In case you don't know there has been a lot of work happening in the DS Emulation (http://www.emutalk.net/forumdisplay.php?f=111) Fourm on emulator compatibility with three emulators in particular (iDeaS, DeSmuME & No$GBA).

Well I have gone and made the effort off creating a Flash/XML based database that has many useful options such as searching and ordering of list data. Though it is still a WIP, it has very much progressed and is really easy to use.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
This site and compatibility database REQUIRES the Flash 8 Web Browser Plugin. And at the moment I don't think it works on Linux Operating Systems. But I do not have Linux so somebody may need to verify this with me. Also your browsers may come up with security warnings (as I quickly found out) or may in deed block it completely (particularily with embeded URLs) but there is no bugs or spyware or anything, it's just Microsoft & Macromedia being paranoid!! LOL


This is my site...
http://llref.emutalk.net (http://llref.emutalk.net/)


Low Lines

Good job. Keep it up!

great job, know i can see, which games i have to test^^

How about putting the whole compatibility list online somewhere in database, so you could show only playable games, or even add info about other emulators compatibility and compare them all in one page? Anyone up for a bit of PHP programming? Ability from reliable users to add info to database would speed things up.

How about putting the whole compatibility list online somewhere in database, so you could show only playable games, or even add info about other emulators compatibility and compare them all in one page? Anyone up for a bit of PHP programming? Ability from reliable users to add info to database would speed things up.

Ooops...

*Link Removed*

Remove the link please. This site illegaly offers ensata for download.

I'm very, very, sorry. I was unaware of that. :(
I knew it had Enasta but I thought it was a legal emulator. >.<

-Sorry again :unsure:

Since you fixed it... no problem. ;)

In reply to diablow's message.
Actually I was already planning something like that, ever heard of XML??
Well I'm a Flash/Actionscript wiz (or at least good enough for now) and I've been contstructing a Compatibility List that uses XML.
What'll be real good about it is that it would be extremely easy to update without even having rewrite any code, plus I'm writing it so that the basic body would be reusable to for any Emulator, any console. God I love flash!!
Here's a little screenshot of it so far, (for now it is for iDeaS) this is what a days work looks like.
30751
I haven't got any search functions coded yet, but I'm getting to it. And before anyone asks, the reason why I did something like this, is for practise. Cos this kind of Actionscript Code is for databases and with a database, you need information to fill it. So since this compatibility list has been going so nicely, why not use it as a database??
Tell me what you think!!:bouncy:

Good idea, I've never even thought of using flash as frontend to database. How about putting colored dot (colorcode for playable, working etc.) in front of game title in list, so it would be easy to spot playable games. Showing only one category at a time would also be an option.
Just keep it simple and good luck!

diablow,
Just slow down okay, again I have already thought of that. Just remember that that screenshot was taken at the start of today, and I have been working on it since.
I have it as an option, so you can choose whether or not the font color of all the games in the list become that of their playability, reason why I have it as an option is because some colors (such as the yellow) look bad on the background as such.
Here's another screenshot (with the colors enabled) to give you an idea...
30752
I'm glad at least someone out there knows what I'm talking about when I say FLASH!!
:bouncy:

Impressive work, low lines! I was preparing myself a MySQL-based compatibility app, but I see yours is coming along nicely.
What can I say? Keep it up, who knows, your work may even be spotted by Lino...
Evrain

Low lines,

Anyone who has seen my screenshots (posted about 5 or so posts down) that is my Flash version which is also WIP. If you like the look of it, stay tuned...

Where is that ? I do not find it. I would like to see it.

Rockmangames,
Glad it interests you. The forum has several pages now (hint look up in the top right-hand corner) my screenshots are on pages 2-3 I think.

Amazing what you can do with Flash!! It looks 10 times better than my tacky old one and 1 ounce of the effort to update!!

Unfortunately, I am lost. Copy and paste the link right here if you do not mind ? :P

okay, just a quick check, are you asking for the screenshots or the download, cos I haven't released it yet...(still have a few things I need to fix)

screenshots :)

rockmangames,
are you sure you can't find them?? You must have your Forum Layout at a different setting cos mine shows up.
Anyway here's a link to the second screenshot I've posted
compatprev2.png (http://www.emutalk.net/attachments/ideas/30752-ideas-compatibility-reference-compatprev2.png?d=1136632708)

Oops. I did see that. Sorry about that. ^-^;

we all make mistakes.

Hey...at the top on the right..seem that 1.0.0 is there....6 is cutting off at the end.

yes, the 6 is missing O_o
and please update the list.

I know what that is, he he. That's an input textfield that displays the emulator version, as you can see it has the word "version" written twice by mistake. It pushes the 6 off the screen because it has no room left to display it. No worries though, easily fixed!!

Wow, this is really good Low Lines. Keep it up! (Cool, only 36 games left to test :evil:)

Oh and another quick note.
My compatibility list (at current) has every game released (not including multiple releases of the same game, ie (E) & (E)) right up until release 0258. I have several reliable sources that keep track of any updates, PocketHeaven.com (http://releases.pocketheaven.com/) is the best one. I haven't included nukes, but commercial demos are most definitely included. So in total there are 277 games, (games & demos). If anyone finds or knows about any games I have missed, post a reply.

hmm, wheres the "thanks to Finalfreak, Rockmangames ..." ?

FinalFreak,
Click on the about button located in the bottom left-hand corner. A pop-up window should appear showing all the emulator's information, at the bottom of the pop-up are two more buttons, (About The Emulator / About The Compatibility List) Click on About The Compatibility List and the pop-up window should now show all the details about the list.
Credits are at the bottom, and everyone's name is there, or at least I hope so.
This sort of thing will be included in the ReadMe I plan to release with it, and don't worry, this whole compatibility list thing is probably yours more than anyone elses (though Rockmangames comes in close behind) because of the amount of effort you two having been putting into filling in the blanks.
31 Games to go...

You didnt update from us that was mentioned already..please update them so that we can continue to finish few more left. :)

P.S. I found an error in your flash compability:

Franklin's Great Adventure (E) --- if you touch this...you will see on the left side for the "Name"..the title is error like this: Franlin&apos;s Great Adventure (E)

that is an error, please fix it. ;)

&apos; is XML code for '. I forgot to substitute it in, a similar thing to this would be the & symbol, XML writes it as &amp;
Easily fixed, all I have to do is
sub("This is where I call for the name", "&apos;", "'");
and the new name will be Franklin's Great Adventure (E), easy!!

LOL..okay..go for it! Good job on this nice flash..it is cool!

hey did you find the credits?? There wasn't enough room to stick heaps of information onto the screen so I used pop-up boxes instead.

OMG OMG it works!!!!11
Now, seriously, good job Low Lines. For a first version of program it works and has a pretty nice look.
For v2 you could make some sorting functions, e.g. that the testers could see all untested roms in one place, or gamers could browse only working titles.
Updating compatibility list from internet server would be a nice feature too, but don't rush it.

diablow, just to let you know, it isn't a program. The EXE is a projector that runs by itself and protects my actionscript code from being modified. Sort of my ensurance.

I am working on the search funtion at the moment and I can already type in letters, hit the search button and turn up with some results, only problem at the moment is that when I click on them, the detailed information on the left-hand side of the screen is for another game. The annoying bit is I know exactly why it's doing it. But once I fix that problem, having options like custom Playability should be a breeze.

I have a request,
Is there anyone out there who is good at reading Japanese and/or translating it into English. And I'm not meaning changing the symbols into sounds (ie no, wa, ri, and whatever). I'm adding an option to the Flash compatibility list that this display fixed/edited names of games, such as proper translations of Japanese Roms and putting games that are the same but different language together, (ie Sawuru Made In Wario would be renamed to WarioWare Touched! so that it would be found alongside the US version).
I have tried a few online translaters, but they tend to want Japanese Symbols and it's a bit of a hassle having to copy each letter in through cut and paste.

So if anyone can help me or knows of a place on the web that would make my job easier, either send me a PM (Private Message) or post a reply here in this thread. You would be of course credited for helping out.

