Standardized Packaging for Mods

[sbohanan]

This is my 1st post on here, as everything I've looked for has been findable via search. I've checked out literally one hundred mods, and have found one common problem. There doesn't seem to be a standard packaging method. Especially if one wishes to use the KSP Mod Admin application. I've found myself repacking mods to get them to work correctly in there. My suggestion is simply this:

Package all mods using the same format used in the SQUAD folder. ie: FLAGS, INTERNALS, PARTS, PROPS, RESOURCES, SOUNDS, SPACES

If the root of the zip folder started with a Gamedata folder, or just the main plugin folder it would be fine. One that I tried most recently that gave me issues was the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster mod. It seems like a great mod. It confuses KSP Mod Admin and requires either special handling or repacking due to it's folder structure.

If we can get most mods to have their .zip file start with either the \Gamedata folder or the \Gamedata\<plugin name> folder, this will make it less time consuming to ensure proper mod installation.

Thank you for all the great work out there. This is only the post of an appreciative user trying to do his part and help give some positive feedback. I hate all the "it won't work for me either" posts and then no details. I promise, you'll never get that from me.

[MacTee]

That would be nice if every modder would use a standardized packaging for mods.

Squad should be more restrictive on this.

BTW - When i download the Shuttle-Booster mod a can't extract it. WinZip just throws an error.

[tek_604]

That would be nice if every modder would use a standardized packaging for mods.

Squad should be more restrictive on this.

You have probably opened a can of worms on this one, I've seen a few modders who have said they will package them how they feel fit (and I see their point of view). If Squad forced modders to a certain standard now, I can see a backlash, so its not worth it. From the elitist point of view (and I add not my own, see below), people will say, well, if you can't work out how to unzip a file, and put some folders in the right place, you shouldn't be on a computer.

Personally, when I package my mod, I simply zip the folder from my own GameData, and rename the resulting zip file to include the version number. I find this the easiest method.

BTW - When i download the Shuttle-Booster mod a can't extract it. WinZip just throws an error.

Probably a corrupt download.

[6677]

There is a standard, its called dumping the mod folder in your gamedata folder. Do you need much more elegance than that?

[MacTee]

@tek_604:

My opinion is when you make a mod you do it for the comunity.

So it should be in your interests to deliver your product as simple as possible.

The ones who say "You can't extract it the right way, so you'r not worth it" are in my eye the short minded ones.

(Most of the modders (the real ones) won't behave like this!)

The comunity is your customer and you won't treat your customers that way!

But your right with the backlash. Even it could be a option to get rid of some old junk =)

If only most of the modders would do it like you in your release procedure (zipping the GameData folder)

it would be great. Thats all i ask for

I tried to donwload the Shuttle-Booster Mod about 15 times now (on 3 different computers) ... everytime the same error.

i guess im not that stupid =)

PS: Your from Bad Gandersheim? What a small world, do you know a Janka?

And don't forget: -> With a can of worms you'll get some fish

@6677

If you try this with some more mods you will see that this don't work in all cases.

Its a nice therory, but till now, not every modder got it

[Norway174]

Use KSPMM. Which is designed to handle uncommon packaged mods. (Shameless self promotion here. Hehe. )

[MarrusQ]

An open mod packaging standard would be neat, though I believe that most people can figure out what to put where (If packaged in a somewhat reasonable way...). I agree that the elitist POV isn't gonna help anyone neither the players, nor the modders. If noone can install it, who plays it then, huh? The main challenge should begin after starting the game, not before.

@MacTee Have you tried another browser/ a more durable download manager?

Sincerely

Marrus Qerman

PS: Please excuse any issues in language, it's late here on Møn/Denmark

[MarrusQ]

Pleas delete this one... My connection made me double post this one.

Thankfully

Marrus Qerman

Edited July 23, 2013 by MarrusQ
Derp

[Kerbal01]

That would be nice if every modder would use a standardized packaging for mods.

Squad should be more restrictive on this.

BTW - When i download the Shuttle-Booster mod a can't extract it. WinZip just throws an error.

I also had this issue, using theUnarchiver got it to unzip fine.

[MacTee]

I also had this issue, using theUnarchiver got it to unzip fine.

Thanks for the tip! ill give it a try tomorrow

@MacTee Have you tried another browser/ a more durable download manager?

Honestly ... no on all PCs runs the same Browser "Iron". If the Unarchiver wont work ill try another browser. Thanks!