Talk:Categorii

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EPIC

I Love this app! It's epic! I can finally have categories!!! TwoBladedKnight 12:52, 7 September 2009 (UTC)

I second that! May I recommend that we have a apps\ with 'games,utilities,demos,etc' and in every apps_??? we have 'back to menu' it would be awsome. Yossi can you give an example for something like that? --Elisherer 12:55, 7 September 2009 (UTC)
You just described the tree setup. It can be done with what I already posted. You just setup the meta.xml file to say "back to menu" while the link actually points to apps_menu/ or whatever.Yossi 17:22, 7 September 2009 (UTC)

Yes, I don't know why the HBC people have never thought to add something like this -- HBC has needed it for a long time. I'm about to give this a try, but just reading the wiki, it seems over-complicated to configure. Why not make it self-configuring, and make it so that it doesn't need to use separate folders.... i.e., you just run this program (from HBC or whatever -- give it a name so that it appears first in the list in HBC) and it reads all the apps in the apps folder, and from within the program you can select which apps go into what category, and it stores that information in a cfg file, and displays things accordingly..... --Mr. Reaper 21:15, 7 September 2009 (UTC)

that is kind of beyond the scope of this app, but it is a good idea. this app is very simple (<100 lines). what you want would need a UI also --Yossi 00:57, 8 September 2009 (UTC)
The best UI for this is the Windows Explorer :) (Maybe a premade directory tree in a zip file would be good?) --Elisherer 07:06, 9 September 2009 (UTC)
I loved this app as well I did make a premade directory. Yossi I hope you don't mined I'm linking to my mediafire share http://www.mediafire.com/file/tz3y1m0dmw2/Categorii_SCRoot_1_2.zip I used your icons as well. --capple123 01:48, 11 September 2009 (UTC)
You forgot the UTILITES_LINK_ROOT directory. Otherwise, good work. Good idea linking games and emulators directly to each other--Yossi 04:27, 11 September 2009 (UTC)
Fix that. I don't know what happened. I had it all when I tested on my Wii--capple123 12:06, 11 September 2009 (UTC)
I mucked that up too. Only a small Spelling error though. The UTILITES_LINK_ROOT title was Utilities not Link to Utilities like it should have been. Above link is updated and here it is again. http://www.mediafire.com/file/tz3y1m0dmw2/Categorii_SCRoot_1_2.zip --capple123 19:04, 11 September 2009 (UTC)

Three words

This.App.Rocks.

I needed this for a LONG time :) Thank you. —Preceding unsigned comment added by LuciusMare (talk • contribs) 17:52, 7 September 2009 (UTC)

Thanks

I love you. —Preceding unsigned comment added by PZYR0 (talk • contribs) 18:45, 7 September 2009 (UTC)

My Logos

here are my new transparent logos..

  • Back to main menu

  • Games

  • Utilities

  • Demos

  • Emulators

  • Media

  • Installers

  • Miscellaneous

--Elisherer 19:19, 7 September 2009 (UTC)

Very nice! :D Yossi 20:37, 7 September 2009 (UTC)
Could you make some for emulators and media too?--Yossi 23:06, 8 September 2009 (UTC)
Sure (games changed...) --Elisherer 07:03, 9 September 2009 (UTC)
any chance you could make an 'installers' one? I have a category for preloader install freedom install and hackmii intaller TwoBladedKnight 08:10, 9 September 2009 (UTC)
Lovely! Any chance you could add an icon for "Misc"? --Sorky 02:20, 11 September 2009 (UTC)
I was kind of hoping to standardize of an apps_* naming format (mostly because with wiixplorer I just have to erase the _* but also so teknical might have an easier time deciding how hbb will deal with this sort of thing)--Yossi 10:36, 11 September 2009 (UTC)
Any chance of an "Applications" one? I'm too lazy and unartistic to make one, and I'd like to have Applications and Utilies seperately --SifJar 12:14, 27 September 2009 (UTC)

Icons Dir. Subpage?