Sweet job low lines! I see I made the credits. I am so happy! Im sorry I could not get many of the roms tested with 1.0.0.6 releace, it was in the middle of a big few weeks. Next time I will be all over it!

Thanks!!:bouncy:

It's me, with more requests/suggestions. Now, with today's release of no$gba 2.2 (which added a preliminary support for DS games) and DesMuMe showing that it can emulate some games that are not working on Ideas, maybe it would be a nice touch to add to compatibility list a comparative list mode of different emulators, information would be presented in Excel like grid, while first column would be game number and name, and other columns might represent the playability level of that game. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, so here's what I mean:
31021
Also there could be a view in which only game name and emulator in which the game playability level is the best are showed.
Thats only a thought, and it shouldn't be taken to seriously, besides, someday almost all games NDS will be playable, so this compatibility thing is temporary :)
Take care.

P.S. I attached a few screens from DesMuMe, let the emulator wars begin!

Wow!! Is DesMuMe already that far along!!
I might have to start a compat for that one as well!!
Is this from ver3 (of DeSmuME) cos I've been trying some of the games and have been getting nothing but black screens and fps of about 8-10 or 25-35. They do look impressive though.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sorry, I don't know what was happening before, but the games are working now...UNBELIEVABLE!! The war really has begun.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

And with the idea of comparing different Emulators (and my thought of perhaps comparing different versions of the smae emulator) is that I could do up a separate flash thingy to do that. Cos once the xml files are in place,

example....

ideas1006.xml
desmume.xml

I could create a list of compat lists which you could load up in some sort of list thingo which would be just like what you are saying. But I will have to say, doing one emulator compat list is heaps of work as it is, so if there is going to be compat list for other emulators (so a compare thingy can happen) I would need someone else to write/edit the xml for me.

It's not really hard at all, (in fact I'm made it as simple as possible) the only thing at the moment is that I haven't decided on a permanent layout for the details.
But when I do, I owuld be able to show people how they can edit it for other emulators and it would be brilliant!!
Great idea, it makes me want to hurry a bit faster so I can start on it!!
:bouncy:
Actually if anyone's interested in being responsible for a possible DeSmuME compatibility list (done in XML), send me a Private Message. I figure the earlier such things are put in place, the easier it'll be to change them later on.

Hi everyone, I'm sorry if I seem a little behind with the compatibility list stuff, but I'm still keeping track. Though at the moment all my updates are private since they won't work properly on the older version of the Flash thingo. I also don't think I'll be posting the next release until I can get it online, since I've been focusing totally on that angle. I hate keeping people in the dark, so here's a little preview of what I've been doing for the last couple of weeks in the absence of updates (and I'm not meaning the compatibility stuff). As you will see, there are a LOT of clear errors at the moment, but only cos I'm trying to work out how things should be placed and sorted at the moment, but this may be what it will look like when it finally goes online...
31093
As you can see, I've rearranged a couple of things (mainly to fit those jap games with mile long titles) and to remove that feeling it had of being cramped. Thumbnail covers are about 97% complete and this includes other games that have not yet been dumped (to roms) yet. The bottom tab thingo is where there will be links to other region versions of that game, I did have it working on a demo, but when I implemented it into the main Flash thingo, it sort of stopped working. It may not look like much yet, but most of the things I have been working on only get shown in small amounts (ie game info), so unless you realise that there are over 300 games to carefully go through and apply specific information to it, you may think that I've been a little bit slack.

Anyway, Rockmangames, keep up the great work, oh and if anyone who has either been included in the credits, or thinks they should be, I'm asking if they can provide me with either an avatar or image of their choosing which I will use in the credits. Preferably I would like something that can be shrunken down to 60x60 pixels (like my Link picture and I most definitely don't mind if they can give me a nice big picture which I can personally edit and make a custom one for them. I very much enjoy to do graphic editing (more than having to do all the information and stuff). I might also add that I have a fair few more zelda avatars I did a little while back that I'm willing to let anyone use as their icon for the credits. I would also mention that if anyone wants a different avatar (or image) that I would very much like to keep it to the same style as mine. Cos I like doing things neatly and aligned, but that's just my preference...

Here's my own personal avatars that you can choose from if you like...
310943109531096
310973109831099
3110031101

Oh and be sure to give sigloiv a hand (if he needs it) cos he's begun to work on a DeSumME compat list that will hopefully go alongside the iDeaS one when it's completed. Then maybe diablow's idea could become a reality!!:bouncy:

I'll see if I can get a more stable screenshot of it later, so people can get a better idea of what's being done, but I'm sure everyone will agree that it's already starting to look a bit different (hopefully for the best).

Thanks!

Great idea but about artboxes..I prefer 400X400 to 500X500 with this program of yours but 60X60 is an okay however too small. It is up to you. Again, good idea and very creative you have. ;)

Rockmangames!! Stop getting confused!!:(
The 60x60 is my request for an image I would like you and everyone to submit as your ID for the credits.

The boxarts are about 150x135, but I will have downloadable ones much bigger later on, but thanks for giving me a size specification for when I do.

I'll ask you directly so as not to cause any more confusion. Would you like any of those avatar images I've posted as your credit ID?? If not, send me a picture you would like to be your avatar image. Same goes with everyone else who's helped out.

Oops, alright alright. ;)

Yeah I would like any of those avatar images you've posted as my credit id but doesnt matter to me, really.

Amazing tool!
Thanks heaps, Low Lines! (And game testers)
I never had any idea that iDeaS could play that many!
Keep up the great work :flowers:

You should wait until we can get a few other NDS compat lists up, it would be fantasic!! You could load up which ever emulator you want and be able to see information on some 300+ games that have been so far been dumped.
Thanks for the compliment too!! It's good to see that other people are finding it and using it, not to mention liking it as well!!
:bouncy:

The transparency doesn't appear to work. I checked the option in photoshop...but..uhh...

http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/7423/lolz6060copy9aw.gif

Low Lines, I have a question, are you going to have each and every game box art in your Program? How much space would that take up? Now it might not be easier or faster, but couldent you, upon selecting a game, go to pocketheaven and load the pix to your program? This might be difficult, But it would save you from having to get all the artwork yourself.

Well, pocketheaven doesnt have every artboxes and it is easy to find every nds artboxes through order video game stores in websites.

Viper_Viper,
I'm afraid it's already too late to tell me that, cos I've pretty much got every game boxart for nds, most of which are at the very least 200+ pixels (but a good number of them are higher than 400 pixels). Some games are very hard to find good covers for them, but I've managed to get most of them. Just think of it like I'm a boxart collector, (and I very much enjoy doing it). for example, I did the same thing for N64 several years ago, though this was merely for USA games.
At the moment I have about 25 MB of source images I got off the net (hint, try Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com & Amazon.co.jp) And I also found it far more easier to get the jap games if I searched using their jap names (in proper symbolic lettering).
Another thing is I'm very picky with my images and I will spend as much time as need to carefully fix and adjust them to the clearest and bestest quality I can do them.
And with the loading of images (through the Flash thingo) each image would be loaded only when needed (at the moment each one is between 20-50 kb in a png file for quality). And most people would only look at games they were interested in...
Anyway, the only big job is getting the first-run things in order (which I have pretty much done), after that I would only need to add to it when new games come out, and not doing the boxarts as I have done would be like taking the candy out of my hand and replacing it with something smelly and horrible...:(

Also, another brief update on my status...
I've got the region thingo working now so you can quickly jump between different versions of the games (ie us to jap) and most of the information textboxes are properly showing all their info as well.
Next I'm going to look towards adding and perfecting the search functions (which need to be reworked due to my new layout of things). I'm actually using two XML files at the same time to gather information for games. This is to simplify the compat list xml as much as possible so it can be edited by others with little effort.
Though tomorrow marks the last of my holidays, so from after that, I may have less time to work on it, especially as homework begins to roll in. But keep up the good work, and I'll be awaiting to hear when someone beats Rockmangames in updating the compat list thread...
;)
I'll post some more screenshots when I can show some decent improvement to the last.

Low Lines,
Hey, I have never had my own personal avitar so you can just throw anything in there that you would like, or leave it blank. I dont want you worryin about me.

