Promi Question.

[White Fang]

I'm not really for sure if this is the correct forum for this, but here it is.

I've been considering creating my own Promi-based game, but PhP is currently not within my grasp of knowledge. However, since all the actual coding is already written (and openly available for download), is it possible to simply modify the names/race stats/etc. and then run it from there?

[bjornredtail]

It's relatively easy to modify. If I rember correctly RWL puts the stats in the database. FAF uses a config file, but it is well documented. It basicly tells what you what the variables you are modifying. Setup is automated with both... You will also need a MySQL database and access to cronjobs (if you plan to run RWL, FAF doesn't need them).

[Peace Alliance]

Super easy to do it with RWL. you can change the names and stuff without even using the php because we have a database.

[bjornredtail]

Troops are in database (for RWL)... I think $cterms stuff is in the config thourgh.

I think the classes of troops are hard coded in RWL (I think... Didn't a commenders have 5 trooptypes?) which means you are limited to 4 types of troops (again, I think). If you want to change that it would mean some fairly diffacult modifications. In fact changeing FAF to allow an arbitary number of trooptypes took up most of the development effort.

[White Fang]

@Peace: I'm not finding this database among the downloaded files...is it something you access after the game's set up on a server?

@Bjorn: Pardon my ignorance, but what are MySQL database and cronjobs?

[bjornredtail]

The database is a program that runs on the server that stores all the player information. In order to setup you must run setup.php (for RWL) or simply attempt to login as admin (FAF). Don't forget to enter the database name, host, username and password into config.php. You should get this information from your webhost or web server software.

Cronjobs are the unix version of schedued tasks. They run certain applications at certain times. You want to set it to run turns.php each time you want distibuate turns. Ie. if you want to give out 2 turns  turns every 10 minuates, you set it up to run turns.php every 10 minuates. As for HOW to do this, it depends on how your webhost handles crons. You might have a nice web based control panel, or you might have to do it from the command line.

[White Fang]

One more question: how much space/bandwith would I need to run a Promi?



(Btw, thanks for taking out time to answer my questions. I really appreciate it).

[bjornredtail]

I would say around 5-10 Mb space at the absoulate most. That includes all the skins and stuff... You could possibly also put a forum in that small of a space too. Bandwidth shouldn't be a problem until you have a LOT of players. Same goes for server CPU and other junk like that.

[White Fang]

I'm looking for free servers; are there any in particular I should steer clear of?

[bjornredtail]

You are not going to find all this stuff in a free server. Simple as that... Sorry.

[White Fang]

*Cocks head.* What'd I miss? You said I didn't need to worry about bandwith, etc. only 5-10 MB of server space; I already found a free server that has that.

[bjornredtail]

You need PHP installed on the server. You need MySQL installed on the server. If you plan to run RWL, you need the ability to run cronjobs.

[White Fang]

Aaah, I see.

Well, thank you for your time; again, I appreciate it greatly.

[bjornredtail]

All of these should be avable even on a relatively low end shared linux hosting plan. Look to pay around $50-$100 a year for a good repudal host. Windows hosting doesn't make sence for hosting a prominance like RWL or FAF. It will cost more and will not get you anything for the extra money.

[White Fang]

http://freehostia.com/free_hosting.html


It's free and has MySQL and php enabled. Is there something else I'm missing?



(The problem right now is that even "cheap" is out of my price range).