ExtensionView by Jaffob
ExtensionView is an extension database and download software, similar to many of the extension lists currently available. Like many of the extension lists, it was also out-of-date and not extremely informative. ExtensionView 2.0 fixes this problem; I will keep it up-to-date, and it features more information that any of the other current extension listings.
[size:14pt]About[/size]
I designed ExtensionView entirely in MMF2, and for the MMF2 community. It is open-source; PM me and tell me what you're interested in seeing, and I can send you part or all of the source MFA. The entire extension database is now also available by download, in MMF2 array format. If you wish to use the database in your MMF2 application, PM Jaffob and we can arrange something.
[size:14pt]
Changes in ExtensionView 2.0[/size]
I've packed in a huge number of features to make ExtensionView much more useful, as well as more streamlined and professional. One of the major perks of 2.0 is the ability to mass-download and install extensions FusionUpdater-style. However, downloads and installations will include all examples and documentation just as ExtensionView 1.x did. Like its predecessors, 2.0 downloads extensions directly from where the authors host them; the only extensions I've hosted are ones that were unavailable elsewhere (if I've hosted your extension and that makes you sad, please PM Jaffob and he can fix that).
Here is a screenshot of the user interface:
(You may want to open this separately in your browser to see it in full)
I've essentially doubled the number of columns of data, stuffing in as much information about each extension as I could think of. The 16 pieces of information for each extension are:
- Extension Name
- Author
- Version
- Description
- Category
- Type: 3rd-Party, Bonus Pack, or Built-in to MMF.
- Classification: A rough estimate of how useful/important the extension is. The majority of extensions are simply marked as "Useful." Major extensions or very useful ones are labeled "Essential," while older retired ones may be "Obsolete."
- Ease of Use: A rough estimate of how simple and easy to understand and use the extension is.
- MFX Filename
- MFX Size: The size of the MFX file in kilobytes.
- Download Link
- Included: What is included in the download of the extension. This will mention the runtime version of the extension, help and documentation, example files, and "Other" content as the possible options here.
- Release Date
- Date of last modification/update
- Compatibility: Which runtimes the extension works in.
- Developer only (yes/no)
I've created a dialog to show all this information in one window:
The format of the database no longer permits submission of extensions. This feature generally went unused in previous versions, so I decided to remove it entirely to implement a new system. The database now loads large amounts of information much more quickly, and can be applied to new features of the software as well, which I will detail below.
Additional new features of version 2.0 include a powerful and improved system of displaying new and updated extensions. Extensions featured in the database that you don't have installed are considered "New," while extensions you have an outdated version of are labeled "Updated." ExtensionView now scans your MMF2 Extensions folder to determine these, unlike the older system which made absolutely no sense. If you can't install or don't want updates and new extensions, you can also mark them as "Installed," preventing them from appearing as new/updated.
The entire database can be searched quickly and easily using new filtering functionality. A search box is now placed directly on the main UI, and immediately filters the list to display only the extensions matching your query. You can also filter extensions based on their "new/updated" status, their category, and compatible runtimes.
Another new feature is the Authors Dialog, as shown below:
This window loads the names of all extension authors into a single list, displaying the number of extensions each one has in the database, as well as their “Quality Rating.” This is a rough estimate of the overall quality and usefulness of their work, influenced by number of extensions and classification. It also features a button that will filter the main extension list to display the selected author’s extensions.
[size:14pt]Extension Manager[/size]
ExtensionView now includes a full-featured and powerful extension manager. This utility is comparable to Sphax’s FusionManager software, but supports all extensions and provides newer functionality.
I’ve rambled enough already, so I’ll give you a quick summary of this aspect of ExtensionView. The Extension Manager’s purpose is to show you your extensions and enable you to modify or uninstall them. Its primary function is complete control over extensions’ categories as they appear in MMF’s “Add Object” dialog. It provides an easy way to select multiple categories for each extension, as well as the ability to hide extensions. You can also sort all extensions you own into the categories recommended by the ExtensionView database, and rename and delete entire categories at will.
The ExtensionView main app integrates pretty well with the manager. A button at the top of both tools lets you easily switch between the two, and you can also switch to the manager by choosing to manage a particular extension.
[size:14pt]Download[/size]
I had a great time creating ExtensionView, and I hope you find it useful and easy to use. I would love to hear any questions, comments and feature requests you may have; please post them in this thread.
[size:17pt]Download (2MB Executable Installer)[/size]
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