CIVSMITH - MOD EDITOR
version 0.3.1, updated 2009-05-17

CivSmith is an editor that aims to be extremely simple to use and gathers relevant data for you before you start editing. This means that there are no hardcoded pre-defined values to speak of in the various controls (As in other editors :undecide:). Let's say you have just started a mod and don't even have a CIV4UnitInfos.xml file in your mod. CivSmith will read the data from your mod's base to allow you to browse the available units for your mod (despite the fact that you don't have this file in your mod). As soon as you try to edit a unit, it will copy the file to your mod and then apply the changes immediately. All the aspects of the software revolve around this idea, that it should automatically do things (and do them correctly) rather than have the user worry too much about files and locations. The software completely lacks save buttons as the data is saved on-the-fly to XML.

For existing mods, it automatically gathers the relevant data from a bunch of XML files. For this reason, the application will always display relevant pre-defined values that will work in your mod. For instance, if your mod uses a completely custom set of unit classes, then CivSmith will gather the unit class data and allow you to select from any of your classes when editing units. If you mod lacks unit class data, it will get the data from the mod's base i.e. the default game.

When you're ready to test, you can use the in-editor functions to launch Civilization 4 with your mod or launch Windows Explorer to browse your mod's files.

The application is written in two languages, first in the Delphi language/environment to create a pleasing GUI and in Python for reliability, its easy-to-write nature and openness. It relies heavily on Python scripts to allow for customization. My aim is that it will become an established mod editor in the community and that eventually, other devs will contribute to the project. It uses a simple plugin system that allows Python programmers to add their own functionality to the application. I have used this system to create two plugins of my own:


Unit Editor
This editor allows you to edit CIV4UnitInfos.xml through an interface that is easy to use. Various drop-down lists, checkboxes and edit boxes allow you edit different aspects of the file. It gathers data from 11 other XML files in your mod or base. The data is used to fill up drop-down lists with pre-defined values.


Tech Editor
The Tech Editor edits CIV4TechInfos.xml similarly to the Unit Editor. It works the same way but for this preview, a lot of time and focus went into creating the Tech Grid. This graphical representation of a tech tree allows for easy customization of tech positions and has a mode for editing a tech's prerequisites as well.


Screenshots from version 0.3

Unit Editor
http://thirdpilot.net/images/civsmith0.3_uniteditor_general.jpg

Tech Editor with Tech Grid
http://thirdpilot.net/images/civsmith0.3_techeditor_techgrid.jpg

Tech Grid
http://thirdpilot.net/images/civsmith_0.3_gridinaction.jpg


Download
You can download it from my site (Note that it requires Python 2.5 and one additional package for it to run, see the README.txt for more info).
This preview has support for Beyond the Sword only.
http://thirdpilot.net/projects/civsmith/download


Documentation
This is just a simple description of what the two editors do. You might also want to take a look at the documentation, as it describes in great detail what CivSmith does and does not do, it also serves as a walkthrough for the newbies or curious :)
http://thirdpilot.net/projects/civsmith/documentation


Next version
I am currently working on the next version, v0.4. It's another beta but will include documentation in PDF form. Apart from the basic information about features, the documentation will also include a PDF with programming examples that will teach you how to program for CivSmith with Python. New features are sprinkled everywhere and the two editors will be meatier with more functions and more fields for editing. Currently there is no deadline for this version, but I'm thinking that it will be finished around June or July.


Thanks for reading and I hope you will provide feedback if you decide to try it out. I have worked for two months to get this far and I appreciate feedback! Just don't forget to backup your files before trying this software! It's a preview, which means that it is basically in a beta stage and should not be used unless you have backups.

This looks extremely useful.:thumbsup:

Hey this looks awesome...the thing I started writing is similar but nowhere near as good :)

Does it support modular mods currently? - and if you don't mind asking how did you implement it?

I think it is a great idea with the modular nature of the program allowing anyone to create plug ins so if you get bored as people do :D - any ETA when the docs showing us how to do this will be ready / when the program is ready? As I would probably love to give one a go :)

(I dont know any python right now :P)

Edit - so I downloaded python 25 and installed, then DL'd the other XML thing but no matter what I did it would only find my python 24 install folder to pick during the install. then that had a few errors, now when I run the program I get:

exceptions.importerror: no module named lxml.

