Almost Done with Dual-Build Launcher for TFF...
Dear TFF: I am testing a Dual Build Launcher for TenFourFox I made that can allow a user to have both the final version of 17 that supports plugins, as well as whatever the current build is, and share bookmarks, the password database and history/session restore between the two.
On click, it prompts asking which version you wish to use and then shuffles files around launching the desired version. Am just working on the installer now to make it more user friendly. If you all might be interested in having this to offer to the user group, just let me know. Also, while the finished application bundle will be run-only, am happy to send you the Applescript code so you can make sure it is safe and you can compile it yourself if you wish.
The only part that has to remain separate between the two versions, is the Addons, and about:config prefs, but fortunately, the current installer seems to do a good job of making a copy of the current ones for both builds and then they can diverge as necessary from there.
Adam :0)
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Support Staff 1 Posted by Cameron Kaiser on 20 Jul, 2013 01:27 AM
Although I appreciate the ingenuity, 17 isn't going to be supported for a lot longer, one way or the other -- it's built with a completely different toolchain and has some deficiencies that cannot be easily corrected -- so as a long term solution I wouldn't want unsophisticated users still regularly using a branch that won't receive security updates in the near future. I don't have any problem with you releasing this on your own as long as people are aware of the issue, but I would not be able to endorse it. Nothing personal -- I do laud your effort.
2 Posted by game_creator on 20 Jul, 2013 01:35 AM
Happy 2013!
Adam :0)
3 Posted by Adam Albrec on 20 Jul, 2013 02:11 AM
I completely understand! The hope is, of course, is that HTML 5 will hurry up and get here, but in the meantime, this is convenient work around for us impatient types ;0)
Would not have thought it could work easily, but recently a number of us interested in the Doom Legacy project were talking about how to make a dual build version + episode launcher (previously, you have to actually put the app with the doom.wad file to get it to load). Surprisingly shell-scripting the move command really did the trick.
Have not forgotten about your donation, am just poor this summer, but will, for sure be sending bear money when I go back to my normal job in the Fall!
Take care and all the best. Once this is done, will send a link so you can check it out.
Adam :0)
4 Posted by Adam Albrec on 03 Aug, 2013 12:11 AM
Dear Cameron: There seems to be quite a lot of interest in this launcher from the Low End Mack Facebook group, and I just had a couple of super quick questions about the future versions:
Do you know if the file titles and compatibility of the Bookmarks, History, Session Restore, Favicon db and Password db are expected to be changed significantly in the next 5 versions or so?
Also, am hoping to implement an 'easy' folder action to update the current TFF build. Have never actually used the 'automatically install' feature of TFF. Does it simply download the update to the desktop with a prompt to install, or does it in fact replace the current application (if it does replace the build does it do so in the current app location, or an arbitrary location like "Applications")?
Thanks so much!
Adam :0)
P.S. just for fun, am also putting in a 'table session' feature (activated by clicking the launcher app a second time, while TFF is open) that will take a current session and all of its tabs/windows (from either the 'plugins' or 'current' build) and puts it aside to permit normal browsing. Then the next time the browser is opened, and each time after, will ask the user if they wishes to pickup the saved session, or do a new one - until the saved session is used.