In the last couple of days, some work has been done on the downloads section. Here are the changes that are either done or will be finalized tomorrow:
- Downloads Section Now RTF-Friendly:
A lot of users were getting errors with adding, editing, or approving programs when the editor is set under the Rich Text Editor. I've now fixed the DL system up so that it forces the editors to operate under Standard mode. This way, there will no longer be any RTF-related errors and everyone will be able to add programs without problems now. - New Bug Tracker System:
In an effort to boost program quality here at Neocodex, I have created a basic bug reporting system for the programs. A lot of it has been done today but the rest will be finished up tomorrow. At this point in time, bug report filing capabilities are finished, but the display section for developers needs to be finished. A basic version will be available to use very soon, and you will notice that over time the system will evolve to better suit the specific needs of the site. FAQs will be created as soon as possible for how to file bug reports, and how to view reports filed against your programs.
- Automatic Bug Quotas for Tracking System:
In the beginning stages of development of the bug tracking system, bug quotas will NOT be enforced. This means that people can file 900 bug reports for your program, but it will not automatically be unapproved. We may choose to implement automatic bug quotas in the future however, once we get a good system going. If we see the amount is outrageous, we will manually disable your program and let you know about it.
- Various Programming Leader Tools and Improvements:
To better inform those who get their programs unapproved by staff, automatic PM notification has now been integrated into the unapproval process. If the staff member so chooses, they can fill in a reason for the program to be unapproved and notification will be sent to the author. Programming Leaders and up can now delete programs without going into the Edit screen first.
Functions that are planned for the future include:
- CodexChecks Live User Tracking:
To combat the possibility of different users running programs under the same Neocodex account, live usage tracking will be implemented. When you use any of Neocodex's programs, usage logs are automatically stored. What this automated system will do is compare your program usage with any past records it has stored and if the discrepancy between identities is significant enough, it will place a red flag on your account and the matter will be investigated by Neocodex staff. If the discrepancy is found to be significant enough, the account will be suspended from using any programs here. So please make sure that you aren't giving out your Neocodex account to anyone else, and if you are, now's the time to inform that person to make their own account.
- Added security in validation process:
When the new version of the Neocodex Check is released (version 3.4.0), it will take advantage of a few additional security features when validating your Neocodex account. Unforunately, I can't reveal any of these procedures, but I can only reveal that there will be more security embedded in the checks with the new version. All of these measures ensure that developers who release their programs here will not get them leaked to other sites.
- Comprehensive guides:
I have a plan to get some guides remade or created on how to operate certain parts of the downloads section. The area I plan to target specifically is the installation and usage of the CodexChex client, since I know for a fact that Mumei and I receive a lot of questions pertaining to the installation of the CodexChex client. We may even choose to go the multimedia way with videos on how to install the CodexChex and get your programs working. The usability of our programs needs a bit of work in my opinion, and there are many approaches we can take to make it easier for everyone. What point is there of having programs if not everyone can use them?
~ ShadowLink64