I think we should have an Icon.png Showcase/Directory for Categoriis (Categoriis??? ☺☻☺☻☺☻), like **this one**. I put Elisherer's nice set of icons up, as well as adding some of my own. I don't like sig.(s) Elosnoc Iiw 04:23, 3 October 2009 (UTC)

Warnings

Possibly you should mention that this app does it's all magic by changing names of the directories on the sd card which may seem unpleasant to some... --I R on 22:05, 7 September 2009 (UTC)

I did mention it. It's right there under the Wut? heading--Yossi 00:58, 8 September 2009 (UTC)
Oops, sorry I missed it --I R on 06:03, 8 September 2009 (UTC)

Suggestion 1

I think it would be nice to have your config in the Meta.xml file - I don't believe it would interfere and it would mean editing only one file ;-) --Sorky 02:35, 11 September 2009 (UTC)

PS: Awesome idea - so simple, yet so usefull. I've commented for the HBB to have support for this added!!!

The thought did cross my mind while I was making this :D But now that it was done this way, I don't know if it's a good idea to change it.--Yossi 06:06, 11 September 2009 (UTC)
Go on... You could maintain backward compatibility by using the config.xml if no value is found in the meta.xml - would be so much neater ;-) --Sorky 16:37, 11 September 2009 (UTC)

Suggestion 2

It might also be nice to have a password (button press sequence) required for selected directories as a way to limit access to the Installers! ;-) --Sorky 02:35, 11 September 2009 (UTC)

The way I have it, I have one directory that only has a link back to root. The only way to get into it (from the wii) is to rename it with WiiXplorer. I was already doing this for a bit when the idea for this app came to me.--Yossi 06:14, 11 September 2009 (UTC)
Just needs another option... <Code>ABUDLR+H-12</code> and if the app is run, ask for the sequence before changing any directories - if they match, proceed. If not, simply reload the HBC. --Sorky 16:42, 11 September 2009 (UTC)

Suggestion - possible HBB solution/workaround

  • I will edit the following to clarify pending sleep/thinking on it:

I don't know how complicated it would be for HBB to add support for everybodies random category names [plus translations] ...

however, if this could be internalized in this app [and subsequently, any potential knock-offs...], it would be easier for each dev to maintain support.

my idea is such: keep/make a translation for all the entries in the sub-categories, and have a compatibility mode, that you can select and run [ since this app is headless, this may need to be a separate .dol, maybe it could be used to chainload hbb when selected also...]. anyways, when this compatibility mode is chosen, it will rename all the apps into /apps, with no cats, so that hbb is happy.

I am not sure how easy/clear this is to read at the moment. I am still setting up my install, and will clarify this when I can.

PidGin128 03:03, 11 September 2009 (UTC) [also, this reminds me of PSP:\\seplugins\game_categories.prx, which had several CAT_ folder prefixes, to be shown as virtual memory sticks. I think newer psp fws have cats\folders builtin? [i'm a little outdated]]