Another question about your Flash Program,
I know you said that your flash program will work with any emulators becuase of using XML to store all the data, so will you have a drop down menu to go though all the XML files found in the same folder? I was messing around with the XML and I was randomly creating a VBA one, but there is no real way to get to it.

Viper_Viper,
I have several thoughts about that,
I was considering having another XML thas has the names off all currently done up compat list, and then have a pop-up loader window which would list them and have something like a load button. What would probably be the best way would be having a php loader (as in the one with attachments) that way there would be no need to keep track of different compat lists. Unfortunately, I am hopeless with php, (or at least I've never really tried to look into it).

Oh and tell me if any of the zelda avatars I've posted I think on the previous page of this thread fit to your liking. They're all avaliable to any that want them.

Martin has been kind enough to hook me up with some web space, so now I can start to upload things to it and hopefully get things into order. But at the moment, I'm focusing on my first few days of school and that, so I won't be able to work on it for now.

I'll post a reply (with the link) here when I have got it all in order, but at the moment I think this may not be for a while. But keep a lookout and hopefully sooner than later I'll be able to get the online compat list going which will (hopefully) be better with more search features and that.

Thanks Martin!!:bouncy:

1.0.0.7 :)

weeee~ a new iDeaS version

iDeaS is a Nintendo DS emulator for windows and Linux.


02-04-2006
iDeaS 1.0.0.7 by Lino

I have decided to leave again a new version of iDeaS.
The new version contains little improvements like the touchscreen (now DSLINUX keyboard works) and the management of the plugins. Added the plugins for the recording the avi.

Well, I think there will be no need for compatibility list for this version, with not much improvements and all...

well, provided we get the same reaction as before, we should get it done in a couple of days. I'll still be in charge of the XML, and I've already got a wiped/blank version that sigloiv had been using for a DeSmuME one. I think I'll finally get to test how well I've planned this out, I should only have to bother with two fields per game, I could have heaps done in little to no time.

I had better get this online thingo up then, though it's still not finished. I've managed to perfect the listmenu (absolutely flawless) and links between regions (of the same game in other words) work perfectly.
I haven't started on the search functions yet, though the region links should be alright for now.
And the credits haven't been done yet, so if I put it online now it won't have it.

I've got the basic (and when I mean basic, I mean BASIC) site up, no compat list online yet, still needs more work. But all updates from now on will be posted here at llref.emutalk.net (http://llref.emutalk.net/).

I agree that there's not much point in doing a whole new compat list for 1.0.0.7, but already there have been some broken games that worked in 1.0.0.6...
Haven't seen any REAL improvements yet, apart from DeathRain99's Spyro - Shadow Legacy, but I'm pretty sure if it was tried on 1.0.0.6 you would get the same results.
But I will start work on the new version list once I get the thingo online....

Be sure to check my site in case there are any changes, though initially I'll probably post them here too.

The Flash Database is online, though it seems to be experiencing problems that didn't happen on my computer. So be weary while using it and follow any advice I have posted either here or on my web page. Also the list is about a week behind, (I've had school) but I'll update it either later today or tomorrow. And no boxart is avaliable because I've still got to fix a couple of them up and convert them to JPG or something.

Post any problems (I haven't identified) in the FAQ thread posted here in the iDeaS forum. I am also open to praising if it is an improvent to the previous version.

Finally, sigloiv, how do you want your DeSmuME compat lists linked to it?? If you have them somewhere online, post direct links here and could you name them like this EXACTLY (ie desmume03.xml, desmume03WIP.xml, desmume03WIP2.xml) if you get what I mean. Other lists can be loaded through a Pop-up window that lists all avaliable compat lists. But loading them goes reaaaaalllly slowwwww. (Shouldn't be a problem if you have lots of RAM).

I can't spend my entire weekend on it (I have homework to now) but I'll try and get everything done by Monday so it is up-to-date and everything.


Also HELP!!!
Can someone post me details on all games dumped recently. PocketHeaven hasn't updates yet and I need this information to add it to the compat list.

NDS Games from 305-316+...
I need serial number (ie ASMP) & ROM SIZE (ie 1024 MBit). THe sooner I can get this information, the sooner I can update my list.

This is comming out great!

Well, I've got to get some webspace first. I have a friend who can get me an FTP on an utlra-fast dedicated connection, but it's not going to be happening tonight. I'll probably be able to get it done tomorrow, but if it doesn't happen tomorrow I'm sad to say it probably won't be until next Friday.

Everyone keep your fingers crossed. :luck:

Can people do some web browser testing for me? I've just found out that it doesn't like my version of Firefox (it doesn't load) but it works on Explorer ok. I'm trying to get rid of that loading pause, but because I'm using 2 separate XMLs to make things easier, it is very difficult to remove the loading pause.

Yeah, my FireFox doesn't like it...when I click to load the list it gives me a white box. :(

Oh crap...
Well, I don't really know too much when it comes to web browsers. Hopefully the problem is something in the Flash file, which I'd be able to fix, but if it is a browser problem. I can't do anything about it. Does anyone have any idea what could be doing it?
Hmm...I'll run the page in Dreamweaver and use the browser test options, hopefully that might shed some light...

Yay!! I've fixed the problem!! Dreamweaver is brilliant!!
But if anyone tries any other web browsers and they get problems, tell me so I can look into it.

This is posted on my site...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't think the loading pause that happens when you load a compat list can be avoided. But while I was trying to remove it, I discovered an even easier way of using my information which will make things like search functions a cinch!! Here's some screenshots of custom listviewing options...
compatprev2a.png (http://llref.emutalk.net/screenshots/compatprev2a.png) - Sorted Alphabetically According to Game Name
compatprev2b.png (http://llref.emutalk.net/screenshots/compatprev2b.png) - Sorted Alphabetically & in order of Playability.
And to do the above only had to add 1 character to make it do 2 things at once, this is brilliant!!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I won't get a fixed version of the list up this weekend, but I should have it up next Saturday along with a compatibility List for iDeaS 1.0.0.7.

Also, there will be a new playability option that will intergrate into the list. For now I'm calling it "Missing/Unknown". What it will do is cover games I've added to the main list, that either aren't currently on my list or have not yet been dumped (in other words upcoming games). The reason why I'm going to have this is because I won't always be able to update it as often as I usually do, and now that sigloiv has been working on a DeSmuME list any new games he adds to his list will show up as "undefiened or NaN". So if I have upcoming games added as well, when they are dumped and tested, information on them will already be avaliable so I won't have to get off my ass and change things with every new game.

This option would also be useful for XML authors (such as sigloiv) so they can tell if they have missed any games.

Also, sigloiv!! Have you been adding serial numbers to all new games you add to your list? Cos I have made them the center of the XML and if they aren't there, games WILL NOT SHOW on the list. So you need to make sure you have serials as well as testing information whenever you add new games to your list. But we will find out anyway when you get it online.

I'm very excited to see if it will work, (yes my fingers are crossed!!). Cos if it doesn't we may have a problem...

Yes, I have been adding serial numbers. Yay, I did something right. :)

Also, I just wanted to let you know that it works in my primary browser: Opera. I don't get any boxart, but then again, I don't think I'm supposed to (yet). Am I correct in saying this?

EDIT: Alright, my home web server is working again.

WIP: http://sigloiv.dyndns.org:8080/desemume0.0.3wip.xml
WIP2: http://sigloiv.dyndns.org:8080/desemume0.0.3wip2.xml
My Personal Blank: http://sigloiv.dyndns.org:8080/ndsblank.xml

The WIP2 has absolutely no data in yet. It's just a copy of the blank. However, I will try to get it updated some time later today.

FireFox Linux locks up the computer practically what version of Flash are you using LowLines? I recomend using the OLDEST possible version. Often older variants are less resource hogs. Flash 7 is currently the latest on Linux firefox I have.

I would suggest a minimalist design to start with (IE it works with firefox). IE is part of the windows OS, it's compatibility is very high because everyone designs with IE in mind (currently it's 75% of the market share though people still think it's 90%).

Cyb

I think I read he was using Flash 8.0, but XML support is found since 6.0 if I'm not wrong. He could use Flash8.0 and export it as 6.0 or later (just change it in Publish Settings, in "File" menu).