Then the program opens without the menus / buttons etc :(

Anyone got any idea how I can install Lxml (As I guess thats whats at fault?) without removing python 24 as that is used for some other apps. (I do GIS work if anyone knows what that is :P?) On Vista 64.

Thanks

Hey this looks awesome...the thing I started writing is similar but nowhere near as good :)

Thanks. It's a funny coincidence that we both released similar tools on the same day :lol:. I'll take a look at your software later, as I have to go to work soon :cry:

Does it support modular mods currently? - and if you don't mind asking how did you implement it?

No sorry, it only reads "normal" mods. I was thinking about this myself and could be added in the future.

I think it is a great idea with the modular nature of the program allowing anyone to create plug ins so if you get bored as people do :D - any ETA when the docs showing us how to do this will be ready / when the program is ready? As I would probably love to give one a go :)

I'll start writing some tutorials tomorrow. It's not really hard to do a simple plugin without an interface (only code). Making some windows and buttons take a little more time since it has to be done through code, but is very flexible once one gets the hang of it.

I dont know any python right now :P)

No worries! I knew next to no Python before starting this project, yet it is based on it! :blush: It's easy to learn, and fast to write with a good IDE.


Edit - so I downloaded python 25 and installed, then DL'd the other XML thing but no matter what I did it would only find my python 24 install folder to pick during the install. then that had a few errors, now when I run the program I get:

Did you download lxml for Python 2.4? Make sure that you have this file: lxml-2.2.win32-py2.5.exe (http://pypi.python.org/packages/2.5/l/lxml/lxml-2.2.win32-py2.5.exe#md5=ee26370e20adee1fd30931c60c971cd3) which is for Python 2.5. Other than that, I can't think of why it wouldn't find Python 2.5. Perhaps try re-installing Python 2.5 if all else fails.

exceptions.importerror: no module named lxml.

Then the program opens without the menus / buttons etc :(

Yeah, it won't run without the necessary libraries, or in this case lxml.

ha yeah i did have 2.4 didnt notice different options somehow :( ill give it a go.

yeah i DL'd and installed 2.5 sucessfully. It lets me in fine now but when I try open mod I get this text in the text bit:

Traceback (most recent call last):
File "<string>", line 290, in <module>
File "<string>", line 199, in menuOpenMod
File "<string>", line 24, in __init__
AttributeError: A component named frmOpenMod already exists

I havent set up the base paths just yet would that be it?

You probably have a file called config.xml in the CivSmith folder, this file stores all the base paths, so I suggest that you delete that file and try restarting the application again, it will automatically search for your base paths and create the file again. I suspect this error occurs since CivSmith crashed on you before when lxml wasn't installed.

The error you got is that the Open Mod window (frmOpenMod) wasn't successfully freed from memory the last time you ran it. Please reply if you get any other errors or weird behaviour :)

Hey Senap,

This is a really neat (and beautiful) editor. I had some initial problems due to $#*&Vista really requiring this program to be run in Administrator mode, but now it's all cool. What are your plans for developing specific plugins? For instance, I could actually use the unit plugin if it had a few more entries, and looking at the Python it seems reasonably straightforward, but I don't want to duplicate effort.

I'm glad you got it working and thanks. I've been a little nervous as it requires a bunch of settings and libraries (I should've mentioned that it needs admin rights in Vista :().

Yes, it's fairly straightforward, so what I'll be doing until the next update (sunday 10th) is adding more fields to the unit and tech editor, hopefully it will be a little more useful by then :)

I haven't yet thought about other plugins beyond the Unit- and Tech Editor, but I want to make editors for all the pre-defined values that already appear in the editors (Unit Class, Era, Domain) and so on. So I think I'll be focusing on those things, to have more complete editors overall.

