been added ( by yourself, or anyone else ), you select one of three grouping options fron the SubNav bar, "All", "Alphabetical", or "Sections".
"All" gives you an alphabetized index of EVERY command that is currently in the database.
"Alphabetical" gives you a list of the letters in the alphabet. Click one to be shown all the commands that start with that letter.
"Sections" Gives a list of the different command sections, as layed out in the current DBP Help files. Select a section to be shown all the commands that belong to it.
To view the detailed information about any command, simply click it.
To add a comment to any command, there is a button at the bottom of the page. Click it.
This takes you to a form. Fill it out ( Again, follow the examples VERY CLOSELY ), post it, and you're done.
Use this very same method if you want to add an example to the command.
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Nice, but what does this mean to me?
Well, not alot unless you want some good help files!
Eventually, ( when I get the time out of my busy Uni schedule ) I will make the entire database of commands and comments downloadable in a form that can simply replace the current DBP Help Files.
This will be a "Use at own risk" system, and I can't guarentee that the new files will be any more helpfull than the old.
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Well, that's it from me.
Remember people, without your help, and your contributions, this system will just flop, and go nowhere, and we don't want that, do we?
Put some effort into adding a comment if you know what you're talking about, giving that little extra help to all who seek it without having to repeat yourself a thousand times
Thankyou in advance to EVERYONE who contributes. You truely are great members of this community.
Jess.