Edit: Well, it could be possible if he coded it originally in AS1.0, not in AS2.0.

Edit #2: just looked in his website and found that: This is a compatibility list database originally designed for the Nintendo DS emulator iDeas. It now supports multiple list which other people have written. It is done in Flash 8, so if you don't have the latest plugin, you'll need to download it from the link below in order to view the list.

I repeat he could export it as Flash 6.0/7.0 (7.0 supports AS2.0)

If I down-graded it to Flash 7 or earlier, I would loose advanced text formatting (which makes the text appear more smooth) and I don't think my new search method is avaliable on anything older than Flash 8. Also this would not speed things up at all, and I am sure of that!!

To be technical, the reason why it takes so long to load is because it is locating each and every game in one XML to the other (through indexOf("serial number")). In otherwords, it is searching every item comparing serial numbers until it finds the right one and it is doing this for every game.
To be honest, it is a very very stupid way of doing things and I am now cursing myself for choosing it. The only good side about it is that it simplifies the compat list file a great deal, and if I decide to change a name of a game (for whatever reasons) I only have to do it for one XML file and not every single compat list that is part of the Flash resources.
Another thing that would obviously be using up a lot of memory (though not nearly as much as the other thing) would be the process of converting XML representations to their true symbols (ie &amp; becomes & and &apos; becomes ').
I'm using loop functions to gather data from my XMLs, the only problem with them is that with the more items that have to be examined, the longer it will take to load that information up. But I'm gonna be positive here and say that I will eventually find a way of speeding things up, it may just take time and skill to do it.

Actually, I might try storing all data not found in a compat list XML (ie Name, Rom Size, etc) in the actual Flash file. It would eliminate the need to search for things (or at least I hope so) and hopefully speed things up. But it would mean I would have to regularly update the Flash file instead of an external XML. This will purely be a test so it may not be anything, but if it does make things work faster...

Also, I'll get those links hooked up right away sigloiv, lets hope it works!!

If I down-graded it to Flash 7 or earlier, I would loose advanced text formatting (which makes the text appear more smooth) and I don't think my new search method is avaliable on anything older than Flash 8. Also this would not speed things up at all, and I am sure of that!!
A few things, if it doesn't work... you are loosing nothing correct? And functionality is before cool interface, or have you forgotten windows cool interface but 8 years of viruses and crashes? You should build something with the proper functional foundation so all your work won't come crashing on your head :D

To be technical, the reason why it takes so long to load is because it is locating each and every game in one XML to the other (through indexOf("serial number")). In otherwords, it is searching every item comparing serial numbers until it finds the right one and it is doing this for every game.
Can you read everything 'pertinent' into a hashing array for quick retrieval of the information you need?

To be honest, it is a very very stupid way of doing things and I am now cursing myself for choosing it. The only good side about it is that it simplifies the compat list file a great deal, and if I decide to change a name of a game (for whatever reasons) I only have to do it for one XML file and not every single compat list that is part of the Flash resources.
Make it work first. It does not in linux, it runs but only displays the list to the right with arrows and some colorful dots next to the list.

Another thing that would obviously be using up a lot of memory (though not nearly as much as the other thing) would be the process of converting XML representations to their true symbols (ie &amp; becomes & and &apos; becomes ').
[/qoute] I may be wrong but you don't need XML formating for all symbol types do you? can't you use a reference ( I forget the precise XML term) for the data? XML formating is kind of combersome that's all :)
[quote=Low Lines]I'm using loop functions to gather data from my XMLs, the only problem with them is that with the more items that have to be examined, the longer it will take to load that information up. But I'm gonna be positive here and say that I will eventually find a way of speeding things up, it may just take time and skill to do it.

Actually, I might try storing all data not found in a compat list XML (ie Name, Rom Size, etc) in the actual Flash file. It would eliminate the need to search for things (or at least I hope so) and hopefully speed things up. But it would mean I would have to regularly update the Flash file instead of an external XML. This will purely be a test so it may not be anything, but if it does make things work faster...

Also, I'll get those links hooked up right away sigloiv, lets hope it works!!
First I would set up functions to retrieve a structure with the data. This way your basic interface does NOT change. Second I would hash the data so that you can retrieve it quickly based on Serial #. These two things will likely make it faster and easier to deal with . I could be wrong, wouldn't be the first time.

Cyb

I don't mind you giving you thoughts and ideas on the subject (I am very happy you are). But try to keep your words a bit simpler, cos it is harder for me to understand them especially when things get technical.

With the arrays, I would still need to parse the list in order to create them. It does makes things a hell of a lot easier to get if they are all in the same place.

With your test with the Linux, did your browser ask at all for any further plugins?? Cos I tried it on my school's computers and it seemed to need a "Active X Controller" or something which I did not know it even needed. But what the list looked like sounds just like what happened to you. But I am only guessing...

Also you are right about the whole functionality thing, I'm afraid that's just my perfectionist shining through cos I like to do things neat.

And with the XML symbolling. I'm not too certain about them, I mean the XML will convert certain symbols or will come up as an error when run. And at the moment, the only way I know how to change them back is with that same find function as with locating the serials. I might also add that I learnt this from another source, which means I am no genius. Hopefully there should be some kind of parse action I could use that would simplify it.

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First I would set up functions to retrieve a structure with the data. This way your basic interface does NOT change. Second I would hash the data so that you can retrieve it quickly based on Serial #. These two things will likely make it faster and easier to deal with . I could be wrong, wouldn't be the first time.
I've already chosen to do that...Which is where my cinch search and sorting functions become extremely easier to do. But again it does not speed things up because it still has to parse the XML to retrieve the information, which is where this long pause is. I wait about 6-7 seconds and an entire array is created much like this...

myArray = [ASME,Super Mario 64 DS,128,4,black screen],
[AUSE,Ultimate Spider-Man,512,4,black screen],
etc...
The first 2 nodes (name and rom size) are found in my main XML which stores all non-emu testing information I might decide to use.

The last 2 (playability and status) are stored in the compat list XMLs.

Now I can either choose to have the first or second XML as my center, I would then use the serials to collect external information from other sources using the search function I mentioned earlier.

All this information will then get stored into an array which is generated from scratch every time a resource changes (ie a new compat list is loaded). (Quick note, this does not happen in the current online version!!). Once of course the XML has been parsed and the arrays are complete, the list is then loaded using the arrays. Like I said, once the initial XML parsing has been done, the program runs brilliantly and smoothly. It is only when that information has to be re-gathered from external sources that it has to do it's little loading thingo again.

I might also mention that this is not a program, but more or less an imitation of one done so through the use of clever movieclips and carefull actionscript code. So I doubt it would work on the same basis of a program.

I can't really work on it through the week, (even though I'm writing a reply right now) but mainly on weekends. So I try and look into this problem then and hopefully then I will come up with some miraculous way of solving all my problems.

sigloiv,
I was hoping I could just copy your link and hope that it would load it up into Flash no problem. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to like my idea of easiness and refuses to even look for it!! Grrr!!!

So I downloaded a copy of one of your XMLs and pasted it into my local drive where I do all my tests and stuff. And I am happy to say that it works fine on the Flash database, I think it was something like 10 games were playable, 6 were ingame, 35 were not playable and 55 didn't work.

I am very sorry, but I may not get a chance to fix it until the weekend, but hey!! You did absolutely nothing wrong, as far as I could tell!!

Nice job with it too!!

Cool. I got a really busy week and I'm out of town this weekend, so there probably won't be a lot of DeSmuME updates for a little bit. Sorr about that. :(

I don't mind you giving you thoughts and ideas on the subject (I am very happy you are). But try to keep your words a bit simpler, cos it is harder for me to understand them especially when things get technical. Short words, nothing like self perpetuating automotons and such right? I'll try not to exacerbate things or cause mental twitterpation. :D

Ahem... ;) I'll behave.

With the arrays, I would still need to parse the list in order to create them. It does makes things a hell of a lot easier to get if they are all in the same place.
You know a guy who writes a news letter called the embeded muse wrote this "Think your database out carefully before hand for any project that might use one." Can you access an SQL database from Flash? I know emutalk supports this because the PHP based boards use them with the message data base.