Fixed...if running in Vista it must be run as admin as said above. And if you have an error:

Traceback (most recent call last):
File "<string>", line 290, in <module>
File "<string>", line 199, in menuOpenMod
File "<string>", line 24, in __init__
AttributeError: A component named frmOpenMod already exists

Then exit the program, delete Config.xml and restart as an Admin.

this looks awsome ! However I have python 2.6 installed and your programms checks for a Python25.dll :-/ is there any chance, that your programm might run with 2.6 too ? I guess, almost everything, which was created with Python 2.5 runs also with 2.6

EDIT 1
I've installed Python 2.5 parallel. seems to work ;)

EDIT 2
Fixed...if running in Vista it must be run as admin as said above. And if you have an error:

Traceback (most recent call last):
File "<string>", line 290, in <module>
File "<string>", line 199, in menuOpenMod
File "<string>", line 24, in __init__
AttributeError: A component named frmOpenMod already exists

Then exit the program, delete Config.xml and restart as an Admin.

Well, I'm an Administrator User on Vista and I still get this error :sad:

Are you sure you have installed the library lxml for Python 2.5 as well? Once you have done that, "start fresh" by shutting down the application and deleting the auto-generated file config.xml.

If you still get the error, try opening config.xml and check that the paths are correct for Civ, War, and BtS. If the application can't locate your games, can you tell me which version of Civ you're running (retail, download, complete, gold, etc). I hope this works :)

This problem drives me crazy as I can't reproduce the problem, no matter what I do :cry:

Updated CivSmith to version 0.3.1.
It's a stand-alone version so you can overwrite your old files to get the new version with your previous settings.

It's mostly the Unit Editor that has been getting some attention this time around, it has more fields for editing units.

From now on, I think I will be focusing on the planned auto-update features. This way, I'll be able to update the plugins more frequently and release new plugins without having to release the entire application.

Please report any problems (and/or suggestions) that you might have.

First up, this is certainly the best attempt at a Civ editor I have seen to date, so kudos on that one. I have a lot of comments, not all of which I can fit here, or that I fully remember. However, having messed around, here are a few thoughts on the tech editor:
The "click one then another to swap" is great, but I didn't know it was doing it the first couple of times. As your "I like diving in without reading things thoroughly" that coders have trouble with, you can see how it happened. ;) I would suggest that the tips are presented more clearly, as I see you mention it in there, or that the behaviour was edited slightly. Maybe right-click to switch, and left click to just select the new one?
[Related to this, where exactly are the hovers? I found the XML files with the text, but never saw them while editing. I'm probably being blind.]
The same thing as I talked about above applies with the and/or part of the plug-in. Not knowing what I was doing, I made several techs "OR" reqs before realising, although I must say that I do like the cyclic method. Nice touch.
Just aesthetically, I would like to see the TECH's replaced with the relevant text tags on the tree if at all possible. I'm being a bit picky, though. A really nice thing if that isn't possible would be to just remove the TECH_ prefix, as was done in the other new editor (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=319905). Not perfect, but a reasonable compromise. This also applies to all the other items in the editor.
And the unit editor:
I would like to see the variable modifier button-thingies (the ^ and reverse) for the integer values, as seen in Cival's editor. That would be neat. Another thing which sticks out as missing that Cival's has is the ability to add more than one value for those fields that allow it, such as prerequisites, see invisibles and the like. That's one of the few things I would need to dig into raw files for as it is. Other than a few things like some switches not having info and the previously mentioned UNIT_ thing, the only other thing I would love to see, but I would not recommend spending a lot of time on doing it if you'd rather build other plugins, is a unit upgrade tree. This can be done dynamically, thanks to a pre-written algorithm (handily in Python). It's in a lot of interface mods, so if you'd like me to dig it up, feel free to ask.
If you're really committed to making this an all-in-one editor, could I suggest including a map editor of some kind, either using your plug-ins, or just bundling it with a pre-existing one. As there are quite a few (non-Python), I would recommend the latter, for now at least.

I'd also love to give making my own plug-in a try, but there is a distinct lack of documentation on that front, which is completely understandable given that this is so new. I did have a quick mess around, but I didn't really understand what I was doing.

Again, I'm picking away at very tiny holes here. This really is superb for such an early release, and I commend you on your work thus far: it is intuitive, aesthetically pleasing and very polished. If you ever want some little graphics (small icons are my speciality, as it happens), then just drop me a message. Otherwise, I hope my comments have been helpful, and I'll try and make some more if you'd like.

NikNaks, thanks so much for your feedback. I really appreciate it.

First up, this is certainly the best attempt at a Civ editor I have seen to date, so kudos on that one.

Thank you!