  • HBB Updating can be done, with many copies of HBB, one in each cat. as long as you only update/install apps appropriate for that cat, it should function normally?... Also, I still haven't gotten installed yet [easily distracted...], but I seem to think you could set this up to rename everything from the cats, back to classic apps folder, although not the otherway around--- this was literally a half-baked thought. needs more sleep [on my part] PidGin128 06:33, 11 September 2009 (UTC)
The multiple copies of HBB idea can work. The problems are that you need to remember to only get stuff for the category you are in, you need to run it for each category, and HBB downloads ALL the icons it uses to a temp/ directory. So you have to be ok with multiple copies of that on your SD card as well.--Yossi 07:14, 11 September 2009 (UTC)
Thanks for the quick reply, and the nice app itself. Forgot about HBB's /temp, shouldn't be too bad, I need to see how big it grows. I don't think I'll be using that setup myself, I was just sharing for anyone who might [and so I don't forget it myself..]. I did just finish roughing out my cats, hopefully I won't suddenly decide to change them all. Since they are still unpopulated, I might be tempted to upload them, esp. since they use Elisherer's excellent gfx above.
Before I used the app I wasn't sure if this could be accomplished with what was already released. Since I have a better understanding now, what I might have suggested as changes, are perhaps better off as a complimentary un/flattening app. To flatten to /apps: find all App* prefixed folders, records contents, and moves all to /apps. Run HBB and when done, unflatten with the recorded locations, move everyone back into their categories, maybe new apps into an 'unsorted'/misc cat. This extra work may not be worth the effort. maybe WiiXplorer could have some rename macros to handle this? how intrusive is devkitpro? I may have to out my money where my mouth is, and try this myself.
Since I have your ear, I have some thoughts now that I have put my hands and eyes on this. First: My HBC loading has sped up immensely, since /apps is now just ~6 cats [and each cat loading should improve too, since the content is now divided]. kind of obvious, but thanks. Second: If you keep the console blank it'll seem transparent, like we never leave HBC. Third: Returning to HBC the remote is off, I haven't noticed this with other apps [some might also do this].
Thanks again -- PidGin128 08:29, 11 September 2009 (UTC) [It took me that long to write all this nonsense...]
Nevermind the power off remote thing, I wasn't waiting long enough. Also the text is helpful when setting up a new cat structure, but maybe an [global] option to disable it once everything is working/settled? -- PidGin128 08:51, 11 September 2009 (UTC)
1. The un/flattening app sounds like a reasonable idea. I think it would be better if it had a config file telling it exactly what directories to combine rather than just grabbing all apps_* dirs. (even better would be if hbb put stuff where it belongs, but then everyone would need to settle on a naming convention) 2. you would have to ask the wiixplorer guys about that. 3. devkitpro is very non-intrusive. It keeps itself in one directory and otherwise only puts shortcuts in the start menu.
As for the text on the screen: at one point it was going to just be a blank screen, but it was somewhat disconcerting and you never knew if things worked until hbc loaded again. It also made it a pain in the butt to debug, so I quickly added some output so you know what's going on (or going wrong :P). I don't really want to make a global anything because that would involve putting a config file on the root of the card and I don't like apps that do that. There is a sleep function at the end of the program, removing it might make this a bit more snappy. --Yossi 10:36, 11 September 2009 (UTC)

Suggestion - WiiChannels category

  • I will edit the following to clarify pending sleep/thinking on it:

full of stubs .dols to execute selected wii [maybe someway to enter wii settings also?] channels: Internet, disc, nintendo ch, shop ch, news, wx ch, etc. [unless there is a generic app to list and execute channels that I was unaware of.] this way, we can have hbc load always with no delay from bootmii, and we don't have to exit to load opera, disc, etc. BONUS POINTS! create an opera stub to load a homepage/selected url, since even with the latest update, it only has favorites. [I realize most of this isn't 100% appropriate here, but it does fit into the theme of sorting/cleaning up and adding functionality/usefullness to hbc.]

PidGin128 03:03, 11 September 2009 (UTC)

Solution: I need to stop being lazy and install DKP... I especially like launching opera with a URL to solve the no homepage issue. -- PidGin128 08:30, 11 September 2009 (UTC)

USB works fine

This isn't explicitly mentioned anywhere [That I could find quickly]. USB works quite well, assuming you have an up-to-date HBC install. --PidGin128 10:25, 11 September 2009 (UTC) [I figured, since I spammed this poor discussion page so much, may as well add some useful info.]