With your test with the Linux, did your browser ask at all for any further plugins?? Cos I tried it on my school's computers and it seemed to need a "Active X Controller" or something which I did not know it even needed. But what the list looked like sounds just like what happened to you. But I am only guessing... No.. no errors just did not display any text.

Also you are right about the whole functionality thing, I'm afraid that's just my perfectionist shining through cos I like to do things neat.Ahhh... hmmm you might wish to use PHP instead of flash I think you can get away with a bit O Java code. Flash is OK, but still a bit non-standard. I would prefer myself to use PHP and bits of Java code. That's just me :D

And with the XML symbolling. I'm not too certain about them, I mean the XML will convert certain symbols or will come up as an error when run. And at the moment, the only way I know how to change them back is with that same find function as with locating the serials. I might also add that I learnt this from another source, which means I am no genius. Hopefully there should be some kind of parse action I could use that would simplify it. It's not all that important I suppose. You might want to automatically convert updated XML files into a database supported using SQL. then the Database format is superfluous. However I'm getting DeCarte before the horse (bad pun I know).


I might also mention that this is not a program, but more or less an imitation of one done so through the use of clever movieclips and carefull actionscript code. So I doubt it would work on the same basis of a program.
Ahhh that is what's going on LOL :) Hmmmm

I can't really work on it through the week, (even though I'm writing a reply right now) but mainly on weekends. So I try and look into this problem then and hopefully then I will come up with some miraculous way of solving all my problems.There is always more than one way of doing things, the best way is to use what you are familiar with. I suppose I ought to work on some PHP scripting (hmmm) unfortunately I need to reinstall my httpd server with PHP support (sigh) so I can experiment.

So it seems you are creating the data on the fly which flash somehow uses?

I'll send a capture of what Linux shows in the flash screen and put it in scream shots (http://www.emutalk.net/screenshots-submission/33472-ideas-compatibility-list-flash-screen.html).

Ta

Cyb

Cyberman is having problems with a 7.0 flash plugin.

What features of Flash 8.0 are you using? Because as refered to programming, Flash 8.0 is almost the same, it just includes new expressions to the API (and mostly focused to data display: bitmapcache, etc)

Uhh...I'm only guessing, but unless Linux just doesn't like me and my coding, it could be because most (if not all) text use advanced rendering, which is only avaliable in Flash 8.

Also, I am more comfortable doing things in Flash than Java or PHP. Mainly because I find it easier and that I never really got into other coding languages, either cos I found them too hard or that I was too impatient to get results (keeping in mind I was about 12, when I made that choice, but I can't really remember how far back I've been doing this stuff).

I made this Flash database for several reasons...

1) I wanted to help out on the scene and make my skills useful rather than just letting them waste away at home.

2) I needed to practise, and get used to having deadlines (as such like the ones I give myself).

3) I was a little bit fixiated on listmenus and XML at the time.

This Flash database is like a test so I can see where I stand, and how well I can adapt to my requirements to create something that would not only be useful but simple and easy to update.

This all may sound like some kind of assignment or something, but this is just how I look at things, because I've been told to do that sort of thing.

And even though this is merely something I do for free time and lesiure, I am still learning and improving upon my skills the more I work on it. For instance, the functionality of the list menu (ie scrolling, searching) has been pretty much something I hardly could do before I started it.

Why am I telling you all this?? Just to give people an idea of the grounds I am working on and why I did not choose to do a HTML list or PHP or whatever other way it could have been done.

By the way, what is SQL?? What's it stand for?? I've heard of it, but I don't really know what it is...

Man am I going to have a busy weekend...

LowLines, forget advanced text rendering, it's almost useless in font-size bigger than 12points. Try using "render as html" instead, in the text-box settings.

Cyberman: Just out of curiosity, have you attempted any other browsers besides Firefox in Linux (like Opera--Konquerer is pain with Flash)? I'm pretty familiar with the OS, and I just want to see if this is a plugin issue or a browser.

I'm guessing that the netscape-flash plugin just doesn't support some of the features that Low Lines is using. Something that, unless he dumbed down the SWF, would be impossible to fix without Macromedia just implementing them.

Low Lines: If you're not familiar with SQL, it's going to be really, really tough to write an app that takes advantage of it. Basically, it's just a database system. It uses tables, columns, and rows (much like a spreadsheet) to store values. Most large dynamic systems use SQL (like this forum that we're currently discussing in).

well bugger that then...

well bugger that then...SQL = SeQueL or Sequential Querry Language. It's a interface system into a database allowing you to pull data from it in ASCII form. It allows you to sort and retrieve data as needed. It's used from WEB pages to Corperate databases. Oracle IBM MickeySoft all uses SQL as there interface. So it's not exactly uncommon. In fact this forum is supported using SQL querries to a database. That being said XML parsing would not be necessary to querry the database, since you can recieve it in any format you want depending on your querry to the database.

What you are doing Low Lines is a Database application. I'm not sure what kind of interface Flash can deal with, but SQL can manage data quite well. If you can access the SQL server here, might be able get Martin to set something up for your Flash construct. Is it possible for you to allow the flash system to 'upload' XML based information that can be processed by a script and results added to the database in real time? (That seems a more Java script oreinted thing). I suppose you could create a section of the site to handle updates. Although you might want to filter through them first (IE no 'this game sucks' additions).

As for the fancy formating, do you really need it, or is it a feature you want to use? :D

Anyhow we are merely bouncing ideas here not making a polical campaign for 'my favorite way of doing things' LOL.

Enjoy :D

What you are doing Low Lines is a Database application. I'm not sure what kind of interface Flash can deal with, but SQL can manage data quite well. If you can access the SQL server here, might be able get Martin to set something up for your Flash construct. Is it possible for you to allow the flash system to 'upload' XML based information that can be processed by a script and results added to the database in real time? (That seems a more Java script oreinted thing). I suppose you could create a section of the site to handle updates. Although you might want to filter through them first (IE no 'this game sucks' additions).

I think you can use Flash with PHP+SQL for powerful databases. I'm not sure, but I also think that Flash can upload XML data (with ActionScript 2.0, which is an OOP language).


As for the fancy formating, do you really need it, or is it a feature you want to use? :D
With "render as HTML" and/or text size=12 you can read it clear enough. And if it were tons of text to read, but it's just a simple line...

I would use plugin version 7.0

Come on, just try to export it as 7.0 to test if it works on linux ;)

I've got quite a bit of homework to do by Monday, including several assignments (drafts, and re-drafts as such). Hopefully I should get in done easily so I can look into it.

With all this stuff about the information, would it be easier to say all I need is the data (to be sent to the Flash) to be in the form of an Array?? Rather than trying to stick with the XML idea, that is of course if it could be done quicker and easier in another form.

All I would need is something like (Array = [ASMP,Super Mario 64 DS,128,...etc]. And I could use this to calculate all the functions and shit with it.
Cos if I can have the Array (with all information inserted into it) already done before the Flash loads it, the loading pause would disappear since Flash would be no longer in charge of doing it. But again, someone would need to show me and explain to me how, cos to know a method like this (I think) would be very useful to have.

XML is only good when you have a FIXED database, ie with only one source in which to obtain it from.
The only thing would be would the datafiles that it would obtain its information from be simple enough for everyday people (or people like me and sigloiv) to edit with little need of knowledge of it?? (or would you just stick to XML??)

I'm very glad there is a (perhaps) intelligent conversation on the works of my database. It's way easier to explain things (mainly with code) when others know what you are talking about...

Hey it's me again!! I am very happy to announce that I have totally fixed that whole problem with the loading pause, so there will be no need for SQL or whatever else we were talking about.
If you have 256 RAM+ it should be almost instantaneous (allowing it of course time to download the 45 KB file once). And any further waiting has nothing to do with the XML, AND I AM SURE OF IT!! I even tested it in a simple trace function and it had no pause whatsoever!!
I managed to rid myself of that stupid indexOf function by simply parsing both XMLs separately creating virtual Arrays named as a serial (ie ASMP). That way when the second XML is parsed (as well as any others after it) extra data is simply added onto the end of the Arrays. And then I just glued them all together into one Array called HOLD. This all happens instantly and makes the original code for parsing the XMLs seem totally crap.
Also, there was indeed a pre-defined piece of Actionscript that swaps &amp; to & etc without the need of further coding, thus of course deminishing the pause time to it's minimal.
I am very pleased with all the interest in it, and I hope these new fixes will makes things heaps better.