The "click one then another to swap" is great, but I didn't know it was doing it the first couple of times. As your "I like diving in without reading things thoroughly" that coders have trouble with, you can see how it happened. ;) I would suggest that the tips are presented more clearly, as I see you mention it in there, or that the behaviour was edited slightly. Maybe right-click to switch, and left click to just select the new one?

I had a balloon tip for the tech grid when I was writing it but I found that it was getting in the way all the time and it annoyed me. I thought, "if it annoys me, a pretty tolerant guy, it will probbly drive other people crazy" :lol:. I have no clue how to provide instructions for the tech grid without cluttering the interface.

The intention is of course to supply a PDF file with proper instructions on how to use the application, along with complete instructions for the tech grid. I am not even sure if I have documented this on my site but you can unselect a selected tech with the Escape key.

Unfortunately I can't do any advanced mouse detection on the grid due to the Delphi-To-Python library I am using. It is awesome but has its limitations and allows me to only detect left clicks. It's a compromise I will have to live with. :sad:

[Related to this, where exactly are the hovers? I found the XML files with the text, but never saw them while editing. I'm probably being blind.]

Now I just haven't had the time to write balloon tips for all the controls and the system isn't even 100% finished. Some of the Unit Editor controls support balloon tips (try the first few checkboxes).

The same thing as I talked about above applies with the and/or part of the plug-in. Not knowing what I was doing, I made several techs "OR" reqs before realising, although I must say that I do like the cyclic method. Nice touch.

The cycle thing is, as mentioned above, a compromise due to the lack of advanced mouse detection :lol:

I know the AND/OR mode is confusing and will be in the PDF documentation.

Just aesthetically, I would like to see the TECH's replaced with the relevant text tags on the tree if at all possible. I'm being a bit picky, though. A really nice thing if that isn't possible would be to just remove the TECH_ prefix, as was done in the other new editor (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=319905). Not perfect, but a reasonable compromise. This also applies to all the other items in the editor.

Yes, this will be included at some point. I actually got it working once. CivSmith successfully searched for the proper text but the implementation was incredible slow and unacceptable. I figured out a possible solution for this and will hopefully be included in the next version.

I didn't think anyone would be bothered by the TECH_ part so I haven't included the option to strip it. But yes, of course, I can add this :)

I would like to see the variable modifier button-thingies (the ^ and reverse) for the integer values, as seen in Cival's editor. That would be neat.

You lost me here. I have no clue what you're talking about but I'll check out Cival's editor.

Oh wait, are you talking about up and down arrows? I suppose I could add this, I am really tired as I'm writing this :)

EDIT: On second thought, I'd prefer to not have up/down arrows but instead add the ability simulate up/down arrows by using the up and down arrow keys on the keyboard while Page Up and Page Down could be used for larger increments.

Another thing which sticks out as missing that Cival's has is the ability to add more than one value for those fields that allow it, such as prerequisites, see invisibles and the like. That's one of the few things I would need to dig into raw files for as it is.

Yes it's coming :) I just haven't gotten into it yet as I am experimenting with other methods for adding multiple values for prerequisites etc (the AND/OR mode of the Tech Grid is such an example). If I don't come up with anything spectacular, I'll have to go with standard boxes like in Cival's editor :sad:

the only other thing I would love to see, but I would not recommend spending a lot of time on doing it if you'd rather build other plugins, is a unit upgrade tree. This can be done dynamically, thanks to a pre-written algorithm (handily in Python). It's in a lot of interface mods, so if you'd like me to dig it up, feel free to ask.

Please, could you provide more info on this? I haven't looked at the unit upgrades yet as it looks like a scary block of XML :lol:.

If you're really committed to making this an all-in-one editor, could I suggest including a map editor of some kind, either using your plug-ins, or just bundling it with a pre-existing one. As there are quite a few (non-Python), I would recommend the latter, for now at least.

You know, I was thinking about making a map editor as well. (Un)fortunately, Gr3yhound's MapView is really good and it feels like I would be wasting my time. Still, I will probably make a simple WBS editor as I'm interested in map making as well but I can't guarantee that it will be great with tons of features.

We'll see what happens here. Another approach could be to write an entirely new stand-alone application for this (with only some Python support) using a game engine. Could turn out to be powerful, but would at the same time defeat the purpose of CivSmith's plugin concept.

