Script/plugin management project - looking for input

#1

Together with a mate I’ve been thinking about making a (free, open-source) script browsing/management tool for 3dsmax. It should provide a standard, central framework for browsing, installing, uninstalling and most importantly updating scripts and plugins. Think Eclipse software update or an app-store with automatic update notifications. It is aimed both at end-users (easily getting & installing updates) as well as developers (easily pushing out updates).

We’ve been doing some experiments and basically have been pondering it over the course of a year. Now, we think that it would be a good idea to make it multi-platform (or at least prepare it for it). So we could easily make a version for Lightwave as well. Since we’ve both mainly been 3dsmax oriented in our work, I thought it would be good to ask around for some input. So here are a few main questions!

  1. Do you think it would be useful to have a tool like this for Lightwave?
  2. What would be requirements and must-have features? (can be specific to Lightwave)
  3. What is currently your main source for scripts from other devs?
  4. How do you keep track of updates of scripts you use?
  5. Any other thoughts on this project?

Thanks!

#2

Hehe! Good to see you bud.
Sounds like a neat idea…sorry no one is replying. Try Newtek forums and also Spinquad.com…most users go there now. :sad:

  1. Do you think it would be useful to have a tool like this for Lightwave?
    Yes

  2. What would be requirements and must-have features? (can be specific to Lightwave)
    app store type search, description, delivery would be cool. Not sure how many plugin developers would jump on this though.

If you could make it like Flay.com used to be and make it more better would be awesome!

  1. What is currently your main source for scripts from other devs?
    Work of mouth, web search.

  2. How do you keep track of updates of scripts you use?
    Go looking when it breaks with LW updates.

  3. Any other thoughts on this project?
    Kudos that you even think of doing a LW version…if you are serious! :wip:

#3

Thanks very much for your input!

Since this is of course a very important success factor, could you perhaps share some more thoughts on this point?

Kudos that you even think of doing a LW version…if you are serious! :wip:
The initial focus will be 3dsmax, since I’m quite sure that it will be very useful for it. Meanwhile I’m investigating where other opportunities are and how I could accomodate possible specific requirements early on in the design. So yes, I am serious about it, but only if it seems likely to become successful. :slight_smile:

#4

It just seems a very scattered individual type of endeavor for LW plugins.
Maybe they just need something that works as a solid delivery system to rally around?

Flay was a good resource for finding plugs, but every developer pretty well used their own sites to deliver the plugins…which made it hit and miss if sites went down, or developers quit.

You still see people asking…“I need X plugin, the site is gone, anyone still have a copy?”

#5

That’s exactly what we’re going for. Although we’re still pondering whether it should be a framework which is centralized for the user only, or more of a service (with hosting), which is centralized for both the user as well as the developer.

#6

You should post this topic over at the newtek forum. You’d get more feedback.
http://forums.newtek.com/

I think your idea is interesting. People have asked for a reliable central repository for plug-ins before.

#7

Done!

I think your idea is interesting. People have asked for a reliable central repository for plug-ins before.
What’s your idea on where the scripts should be hosted? We’re currently pondering whether the tool should merely provide a framework or a service. In the case of a framework the developers would arrange their own hosting and point the users to their own repository. If it becomes a service it would have to provide a central hosting location where each developer uploads his/her script.

#8

My vote would be for a hosted solution, otherwise it’s not going to be a unified experience for all users, new and experienced.

If developers could keep plugins and updates current in one location that organized and delivered plugins to users that would be great.

Issues that would need addressing would be fees etc for pay plugins. Apple’s app store is probably a good model to mimic…Iplugin…Iplug?? :slight_smile:

#9

How about something to conect LW and Vray? I remember LW+Lightscape

#10

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