Also I've put up a down-graded verison (for Flash 7) on the main site which you can all have a look at and see if it makes any difference. But if you still have problems with web browsers, I don't want to hear about it anymore cos there is absolutely nothing else I can do in the actionscript that will make it any better for them.
What I would say though is to wait as patiently as you can until I can wip up a new downloadable version similar to the original one that was avaliable in the Forums. Cos it will be self-contained, it shouldn't have any problems like the online version. But please don't tell me anymore about browsers not working cos what might end up being the problem is that those browsers are just not compatible with Flash (7 or 8) or the use of XML scripting or even both.
Also do take into account how crappy the text looks in the Flash 7 version, that should hopefully make my point on the matter.

And sigloiv, I'm very very sorry, but I was reading the help files that come with Flash 8 and it says "if you are loading an eternal XML and the Flash swf file is running in a browser, the XML must therefor be in the same domain or else it cannot find it." In other words, unless desmume003wip.xml is in my FTP account, my stupid Flash database can't locate it, no matter how I do it.
But it should work for a downloadable version no problem, and don't worry too much at the moment cos not all my options have been exhausted yet.

Low Lines I've really BAD news the flash 7 version looks just fine under Linux. I'm sorry the text formatting looks 'horrible' on it. :D

Cyb
(see attached)

What so bad about that?? At least it now bloody working on Linux. I'll keep it up then and maybe have it as an optional thing (maybe after some more test have been done).

I just did a very ugly thing (decompiled Low Lines work) BUT I did it JUST to show how good does the text look with "renderAsHTML".

Be sure I didn't look at the code. Keep up your great work!

There's nothing wrong with decompiling other peoples work (it only becomes ugly if you rename it and call it as your own). I do it lots, and it's where I learn hand something when it is put in action than it is to follow those lousy tutorials.

If might change it for the version 7 just so the text doesn't look all blurry, but the Flash 8 one is still my leading SWF and it does work on common web browsers (though not under linux).

But while I'm on the linux thing, Cyberman, what version of the Flash plugin are you using?? Is it Flash 7 or Flash 8?? Just right click and see what it says at the bottom of the Right-Click Menu.

I try again next weekend to improve and maybe get these search functions done too. There's no real task with the code at all (since I now use 1 array which all my information is stored) I just need to spend some time and create some fun and exciting GUI menus. I might even add a preloader too to make things a little more interesting...
Plus I'll need to get my credits section underway, (not quite sure how I want to do it yet)...
The only thing I can hope for is that I don't have heaps of homework to do as well...

He said there was no plugin version 8 for Linux, so he was using 7.

Just mark the option of render as HTML text (I think it's even more readable than special soft text for Flash 8.0)

ohh okay...
I hope they do get a Flash 8 plugin for linux soon.

Ask Adobe :P

Nah, it's a matter of time. I even heard in Ultrashock forums that former Macromedia was considering porting its products to Linux.

I know I did say I'd try and get some more work done on the Flash thing, but my Art assignment took the entire weekend to do and all I've managed to do is update my compat lists (though they haven't been uploaded to the site yet). Rockmangames, has provided me with a complete DeSmuME 0.3.3 List he did so hopefully I'll be able to add that to the online thing Monday afternoon and I'll get to work on uploading all my coverarts images which I'll have to convert to .JPG
Next weekend ought to be free of assignments though, so I should be able to get some work done on it then.

Seem that nobody wanted to finish iDeaS list like I did for DeSmuMe 0.3.3. Maybe I should send it to you as well because I finish all games for iDeaS 1.0.0.8 but again I think about it and I said to myself, nah, let those people tested and get some credits instead. Yeah, that would be fair. :)

Oh, c'mon Rockmangames. Just put it up for download. That's just mean man. :D

I think you are putting your spare time to good use, I mean I'd love to spend hours just playing with different games and to see if they worked or not. If you want to keep your work private, there's nothing wrong with that, I just don't think many people would realise just how much work you really put into the Nintendo DS scene.

Man this bites...
Two weeks now and I haven't even managed to update my list with newly tested games. I did not think this year would be so busy...
Hopefully at some point in time (in the near future) I'd be able to work on it a little. I hope no one's waiting on me or anything...

groan...
Back to assignments I suppose...

I am very happy to say that finally at long last I have got MOST of the compatibility lists uploaded and hopefully up-to-date. Except of course for Rockmangames's DeSmuME 0.3.3 (and maybe some of DeSmuME 0.3 WIP 1 & 2). But At least there's something there now...

You can change which List you are viewing by clicking on "Load" and selecting the appropriate list item, but it is a little buggy and I haven't had any decent time to work on it at all...god damn assignments!!

Anyways, I'm particularily interested in seeing iDeaS 1.0.0.8 fully tested and maybe if I can rig up a comparitive list (to compare ie DeSmuME alongside iDeaS) it might spark some interest...

I'll have to try from now on the frequently check and update my lists, due to the average 5+ a week new NDS games that Rockmangames normally claims to be the first to test.

Some slightly bad news for those who have been supportive of my compatibility list project (for NDS Emulators), I am temporalily halting it as well as updates (ie new games tested) until the end of my school term. I find it is impossible to get any work done on it whilst having all the work my teachers give me to do.
I was hoping this project would not become like most of my projects, but it seems I have to set it aside cos education and good marks overules.
Luckily I only have 3 weeks left (though my teachers will not go down without a fight) and then I'll have an entire week (for that is how long my term break is) to spend hopefully finishing my Flash Database and get it set up to a point where I no longer need to bother as much.
But don't worry, cos I'm very good at catching up (even if there are 6 new versions that come out by then) and it's only the actual Flash that I need to spend heaps of time on and 3-4 hours after school just ain't what makes my stuff good...

Keep up the great/excellent work everybody!!

2-3 More weeks!!! Then I can finally get down and focus on my little project I started last January (gosh has it really been that long??)...I have been working on it a little, though mainly getting all the covers resized and saved to JPG format...but first thing I will do, is get the search functions working (how many times have I said that...).
And once I get all the Nintendo DS data updated....I'll start looking towards other consoles cos I wanna construct my own gaming resource (wait that sounds really big....) as I find it a pain to go searching on the net for info on games and that....though at the moment I think NDS will require a fair bit of time to erect properly to the standards I am hoping to archieve....lol...and don't nobody try to discourage me (lol, my friend said I'd have to be crazy to put this much effort into something I am not getting paid for)....honestly I would have done this kind of stuff myself but...well....I wanna share my efforts with everyone else!! :bouncy:

Beware Rockmangames, soon this lead you have on me will not be so distant.....:evil: :evil: lol

I will be so glad to get out of this crappy school feeling and get back into my dorky fun hobbies again....even if I only got 4 weeks in which to do it in....:unsure:
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Just a small question....are people finding the site alright??? I mean I have left a link in the first post of this thread and I'll post it here as well...

http://llref.emutalk.net/

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Nah, I will be very happy that you will be helping out so I do not have to do everything. :P

lol....that's the sort of stuff i like to hear :bouncy:

I am not the type of being selfish and competitive person. I just have to caught up what I can and if someone is able to help out then that's great. ;)

Rockmangames, you are really confusing....:huh:

But lol, I get what you mean. :happy:

Yeah, I confused myself sometime!:unsure:

Actually, I am not myself right now. :plain:

But you understand me now, heh! :bouncy:

Of course!!! The more insane someone is, the more sense they make....It's the sane ones that you gotta watch :shifty: ;) lol

Some great news on my project here...I am now officially several hours into in my mid-semester holidays and I am very proud to say I have already got the Search Functions working in my project (it actually only took like 20 mins, I was so surprised!!). Here's a screenshot showing it me searching for any titles with the word "Mario" in it.
32863
Also I plan on using the next week to get the rest done....This includes:
- Listing Sorting Options (ie Alphabetical, Playability, etc)
- Other Listing Options (such as only displaying one type of region)
- Credits
- All the cover images formatted to JPEG (both Thumbnail and 450x405 pixel sizes)
- Anything else I can either do or think of in that time!!

