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Quick Batch: A multi-use editing system

Started by Outsider, August 16, 2024, 04:24PM

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August 16, 2024, 04:24PM Last Edit: August 19, 2024, 10:17AM by Outsider

Looking for a modern and faster way to edit the herostat and other data files without extra steps or confusing initial difficulty? Then, allow us to introduce an underrated and easy option... Quick Batch.

Developed by the batch master himself ak2yny, Quick Batch is a half-manual/half-automatic tool that speeds up the file editing process using the same system that XMLBCUI uses, but is much faster and easier to use. And, it's not just for the herostat. It can be used for many data files in the game. I myself, the Outsider, use it and would recommended it, as I prefer things simple and would rather have just one system that can be used for multiple uses. See for yourself.




DOWNLOAD QUICK BATCH HERE

INFORMATION:
Quick Batch contains XMLB-Compile.exe -- the system behind XMLBCUI, but uses batch files so it runs much faster. You can also use it with Raven-Formats if you choose to. Formerly called the "XMLB Batch Tools." View the ReadMe inside for information.


(RF)Compile: Uses Raven-Formats to compile the chosen .xml or .json file to a data file format. The program lets you choose which type of data file you're compiling to.
(RF)DecompileJSON: Uses Raven-Formats to decompile the chosen data file to a .json file.
(RF)DecompileTrueXML: Uses Raven-Formats to decompile the chosen data file to a .xml (true XML format) file.
(RF)Edit: Uses Raven-Formats to edit a chosen data file. This .bat file will decompile the file and automatically open it in notepad for you to edit it. When you finish editing it and close notepad, the bat file will compile the file automatically.
(XC)Decompile: Uses XMLB-Compile to decompile the chosen data file to a .xml (XMLBCUI format code) file.
(XC)Edit: uses XMLB-Compile to edit a chosen data file. This .bat file will decompile the file and automatically open it in notepad for you to edit it. When you finish editing it and close notepad, the bat file will compile the file automatically.
(XCtoRF)Convert: converts the chosen XMLB-Compile format .xml file to a Raven-Formats compatible .json file
Cleanup: Removes any text files (.xml or .json) from the selected folders.


VIDEO IN ACTION:

ak2yny recommends to use true XML with grid/table view (XiMpLe). Outsider uses only the (XC) contents for ease of use. How you wish to use it is up to you.


DETAILS:
- All batch files can also be used by dragging & dropping any amount of files or folders on them. Drag & Drop has a limit of roughly 75 files and folders at a time.
- Raven Format files are: xmlb, engb (and other languages, eg. itab, freb, etc), pkgb, boyb, chrb, navb
- XMLB-Compile doesn't work with special characters, such as "&" or cyrillic letters. This limitation doesn't apply to the other formats.
- The string length limit is 8191. The limit does NOT include files inside dropped folders.
- Average path length 100, plus reserve: 110. This is not the maximum path length. See the readme for more information.


EXPERT TIPS (from ak2yny):
- If you open a .BAT file with a text editor, you can change the settings at the top. All .BAT files are actually identical, except for the settings at the top. Explore the settings ;).
 - I intentionally created it so that sub-folders are ignored; Use the search function of the file explorer to display all files, even in sub-folders. Then use drag & drop with all or a selection of files and/or folders. Sub-folders can be included by setting the recursive mode to `true` in the settings.
- The batches will show a message when there is an error. When the input file is in the old XML format, the error can sometimes not be located exactly. In this case, the error will show an `IndexError` from the converter and a `file not found` error from the compiler. Usually the error is extra white spaces, as added after a bracket `} `, or added by the editor with a new line `   }/n   /n   [...]`.


August 16, 2024, 04:25PM #1 Last Edit: August 16, 2024, 11:12PM by Outsider
FOR PEOPLE WHO USE XMLBCUI WITH A SHORTCUT:
You can also use Quick Batch, make a shortcut of (XC)Edit.bat (name it whatever you want, change the icon, etc.), and in the Target field of the shortcut properties, at the end (after .bat) add a space and enter the path to the herostat.engb, including double-quotes. In Win 11, you can right-click on the herostat.engb and select "Copy as path", and then paste this in the Target field, after the space. The field should look something like this (with your own paths):

D:\Games\Tools\marvel\batch\NBA2kStuff\(XC)Edit.bat "D:\Games\Marvel - Ultimate Alliance Mods\mods\Herostat\data\herostat.engb"

Then, you can double-click on the shortcut, and it automatically decompiles the herostat for you and opens it in Notepad. In there, make the modifications save them and close Notepad. The herostat is automatically compiled back and you're ready to go.

How to get (XC)Edit.bat: HERE