Naming conventions

Categories should adhere to a standard naming convention. This will make it easier for HBB to download apps directly to the correct category. In addition, the links themselves should follow some standard as well. This will leave open the possibility of updating categorii links through HBB.
As you can tell, I am partial to the apps_* convention for categories.
For the links themselves I was originally thinking to go with link_*, but after seeing Capple123's ( *_LINK_* ) and PidGin128's ( _Cat* ) ideas I'm no longer at all sure that link_* is the best choice.
Of course, if you feel you have a better idea please post your arguments here. --Yossi 10:36, 11 September 2009 (UTC)

HBB

I would not be surprised and it would benefit all if the Homebrew Channel would adapt the idea of folders. This way you would not have to rename folder back and forth just to fake out the current HBC. Then HBB would easily change to accommodate since things are already sorted. Using this program HBB would need to know where it what the current SD/apps/ folder was named ie. apps_utilities --capple123 19:09, 11 September 2009 (UTC)

I think what I'm going to do until this all pans out is keep my HBB in the apps_root and sort thing out when I need to. Not sure though how HBB will keep track of what I have install already and what version it is at. I will keep you posted--capple123 21:33, 12 September 2009 (UTC)

Sample

I built a zip of a tree menu structure to line up with the HBB and used the icons from User:Elisherer (Thanks & thumbs up!). Apps -> Demos/Emulators/Games/Media/Utilities/Installers. In each, the first App is the HBB but with the ICON for the folder so you know where you are and the second is the Back link. Just drab your apps into the appropriate folders and away you go! Note: You can even use the HBB to update each folder, but only download from the same category as the folder you chose ;-) --Sorky 12:14, 12 September 2009 (UTC)

> > File:Tree.zip ... PS: If anyone has a problem with the files being re-distributed, please feel free to remove the link (just don't ban me for trying to be helpful :-$

The naming convention you used makes it very hard or impossible to neatly update all the categorii.dol files at once. Otherwise, good work with the HBB in each category. --Yossi 10:22, 13 September 2009 (UTC)
Using Notepad++ to do a search and replace of files in the whole folder tree works like a charm! --Sorky 15:21, 20 September 2009 (UTC)

Just FYI I didn't know and it took me some time to figure it out, but the "apps" folder is actually "apps_".Ninjafish1990 01:46, 13 September 2009 (UTC)

In the ZIP it should be "apps" so that you copy the to your SD and you start there (rename existing apps to something like apps_backup)... Yes it becomes "apps_" when you go into one of the categories (it has to be called something!) --Sorky 15:21, 20 September 2009 (UTC)

Great news on the HBB front, he is planning to support this app ;-) --Sorky 15:21, 20 September 2009 (UTC)

Release 1.1

Could you consider the two suggestions for this release please?

.Suggestion 1 = Allow config to be in the meta.xml file (using the config.xml if no value is found in the meta.xml will maintain backward compatability)

.Suggestion 2 = Password (button press sequence) required for selected directories (Option in the config eg: <Code>ABUDLR+H-12</code> and if the app is run, ask for the sequence before changing directories

Thanks in advance --Sorky 06:36, 31 October 2009 (UTC)