I'd also love to give making my own plug-in a try, but there is a distinct lack of documentation on that front, which is completely understandable given that this is so new. I did have a quick mess around, but I didn't really understand what I was doing.

Please hold on to that thought! I was going to write some documentation for the previous version but real life hindered me from doing so. The creation of custom plugins is something that I will focus on for the next version (since the application relies on them). I am already writing examples (documentation and source code) that will be available later on.

Again, I'm picking away at very tiny holes here. This really is superb for such an early release, and I commend you on your work thus far: it is intuitive, aesthetically pleasing and very polished.

Thanks again!!

If you ever want some little graphics (small icons are my speciality, as it happens), then just drop me a message. Otherwise, I hope my comments have been helpful, and I'll try and make some more if you'd like.

I'll keep that in mind. Good button graphics are hard to come by.

NikNaks, thanks so much for your feedback. I really appreciate it.

Thank you!No problem :)I had a balloon tip for the tech grid when I was writing it but I found that it was getting in the way all the time and it annoyed me. I thought, "if it annoys me, a pretty tolerant guy, it will probbly drive other people crazy" :lol:. I have no clue how to provide instructions for the tech grid without cluttering the interface.Maybe just a little question mark alongside the other icons would suffice for now.The intention is of course to supply a PDF file with proper instructions on how to use the application, along with complete instructions for the tech grid. I am not even sure if I have documented this on my site but you can unselect a selected tech with the Escape key.Yes, I did read that, but only after some digging ;) A PDF would be great!Unfortunately I can't do any advanced mouse detection on the grid due to the Delphi-To-Python library I am using. It is awesome but has its limitations and allows me to only detect left clicks. It's a compromise I will have to live with. :sad::sad:Now I just haven't had the time to write balloon tips for all the controls and the system isn't even 100% finished. Some of the Unit Editor controls support balloon tips (try the first few checkboxes).Do you want a hand with that? If it's something that I can do in a few short minutes throughout a day, I might be able to handle that for you.The cycle thing is, as mentioned above, a compromise due to the lack of advanced mouse detection :lol:I still like it ;)I know the AND/OR mode is confusing and will be in the PDF documentation.Sweet :goodjob:Yes, this will be included at some point. I actually got it working once. CivSmith successfully searched for the proper text but the implementation was incredible slow and unacceptable. I figured out a possible solution for this and will hopefully be included in the next version.

I didn't think anyone would be bothered by the TECH_ part so I haven't included the option to strip it. But yes, of course, I can add this :)Cool. No rush with this, though. I'd much rather see you experiment with some other editor plugins first :mischief:You lost me here. I have no clue what you're talking about but I'll check out Cival's editor.

Oh wait, are you talking about up and down arrows? I suppose I could add this, I am really tired as I'm writing this :)

EDIT: On second thought, I'd prefer to not have up/down arrows but instead add the ability simulate up/down arrows by using the up and down arrow keys on the keyboard while Page Up and Page Down could be used for larger increments.Yes, that is what I meant. I still think a small arrow by each one would be a nice touch, but you're the designer here, so I'll let you make the decisions.Yes it's coming :) I just haven't gotten into it yet as I am experimenting with other methods for adding multiple values for prerequisites etc (the AND/OR mode of the Tech Grid is such an example). If I don't come up with anything spectacular, I'll have to go with standard boxes like in Cival's editor :sad:Well, it's not so bad. If you want to run some ideas past me in beta format, then I'll be happy to play with them and pass on my thoughts.Please, could you provide more info on this? I haven't looked at the unit upgrades yet as it looks like a scary block of XML :lol:.Absolutely. I'll block-paste the entire code. I'm sure some of it will be relevant to actually drawing the screen, or even to pull unit buttons out. Here goes:## Sid Meier's Civilization 4
##
## This file is part of the UnitUpgradesPediaMod by Vovan
## Automatic layout algorithm by Progor
##

import string

from CvPythonExtensions import *

import CvUtil

# globals
gc = CyGlobalContext()
ArtFileMgr = CyArtFileMgr()

#The exception list allow you to completely hide a unit from the upgrade graph.
#This is useful for mods that use an unreachable unit to keep others from expiring.
#unitExceptionList = [UNIT_UNREACHABLE]
unitExceptionList = []

