Shoutbox Project Discussion

Hi !

If you haven't noticed already, there's a giant box you can write in on the front page. This will be one of the newest plugins to utilize the database. It'll be like any other chatbox or shoutbox, allowing you to drop in and chat at anytime, so long as you're authorized to modify the database.



Some of the basic functions have been implemented so far :

• Formatting options such as bold, color, emoticons..
  
• Automatic and manual refreshing
  
• Automatic-pruning of old messages
  

You can test this shoutbox on the index page at anytime. If you have any suggestions, feel free to post them below. I cannot guarantee all suggestions will be implemented, but I will try and add those I see ideal. Currently my main focus is to get the basic functionality finished and optimize the code.

See you

Hi Ange,
It is a wonderful project. I love it !

You got the screen of my terrible tablet typo... Oh no!

@Dark-Avenger thanks

@brandon_g lol I was trying to capture Rhino's shout.. you just happened to be in the right place at the right time..

If you have any suggestions, or general Ideas, feel free. I plan to make some optimizations to the code later today -- I said that would be last, but that apparently was a lie. Earlier optimizations, means easier development.

Ah ok... well that was an embarassing typo ... I meant to say your lying! When is the next addition expected to be finished? I can not wait! I will give it a try on my test forum when it is finished being optimized for phpbb 2 and the rest .

@brandon_g Typos happen. I study French in my free time, and sometimes I end up spelling English words as French ones. Usually it's similar ones, like texte.

I'll most likely select beta testers once I know the code is ready.

Well my test forum will do just fine. Do you have an account on the French Support by the way? Do they have a translator or does google Transalate work there? I know I am going a bit off topic, it is easy to do so.

I can not wait to try out your features and new things.

brandon_g wrote:Well my test forum will do just fine. Do you have an account on the French Support by the way? Do they have a translator or does google Transalate work there? I know I am going a bit off topic, it is easy to do so.

I can not wait to try out your features and new things.

The database should work on phpbb2. It's an integral part in all plugins. I don't recommend installing it yet, because I am working on v1.02 which will be a lot better.

I suppose google translate would work there, why ? Also, my account is http://forum.forumactif.com/u155553

Ange Tuteur wrote:

I suppose google translate would work there, why ? Also, my account is http://forum.forumactif.com/u155553

Why? Because I hear they often implement more things that are suggested over there, announce new features earlier over there, the techs log in and post over there, it appears to be a worthwhile place to invest joining in. I just will be a tad bit annoyed that I will have build my reputation from scratch over there as well. It will just feel wierd to be like a newbie when I have used Forumotion for 4 years and been a member that long on the ESF as well. My point is it sounds like something to invest in, but then you have to start over scratch. That is all.

Ange you can add the function edit/delete messages for staff, and for each member's owned messages in shoutbox too.

@brandon_g true, and it's understandable, because the company is based in France.

I took a leave of absence from there, because things got busy in my life and on the English support. I've only just returned to try and answer at least one topic a day.

Dark-Avenger wrote:Ange you can add the function edit/delete messages for staff, and for each member's owned messages in shoutbox too.

I'll consider this, however, I may consider making it optional, because some people may prefer an unaltered chat. Ignoring the fact that the database can be altered, but I plan to install some security options for that. Relying on JavaScript for security isn't ideal, but that would be the only option and can keep simple users out.


Update

As I mentioned I'm working on optimizations to the code, because :

• It'll make it easier to manage, and take up less space.
  
• I'm keeping user customization in mind and making it easier to add custom functions, even if you don't know JavaScript.
  

The following is how the bold button now functions. Keep in mind I haven't applied the code here, yet.

Code:

button({
  name : 'bold',
  text : 'B',
  css : 'font-weight:bold',
  tags : ['[b]','[/b]'],
  toggle : 1
});

The name serves as the name and title of your format. It can be called as fo.bold.press(), which would toggle between bold and normal font. This is only simple formatting which can be toggled on and off on the message area. You use CSS properties and values to define the style, and then create your tags which will wrap the message upon submission.

This is a list of my goals currently :

- Optimize code

- Use local storage to store last sent message and make sure it sent

- Change how new messages are added, so the entire HTML isn't replaced

- Add button to mention username in input area

- Add cookies for formatting and options

- Fix timestamps so they appear as the users local time

- Fix tags to make sure they're closed

- Fix messagebox scroll on min/max change

Great shoutbox Ange can you give the code for it

You have to install a database first.

chat will not be released until all bugs are fixed and gone threw beta testing

When I've cleared the bugs, and finished a majority of the todos I'll release the shoutbox for everyone. I also still need to work on updates for the database and ensure that the shoutbox works with it. I made a small update for it recently..

I've made some minor changes today :

• Auto refresh text shortened and is now clickable
  
• Max/Min button text has been changed to a + and -
  
• /8ball command line added ( thanks to twisted for the idea )
  
• Help button added for information on using command lines
  

I'll also mention that a majority of the optimizations have been made, so I'll now be able to make changes more easily !

Today I've finally gotten to some things I've been meaning to add and fix. The changes made today are as follows :

• Fixed the addition of new messages ( this should solve videos reloading, and make the shoutbox slightly lighter )
  
• Fixed a bug on IE which prevented use of Bold and Italic
  
• Cookies added for refresh and formatting
  
• You can now mention a user by clicking their username ( avatar still takes you to the profil )
  
• Various technical changes.. ( style strings, loops.. )
  

If any problems or suggestions, don't hesitate to let me know. See you

Ooooh, I like it!!!
How to get code... or tutorial of this?

Regards & Respect!

@smejker It will be released Soon™

That bug with messages not showing / refreshing should be fixed. If you notice it doing the same thing again, let me know.

I'm doing a check based on IDs now, which should be more accurate than my method before. We just have to do some testing is all to make sure

I do not know if this is just my end or not but it could also be a bug, so I will just simply report it anyway. The shoutbox is not appearing in IE.

@brandon_g thanks for reporting. I fixed the bugs that were preventing IE8< from working. You should be able to see it again.

After clearing my browser's cache and cookies it does show up... but it looks kind of messed up:

You might be running IE7 or lower, which has some display issues. There could also be an error that I'm not aware of, preventing me from fixing it. ( I'm only using Emulation to catch most of the errors )

Ange Tuteur wrote:You might be running IE7 or lower, which has some display issues. There could also be an error that I'm not aware of, preventing me from fixing it. ( I'm only using Emulation to catch most of the errors )

I would not be surprised if I am running on IE7 or lower... knowing how often they update this old thing...

Some important modifications have been made today..

• Fixed a major bug with the last update that caused slowdowns.
  
• Automatically applies focus to the input after sending a message.
  
• Added a check to make sure the last message was sent to the database. If it wasn't, it'll be resent.
  
• Added a timeout to message refreshing to prevent continuous requests to the server, if the member left their browser unattended on the page. ( this also made users appear active when they weren't )
  

With these changes, I'm one step closer to making a public release. I'll most likely review the code -- when I'm more alert -- and test it on a majority of browsers and forum versions. If there aren't any bugs or suggestions which I can't make a release without, then I'll proceed to making the final touches to the database before then.

If you notice any bugs or have a suggestion, don't hesitate to let me know. I can't guarantee your suggestion being implemented in the first public release, but I will release updates over time..