1) I don't think its a good idea to add things to the meta.xml file. it "belongs" to hbc and i wouldn't presume to use it. also there really is no point, as it would use the same amount of space anyway.
2) Would require the wiimote to be initialized. this would slow the program down, and it's slow enough as it is. i'm going to classify this as feature creep, and not implement it.
What will be in Version 1.1 is color (red text if error, green text if all OK, etc.) and a better .xml format (it will automatically convert the old one to the new one, you won't need to do anything). I also want to try switching over to libELM from libFAT to checkout the rumored speed increase, otherwise 1.1 is finished. I also want to write a program to update an existing categorii setup. At first it will just have a config file with all the paths of all categorii programs all over the SD card, but someday I hope to have a UI where you can create that config file directly on the wii. This will greatly simplify future updates. Currently this program is hung up on a libFAT bug, but I am told this is has been fixed for the next release. I will try out libELM for this as well. Overall, work has slowed because of school, but I do put some work into this on the weekends (for small values of "some" :p) --Yossi 20:27, 3 November 2009 (UTC)
1) It's not about the space, it's about having to edit two files - and putting the same names in both gets a bit frustrating! Using your own keyword in meta.xml would be quite safe to do - you could always ask them if you were really unsure. Your comment that it "belongs to hbc" is interesting - it could be argued that the entire "apps" directory "belongs to hbc", yet you hijack that ;-)
2) Feature Creep ["adding unneeded functions, sometimes at the cost of efficiency"]- Maybe / Maybe not... The password ability would really enhance this application and I'm not the only one to suggest it, so it is needed. If you had to initialize the remote every time, then yes it would impact the efficiency and I agree that extra delay would be unacceptable. However (and I'm not familiar with the code), wouldn't you only initialize the Wii remote _IF_ the password was specified? That should not slow non-password use down and if you have to enter a password, the delay would not be important.
Does that help you offer further consideration? --Sorky 04:30, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
After reading what you wrote, and feeling guilty for not doing any work on this for a few weeks, I decided to go ahead and try to add these features. The new xml format I'm now using makes me feel better about adding stuff to meta.xml. So I did :) . Now when the program detects an old style config.xml, it will convert it to the new style and stick it onto the end of meta.xml. Also meta.xml is the preferred file now (so you can erase your old config.xml after the first time you run categorii 1.1 over it).
As for the password; I'm not sure how to implement this. Is one button reserved to signify completion of the code (i.e. enter code and then press home)? Is there a maximum length that a password might be, and if it is exceeded inform the user that they have entered an incorrect password? How should it tolerate a GameCube controller? Ideas welcome. If you know of an open source project that does this well, that would be ideal. --Yossi 11:29, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
I lifted some password code from a certain app that must not be named :P
If there are 
<code>
tags, the program will ask for the passcode. You have 30 seconds to enter it. It can not be longer than 10 keystrokes. As soon as the right combo is pressed, it continues. You can add an attribute like so 
<code for="gamecube">
and it will listen on the gc controller instead (wiimote still cant get in in this case). No attribute will default to 
<code for="wiimote">
The wiimote buttons are: UDLRABMP12H .The GC buttons are: UDLRABXYzlrS (lowercase for the 3 triggers). --Yossi 11:17, 18 November 2009 (UTC)
Sounds perfect! Thanks in advance --Sorky 11:07, 19 November 2009 (UTC)


Removal

I installed this thinking it was user friendly. Now I can't see anything in the homebrew channel. What should I do.—Preceding unsigned comment added by Jsovey (talk • contribs) 08:10, 4 January 2010 (UTC)

Sorry about that. You must have installed the old version (the one still available in the hbb). It has a small bug that is aggravated by the settings file it comes with. The new version 2.0 has this bug fixed AND comes with a settings file that is more benign.
To fix the issue you have now, just put your SD card in a computer and rename the folder apps_games back to apps and everything should be just as it was before. To get rid of categorii, delete the categoriiX folder from apps/.
If you want to see what this can really do, I suggest getting a premade setup from here. Yossi 21:07, 4 January 2010 (UTC)

Meta.xml

Although I like the idea of changing the meta.xml file for this, I don't like the current change. From the Categorii page: "The <link> tag goes after the closing </app> tag of meta.xml". The app tag is the rootnode of the xml document, and a proper formatted xml document can only have one rootnode. In other words, you are creating an invalid xml file here, and xml libraries might have problems with that. I can hardly imagine that you meant to do that on purpose, but I think you have to change that. R-win 12:08, 5 januari 2010 (UTC)

It just didn't make sense to add the link information inside <app>. Anyway, mxml at least, can see the <?xml tag on top as the root and then go into <apps> or <link> as desired.
Besides, the most visited site in the world has 42 Errors, and 2 warnings, the second most visited site has 40 Errors, and the third most visited site has 180 Errors, 53 warnings, so who cares, right? :P --Yossi 02:57, 6 January 2010 (UTC)
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