UBB.Developers Forums UBB.threads 7 Development How Do I? The implications of adding mods....

Just a quick question. I'm running version 6.3.2 and right now have the IIP5.3.1 installed. I also plan on adding the photopost hack when I can afford to buy it. Just wondering with these mods (or any mods) installed, will it be very difficult for me to upgrade when a new version of threads comes out?

Edit: off topic a little, but I also have a problem of user uploaded avatars not being uploaded to my server. I've checked file permissions, the paths and the test file also works. No errors are displayed when uploading, but it just doesn't get there. Any ideas? thanks a bundle!

Most people tend to start afresh on each major release. Minor releases can be easily completed with Beyond Compare to compare the files changed.

There is another thread about uploading avatar problems - that thread might help.

In general, the more hacks you have, the more of a headache it is to do upgrades.

I recommend keeping accurate records on any hacks or other customizations you apply, including which files are added or modified, and what changes are made to the database.

Well the Photopost Hack hacks Photopost not Threads so that will be of little consequence when upgrading.

I like Dave's analysis best the more hacks you have the harder it is to upgrade.

I agree with what Dave said, mostly.

The excellent documentation on hacks that's available here makes upgrading simple, so long as you have a solid record of what you've done. If you don't have to be bleeding edge, just wait a week or few and someone will have tested and documented hacks. Worst case, you have to reapply hacks.

My experience has been that the small tweaks you do to customize your board are harder to recreate, and must be documented thoroughly. For example, I've saved txt files of each template customization I've made - states tmpl name, original code, new code, what the change actually did.

Don't forget, if Infopop support is important to you, there are support restrictions on a hacked board.

I'm just going to add that the more times you install a hack, the easier it gets to do. And, if you do everything on a test board first, you don't have to worry about messing up your live board.

I have since about version 3 or so written "enhancements" instead of hacks. Files that went alongside Threads, but did not change the code "too" much.

This has been MUCH easier to accomplish since templates were introduced, as I typically have all extraneous pages simply linked in my templates, and since they are rarely written over, it makes it easier on upgrades.

My Calendar hack is the only one I am dreading for this next release. The long-time calendar hack is very different than the soon-to-be-released Calendar hack, and I have become very comfortable with the hacked version.