So hopefully within a weeks time when people go to my web space that has been so generously offered by Martin, they see my work in as I had planned it to be more than 6 months ago.

Beautifully! I like it a lot!

Thanks man....I can always rely on Rockmangames for some positive feedback....:flowers: lol

Second day and I now also got some neato sorting functions in place, including alphabetical, numerical (though this requires some more work in my XML data files), and a playability option that sorts games according to their playability level....Though I have found there to be some bugs with any new functions I add to it, which is what makes all the fun!!! So I'll keep my project private until I am sure I got it all working fine.....

A major set back is the amount of XML data I gotta type up now, considering there is well over 400+ games now and all. But I am separating the data into separate files (ie rom release info in one, game info in another) and I just import this data automatically into an array contained within the flash program (yes i am calling it a program)....Believe me it is a LOT easier on the eyes when you only have about 4 nodes a game in one file, cos I think I have anywhere up to 12 nodes per game and if you times that by the number of games cos each node requires its own line....you got a lot of lines there!!

I am very happy at how easy it has been for me to add things...because normally you'd expect such things to be stubborn and refusive but I guess that some 6 months ago I had planned on that and coded it so I wouldn't have that problem!! Sorry, getting a bit big-headed there....heh heh.....I am just glad it's working for me, or well for now at least.

I'll post more information on it as it comes....

Yeah, great design of the list! Still there's various games who aren't in the list (like Dragon Booster and Ashpalt Urban GT), but... well, I understand than there's more than 450 games to test;)

Yeah I will also point out it hasn't been updated for 6 months. And even then it wasn't completely finished either. But give me I think a week tops and you'll be able to see. :bouncy: One guy can only do so much.

Right....small update (this time in the appropriate thread):evil:

Sorting Options implemented are:

Aphabetical & Serial

I did have numerical but I found because there were multiple cases where a 2 or more rom releases for the same game serial caused problems ie 0037 Super Mario 64 DS (U) & 0056 Super Mario 64 DS (U). I'm gonna do up a rom release database once I can get the compatibility one sorted....which will be like a spiced up version of PocketHeaven with ordering/sorting options.

There is also an ordering option so you can sort games according to Playability.

I am having a spot of trouble adding custom playability viewing options...Where for example you'd choose only to display games with "Playable" playability...but I'll work that out sooner or later. ;)

Most of the bugs are fixed to my knowledge, though there's still a lot of stuff I wanna add to it to make good use of the database's capabilities...where sites like PocketHeaven lack in ordering and that....

I am right now writing up fresh XML compat lists for iDeaS 1.0.0.8 & DeSmuME 0.3.3 & 0.3.4 which will be up-to-date according to the threads in this forum and the help of Rockmangames who makes my job a hell of a lot easier....(Thanks man!!)

Once I have those written up, I'll upload the new and improved database to my webspace as well as a new flash based website I am currently designing....though this will mean people will be required to update their Flash Plugin to Flash 8 (sorry about that) I will probably keep the HTML version until I can do up a nice clean one....

Also I am looking at compiling a Flash 7 version of the compat list....though this will mean I will have to be picky with what fonts I choose as the current fonts look rather shitty without Flash 8 rendering features enabled.

Mostly it's just trying to get everything done at once and in a short amount of time because although I do have about a months long holiday....I do expect something to happen or I might want to do other things that clearly have cobwebs on them by now :( !! LOL

Hopefully it'll all be up and running PROPERLY by Monday...though I can't guarantee my own speed.

Just a small visual preview again (nothing all that much) just showing off the stylish presentation I've got going in my Flash Project. AND now I finally got my creadits in place :D

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This is my About page that has detailed information on both the emulator and the XML compat list itself.

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My credits (:drool: ) I've linked everybody up to their profile pages at EmuTalk.net to save me the tedious effort of doing up custom ones. Plus I've been a bit busy and prepared up pplz avatars for my list...Sorry if anyone has a problem with me changing them a bit or anything but I want to keep to a strictish layout/format so it's all neat and that (ie 60x60 pixels etc) but when I do release it and anybody got a problem with their avatars.....send me a PM and possibly either tell me not to include you with an avatar or send me your own 60x60 pixel one.

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Here's just some evidence of some of the sorting functions now implemented into my database. The newly added decending order function I stumbled across while I look at the help files (Flash has like it's own dictionary of all the actionscript code) The only thing I haven't worked out how to do is sort by playability but in reverse 5-1, atm it does that but also games are sorted from Z-A. I'll work it out anyway LOL

Also both lists are up to date, at current the last new game addition is 0475 - Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest....so I am really proud to say I am not longer lagging behind like I normally do.

Now in case anyone's wondering, the only reason why it's not up yet is because I am working on a nice Flash Web (also XML based) to save me the tedious stuff around with HTML and those dispicable tables :x

Luckily I am just doing the finishing touches like pictures and colour wonderful colour :evil: LOL

Hmm maybe it'll be up late Wednesday early Thursday (depending on your region times) but from now on it REQUIRES Flash 8 Plugin for web browsers. Also on this matter, I think this project will only be for Windows users, until at least I compile a downloadable version that is self contained so it will run on any Operating System (sorry Linux pplz :teehee: )

Site Updated....everything is fixed (to some extent) and now everybody can have a personal look at my project and it's progress from a simple HTML table page....

Only minor problem is that I uploaded all my thumbnail covers into the wrong folder :( and the stupid thing won't let me move them...means I got to reupload the lot of them AND on dial up....

http://llref.emutalk.net

To be honnest, there is nothing on that site, based on the preview, which can't be done in normal HTML, with some PHP knowledge. It's also more old-pc friendly, because it takes less CPU.

Seriously, there can be better alternatives.

1. I am lazy
2. I like flash
3. I am encouraging using flash (yes I am a freak)
4. I don't know much to any PHP
5. I like to be very artistic with my visual presentation

I am very glad though someone can just look at it, and say it can be done in another coding language (makes me want to try harder ;)). But anyway what's wrong with pulling away from typical databases on the internet?? I want to be different :evil: LOL

But can I ask?? Can PHP be compiled into an EXE and run like a program?? Because that will be my next step, compiling a self contained Flash Projector that SHOULD run on most OS Systems (I hope) :drool:

Please be different. I like what you are doing because you are different. So stay with what you are doing and to your own style.

Who said I would change?? :unsure: (not me) LOL ;)

Taken from by News Page (http://llref.emutalk.net/pages/index2.htm)
Here's a useful addition I have made to my project. You can now view 2 compat lists alongside each other in a spreadsheet like layout, which gives you a much quicker and understandable idea of which version or emulator is better and for what game.
compare_01.jpg (http://llref.emutalk.net/images/screenshots/compare_01.jpg) - Basic Screenshot of Flash File
compare_02.jpg (http://llref.emutalk.net/images/screenshots/compare_02.jpg) - Showing the Loading Window for loading XML files

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
It is still in it's early stages so it is liable for there to be bugs or errors. I'll get round to fixing them when I am up to it, but it should be good enough to work as it is intended to.


Where's Diablow?? He should be thrilled, considering this was his idea. :bouncy:

I'm here, and

WOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! AWESOME!!!!!

Thanks guys ;)

Yay!! At least I got some feedback from the silent pplz :bouncy: in this forum. Thanks Diablow =]

I was hoping to get 100 people hammer me and say "this is crap!! look there's all these bugs!!" but either nobody has yet found any bugs on any of my projects or maybe I am thinking too poorly of my project. :(

I guess I shall have to wait and see....:evil:

Hmm now this is just me with a little light bulb over his head....so nobody think me crazy k :evil:

I've noticed that most of the emulators now have a header information window with things such as SERIAL, INTERNAL NAME, etc

And I was wondering how complex it is to read a nds rom's header info. Could such a task be ported (to some extent) to either JSP,PHP,or any of the others?? Like maybe have a .dll or something that can be interactive with more looser programming languages.....

