[Sandwich]

I'm pondering coding up a PHP parser for FS1/2 tables, partially because I'd like to get some experience in parsing text files with PHP, and partially because it might be useful somehow.

Now, first of all, vote whether you think this could end up being useful... the possible applications are quite varied, everything from storing the .tbl info in a real database and outputting parts as needed, to comparing ship stats, to easy adjustment of various ship stats, built-in help for each option, etc etc etc.

Secondly, assuming the majority think this is worthwhile, I'll need some help, primarily in gathering up lists of all possible ship flags, attributes, context help explanations for the options, etc.

Thirdly, again assuming I go ahead with this, is there anyone of you who has past experience with PHP parsing of text files that I can work with?

[an0n]

Go find DM. He has skillz.

[Sandwich]

DM?

[an0n]

http://ironmarch.krabbit.com

Deadman.

He usually lurks on IRC.

[WMCoolmon]

I think it would be good for newer modders, but not as useful for veterans.

[phreak]

it would be good to check if any errors exist in table entries before you test it in fs2 and it doesn't work

[Sandwich]

Ok, I've got initial parsing completed. The script will put a border around the main sections and a grey BG behind the section title and footer (eg. "#Ship Classes" and "#End"). It will display any comments in grey colored test, and will bold the attribute names (eg. $Name: GTF Ulysses).

It also displays a list of links to the different sections in the .tbl up top.

Check it out here, but keep in mind that it's big - upwards of 375Kb (which is the size of the ships.tbl). Note: the comments' color formatting seems to be messed up in Mozilla/Netscape.

Source:
  $table = file("ships.tbl");
$text = '

';
	while (list (, $line) = each ($table)) {
		$line = trim($line);
		
		// BEGIN section check
		if (strpos($line, "#") === 0) { // line begins with '#'?
			if ($line == "#End") {
				$line = '' . $line . "

[Taristin]

Err.. now, what exactly does this do?

[mikhael]

You know, I suggested something like this about a year ago. I believe Narol castigated me for DAYS about how bad an idea this was because it might make things too easy.


Its still a good idea, in my opinion. Good job, Sandwich.

[an0n]

What's $index?

EDIT: Nevermind, found it.

[diamondgeezer]

Aside from wanting to work with PHP for your own 'enjoyment', what's wrong with Wordpad? Table editing (and FREDding ) the way our fathers did it.

[an0n]

The peoples need for progress must be satisifed.

Now either leave or be put to work in the cotton fields.

[diamondgeezer]

Well, it beats mining for coal I suppose

[Sandwich]

Originally posted by an0n
What's $index?

EDIT: Nevermind, found it.

Hehehe - and I plan on further enhancing that llittle variable to be a expanding javascript menu system, allowing one-click access to any ship.

Originally posted by diamondgeezer
Aside from wanting to work with PHP for your own 'enjoyment', what's wrong with Wordpad?

Nothing, except for the same difference that there is between coding HTML in Notepad, and coding it in something that color-codes it.

Originally posted by diamondgeezer
...(and FREDding ) the way our fathers did it.

You're insane.

[J.F.K.]

I'm still a bit mystified as to what this 'Parser' actually does... mind putting it in plain terms for an idiot like me?

[Sandwich]

It parses.

It'll turn this:

[q]$Name: GTF Ulysses[/q]

Into this:

[q]$Name: GTF Ulysses[/q]

Throughout the whole .tbl file, automagically!

[J.F.K.]

...

Okay, I'm still confused. Do you mean, then, that it changes the formatting (to blue, bold type in this case) of certain strings in the file? But aren't TBL files opened in Wordpad, where such formatting is irrelevant..?

[WMCoolmon]

He means when it's displayed in the parser, it'll be colored like above. The file will still work normally.

[Exarch]

Color coding basically helps skim a file faster, so besides all the nifty functions that'll probably be added later, even that is a considerable help

[Taristin]

What nifty functions?