I totally understand and agree with having some files external to LateralGM in order to override LGM's default behavior in a user-friendly way. I could never figure out a good way to do that. One possible way is to provide the files (or even LateralGM) as a zip *alternative* to users who want that, but it might not be able to place the right files in the right places, since some files may belong in a different directory (and also limitations that I'll detail in the next paragraph).
Whatever the case, I do believe the single-file has value to many users, which is why I strongly continue to try to preserve it. First, it affords us the ability to easily store LateralGM on certain mediums without adding write permissions requirements to that medium (for example, a CD). Second, it's super convenient for users to download 1 file and run it. Even easier is moving it around - one file to move, without needing to worry about if it has any other file dependencies or if the registry is expecting it to be located in one location.
I've done a lot of work on trying to get LateralGM to honor external files in logical locations. For reference, please read the wiki page on LateralGM's WorkDir:
www.enigma-dev.org/docs/Wiki/LateralGM:Workdir
A little work still needs to be done in some spots, but most importantly, we need some way to increase the visibility of these locations.
A few solutions that I've seen other programs do that I like:
* Attempt to create those directories. An installer will often handle this, but I want to avoid requiring an installer. LGM could try to create those directories, probably with the user's permission, and if it's even possible.
* Give in-program easy links/access to those directories. Commonly a button or link will open the user's file browser pointed to the directory. You'd just need a good spot to put this button (or these buttons)
Whatever the solution, we should try to keep it as platform-independant as possible. If it doesn't work on one platform, that's fine, skip it and continue - and let LGM still continue to try and work on that platform.
Whatever the case, I do believe the single-file has value to many users, which is why I strongly continue to try to preserve it. First, it affords us the ability to easily store LateralGM on certain mediums without adding write permissions requirements to that medium (for example, a CD). Second, it's super convenient for users to download 1 file and run it. Even easier is moving it around - one file to move, without needing to worry about if it has any other file dependencies or if the registry is expecting it to be located in one location.
I've done a lot of work on trying to get LateralGM to honor external files in logical locations. For reference, please read the wiki page on LateralGM's WorkDir:
www.enigma-dev.org/docs/Wiki/LateralGM:Workdir
A little work still needs to be done in some spots, but most importantly, we need some way to increase the visibility of these locations.
A few solutions that I've seen other programs do that I like:
* Attempt to create those directories. An installer will often handle this, but I want to avoid requiring an installer. LGM could try to create those directories, probably with the user's permission, and if it's even possible.
* Give in-program easy links/access to those directories. Commonly a button or link will open the user's file browser pointed to the directory. You'd just need a good spot to put this button (or these buttons)
Whatever the solution, we should try to keep it as platform-independant as possible. If it doesn't work on one platform, that's fine, skip it and continue - and let LGM still continue to try and work on that platform.