Most likely I now got pplz confused (sigh :( ) but anyway, if it was possible, it might allow me to transform my databases into something that would be similar to RomCenter......Basically I would be looking at the possibility of making a Flash File/Folder Browser, but atm I am relying on pre-defined list data through xmls.

I think things such as DIRECTORY, FILE SIZE, FILE TYPE, can be done in PHP, but header information such as SERIAL, CRC32 might be hard to get hold of.

Can anybody give us some info on what's possible here?? And anyways....this was just a thought, nothing more. =]

that´s quite the same as what a rom renamer does, you´ll get more info on pocketheaven.

hmm yeah thanks....I've been looking around for sources and that....I use NDSHeader by Vampire to check my roms....I'll have a look at the Renamers Now...

Where's Cyberman, he knows a bit on PHP doens't he? Maybe he can give me a direct answer whether anything like this is possible or not....

Hmm I am going to have to rethink my news page....

I've also been doing list update posts in my news as well, but it's a bit of a pain at the moment because I am doing it in XML (ie character subbing etc)
plus I aslo want to include a thumbnail cover image in the post.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Example
-------------------------------------------------------------

List Updates

04 Jul 2006


New Games Added:

Rockman ZX (J)
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DeSmuME 0.3.4 Update:

Rockman ZX (J)
Playability - Ingame
Status Notes - upper screen is black, graphic errors & crashes

by Low Lines

-------------------------------------------------------------
Are there any disagreements to this layout and does it provide all the information required??

HEH! Very nice of you to use this Rockman as my favorite games, lol.

But 0.3.6 didnt crashes and graphic errors only shown the centipede's head a little off thats all. And it is only 20-25 fps.

The 0.3.4 full have the same issues as above expect it crashes if you press B or A and the fps is only 10-14 fps.

Normmatt said the only thing that was changed in the 0.3.6 was the menu options.....so how can it have better compatbility?? :unsure: Unless he has missed something.

Then something is wrong with his emu because of B and A crashes if you press eithers! :(:o

Hmm....I've been doing a different kind of emulation (yes agian more flash)
see I get kicks out of trying to imitate things in say like actionscript, so when I find something that interests me...I play with it LOL

Treat this pic as a screenshot, though I did draw it from scratch (staring at my DS Lite every few secs) :bouncy:


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Not bad for a few hours work huh?? I was playing around with it in Flash too, it loading in game icons and that....nothing special, just something to show what I waste my time doing when I'm supposed to be sleeping LOL :evil:

I love my NDS Lite, second best invest I have ever made (1st would be my iPod).

I have added/fixed some custom viewing options which allow you to select only certain games say for instance Playable & Not Tested, as well as the option to show only certain regions at one time. Keep in mind though these are still very new so I am not sure whether or not they are bug-free yet. Please post any problems in the appropriate thread in the DS Emulation Section at Emutalk.net so I may look into any problems.

The only bug I know of at the moment is the shortcuts to different regions of games are buggy whenever the list is reduced in size (ie a Search has been made or Viewing Options have been changed) just hit the reset button if this occurs.

How's that sound pplz ;)

greate job low lines superb :) this wold really work with pcsx2 , seaing how the compatibility list is rarely updated and the engine always performs greately...

i actually would like to use it for other compatibility lists and that, but i find it's one hell of an effort to just take care of NDS, because you have up to 5 new games that come out every fortnight, plus media such as covers which may not be as difficult once you have got it started, but doing like 500+ covers all at once gets really boring ;) plus I only just started school again.....and there are still things I need to fix in the database (bugs, display errors, etc) though I won't have the proper time to work on them until the next lot of holidays :bouncy:

"Databases are great once they are up and running, it's just the updating that is time consuming" (only real smart thing my IT teacher has said yet this term LOL)

LL you could try like that weekly update thing. Besides Rockmangames is perportedly updating one message with all the games. SO... if you get all things lined up it's a once a week job and a couple of hours (maybe ;) ).

Anyhow do well at school :D

Cyb

"The more you know, the more you know you know less than what you want", Cyberman.

Or you could let someone else update it?

LL you could try like that weekly update thing. Besides Rockmangames is perportedly updating one message with all the games. SO... if you get all things lined up it's a once a week job and a couple of hours (maybe ;) ).

Anyhow do well at school :D

Cyb

Yeah I am doing that, though at the moment I ain't really gotten into the heavy end of homework (week 2, everything is still slow at school) yet, but I am planning on making either Friday or Sunday my update weekly thingo for the NDS.

Thanks for encouraging :flowers: A shame my IT classes are soo easy :P I have to put up with that, "lowest denominator" thingo for all the dumbies ;)


Or you could let someone else update it?

I did try to get that happening before, but the person who was doing it ended up being too busy to update it frequently enough.

Also if anything like that were to be done, they'd probably get a page of instructions (I am very picky and detailed with my work), plus I would also request maybe for alternate logins to the FTP, maybe with specific restricts (such as only being able to access the folder they will update in) if that can be done?

But yeah if people are willing, and they know they won't get caught up in other things, and that FTP thing can happen, it would be great :bouncy:

You say that advance wars dual strike (U) is not playable but how can i come on no$gba to mission 3 if it is not playable ?

You say that advance wars dual strike (U) is not playable but how can i come on no$gba to mission 3 if it is not playable ?
90% of the time I am not the one testing games, I am merely the person that gathers the data and puts it into a form that others can use. If you have a compatibility question, you should take it up with Rockmangames as he is about the most on top of things person when it comes to compatibility ;)

with you i mean the one who does the testing...and brain training doesn't works...(your compatibilaty list says that it is not tested)
it works until it needs to save to continue

with you i mean the one who does the testing...and brain training doesn't works...(your compatibilaty list says that it is not tested)
it works until it needs to save to continue
post compatibility in the compatibility threads, as that is where my lists are based from...

Question about the capabilities of Emutalk/Emulation64...

Been fiddling with some PHP code, I can read with it okay, but it's not letting me write to a file etc? Is this server read only?

Need it so I can make my databases modifable...

Hmm after more than a year an a half, I'm finally getting back down to doing my hobbies again :bouncy:

Reason being with my school and all I really did not have the motivation nor time to do anything on it, even though I've procrascinated and done other things here and there.

Regardless I'm gonna get to a point where it's finished hopefully, and I'm really gonna look into getting the compatibility side of it working in the way that's been tried before.

For the time being, here's a little picy of what I've been working on over the past few days...It is kind of a another redesign, though alot of the actual processing has been changed significantly.

For instance the list no longer will choke up CPU as it only is loading the visible contents allowing me to have like 1000+ games and the program will not (or shouldn't) ever slow down :)

Also my slidebar has been tweeked a little more as well as I've found some more bugs, and I've sorted out a easier way to store all the data in my XML files :p

I'm wanting to get the release information done first so then I can just reference it in the compat, does and would make it alot easier.

Anyways once I've completed the Nintendo 64 one I'm moving straight onto Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii games so they are all up to date and then I'm gonna look at other newer consoles too since they don't have as many games to add :p

As soon as I work out how to setup PHP on my computer I'm gonna work on that server based updating system that sorta was attempt at one point but didn't get much further... :(

Stuff to do...hobbies to get stuck into :) I'm happy

Glances at the last posting date *groans*

Meh, wells I am about to start writing up a PHP driven compat list done in Flash, hopefully I should be able to get it up quickly. I plan on adding users so people can add their compatibility tests rather than relying on one person. I have recently done a database using flash/php with user functionalitiy and it worked out okay. PHP instructions are sent to an embedded frame and then sent back. Would allow for errors to be detected too and can easily be made invisible or whatever.

I am going to avoid the whole game release lists and focus solely on roms/compatibility, so I don't get sidetracked like I normally do. The only downside about starting it now is that I have about 2000 roms to put in *groans*, but I'll worry about that later.

Ohs and for now I'm just going to worry about getting the NDS compat up first before anything else :s

I'll leave an update here once I get the database running.