Idea: Automated Server host for 3.0

[FateLord]

I had an idea, that would be something like Bestever or TSPG, but for Zandronum testing.

An automated server host like BestBot, but the servers run beta builds of Zandronum (e.g. 3.0) for testing purposes. It would work exactly how BestBot works or TSPG works, just using a different Zandronum version. Testing sessions would happen a lot more and we'd see Zandronum versions be released more. Bam, everyone wins.

Good idea?

[Sean]

I think this was already suggested, and I had plans to add it into my BestBot fork, but never got round to it.
If people would use it, I'd work on it. But it appears not many people care about testing anymore :|

[Catastrophe]

Testing would only get done if it were as convenient as possible for the tester.

[Zalewa]

Testing would only get done if it were as convenient as possible for the tester.

People don't care about testing because it isn't easy/convenient. Make it easy/convenient and it can be done.

Upon joining a testing server, the server browser will notify you of the fact and offer to download testing version of the game. It will then install it automatically for you, copy over your configs from the stable version and ensure that the game can still load the same files as if you were playing the stable version. If you already have the testing version installed, then joining a testing server is seamless. I'm not sure how more convenient can this be?

[Sean]

You know what, I'll probably work on adding this to my BestBot fork tomorrow, if I get time.

[Zalewa]

I am pretty aware of how it works. But there needs to be a server in the first place for this to be done, and tool like BE would make it easier and more convenient than waiting for server hosts to put up some servers (which then depend solely on those hosts changing them, wads, etc), which might never come in the first place or be neglected. It is also easier and more convenient than setting up a home server, which for most is not a realistic possibility.

Good point. The most convenient option would be if servers set up was necessary only once and then all servers could be updated to the newest testing build with one click of a button. Just have an automaton download the newest executable, or checkout the newest source and have it build from scratch, and then replace old installations and restart the servers.

[Torr Samaho]

I agree, lack of testing servers is likely the biggest technical problem holding back testing. A 3.0 testing server running an interesting mod may very well lure in players/testers.

[Lollipop]

Having suggested this more than once, and nothing happened. Good thing that this has gotten the attention it severely needed.
I would happily use a system like this and play on servers with testing builds.

TBH, I once tried to find a server using a testing build, but I didn't find a single one...
Also, is there a filter option for zandronum version in Doomseeker? That could also be useful if you don't want to search forever to find a server that hosts a testing version on an activity-sluggish day.

[WaTaKiD]

Also, is there a filter option for zandronum version in Doomseeker? That could also be useful if you don't want to search forever to find a server that hosts a testing version on an activity-sluggish day.

this is a good idea and as such i have made a ticket for it: http://zandronum.com/tracker/view.php?id=2414

[FateLord]

I would love to host servers with an automated bot. I would probably host big mods like WDI, ZH, that are heavy in modification. I've tried to host servers but I'm using a router switch and can't forward a port through it. I think they would get a lot of attention too.

[Sean]

Sadly, I won't be able to finish my BestBot addition until the end of the week.

[Sean]

TSPG Exciter, located at #tspg-exciter on the Zandronum IRC, and TSPG BritSteel, at #tspg-britsteel, now run a version of BestBot which allows using multiple versions of Zandronum!

You can view a list of of versions using the .versions commands, and launch a server with version=<version>, where <version> is a version in the list. If not specified, the default will be used (which is 2.1.2 at time of posting).

Please note that the bot can be rebooted at any time and when that happens, your servers will go down – so using the saving commands is helpful.

[FateLord]

TSPG Exciter, located at #tspg-exciter on the Zandronum IRC, now runs a version of BestBot which allows using multiple versions of Zandronum!

You can view a list of of versions using the .versions commands, and launch a server with version=<version>, where <version> is a version in the list. If not specified, the default will be used (which is 2.1.2 at time of posting).

Please note that the bot can be rebooted at any time and when that happens, your servers will go down – so using the saving commands is helpful.

ayy lmao.
well thanks for taking my idea and making it real. s/o to Sean and DevilHunter o/

[Sean]

Hey! TSPG Britsteel (#tspg-britsteel) supports 3.0 now too. See this post for more info.

[DevilHunter]

Also, is there a filter option for zandronum version in Doomseeker? That could also be useful if you don't want to search forever to find a server that hosts a testing version on an activity-sluggish day.

this is a good idea and as such i have made a ticket for it: http://zandronum.com/tracker/view.php?id=2414

Doomseeker has the sever filter for Testing Servers now. Also, DE/IDE has the option as well..

Just go into Filters on IDE/DE and go to Server Name, type 3.0-alpha* in there, and make sure you click on the + icon to add the name. Then name the filter whateva you want, I named my 3.0 Servers. Hit ok, and bam. Nothing but testing servers.