#The split lists let you split a particular unit into several different graphs, so it doesn't hold several
#upgrade paths together that would look better separate. For instance, you might have a Ranger unit that
#upgrades from both a Scout and Warrior unit, but otherwise Scouting and Fighting units are in their own
#trees. In this case, you would place the Ranger in the SplitIncoming list, to get the program to split up
#the incoming upgrades to Ranger so that Ranger shows up in both trees without holding them together.
#unitSplitIncoming = [UNIT_RANGER, UNIT_STYGIAN_GUARD]
unitSplitIncoming = []

#SplitOutgoing is similar, but for a unit that holds together two trees by what it upgrades to. For instance,
#you might have a commoner unit that upgrades to Scout, Warrior, and Worker, while otherwise those units have
#their own trees. Using the SplitOutgoing list will just put a commoner at the start of each of the 3 trees
#unitSplitOutgoing = [UNIT_DWARVEN_SOLDIER]
unitSplitOutgoing = []

#Default is 64, but if your graph is too large to fit in the Pedia window, specify a smaller button size here.
unitButtonSize = 64

#Margin refers to space from the edge and space between graphs
unitHorizontalMargin = 20
unitVerticalMargin = 20

#Spacing refers to the space between unit icons
unitHorizontalSpacing = 40
unitVerticalSpacing = 5

#The same concepts apply to the promotions graphs as to the unit graphs
promotionsExceptionList = []
promotionsSplitIncoming = []
promotionsSplitOutgoing = []
promotionsButtonSize = 64
promotionsHorizontalMargin = 20
promotionsVerticalMargin = 20
#promotionsHorizontalSpacing = 50
#promotionsVerticalSpacing = 5
promotionsHorizontalSpacing = 75
promotionsVerticalSpacing = 5


################################### BEGIN CLASS DEFINITIONS ###########################################
#Don't change below unless you know what you're doing

class Node:
"This node holds all necessary information for a single unit"

def __init__(self):
self.x = 999
self.y = 999
self.upgradesTo = set()
self.upgradesFrom = set()
self.seen = False

def __repr__(self):
return "Node<x: %i, y: %i, to: %s, from: %s, seen: %s>"%(self.x, self.y, self.upgradesTo, self.upgradesFrom, self.seen)

class MGraph:
"This Graph is a collection of unit Node's with multiple access methods for fast topological sorting"

def __init__(self):
self.graph = {}
self.matrix = []
self.depth = 0
self.width = 0

def __repr__(self):
return "MGraph<depth: %i, width: %i, graph: %s, matrix: %s>"%(self.depth, self.width, self.graph, self.matrix)

## NOTE: PromotionsGraph subclass located at bottom of file.
class UnitUpgradesGraph:
"The graph of unit upgrades"

# Rearranged so that methods that need to be overridden by promotions graph are placed first.

def __init__(self, pediaScreen):
self.mGraphs = []
self.horizontalMargin = unitHorizontalMargin
self.verticalMargin = unitVerticalMargin
self.horizontalSpacing = unitHorizontalSpacing
self.verticalSpacing = unitVerticalSpacing
self.pediaScreen = pediaScreen
self.upgradesList = pediaScreen.UPGRADES_GRAPH_ID
self.buttonSize = unitButtonSize
self.exceptionList = unitExceptionList
self.splitIncoming = unitSplitIncoming
self.splitOutgoing = unitSplitOutgoing

def getNumberOfUnits(self):
return gc.getNumUnitClassInfos()

def getUnitNumber(self, k):
"Gets the id for the kth unit for the current active player"
if (self.getActivePlayer() == -1):
result = gc.getUnitClassInfo(k).getDefaultUnitIndex()
else:
result = gc.getCivilizationInfo(gc.getGame().getActiveCivil izationType()).getCivilizationUnits(k)
return result

def getUnitType(self, e):
"Returns the type of the units with the specified id"
return gc.getUnitInfo(e).getType()

def getGraphEdges(self, graph):
for unitA in graph.iterkeys():
for numB in range(gc.getNumUnitClassInfos()):
unitB = self.getUnitNumber(numB)
if gc.getUnitInfo(unitA).getUpgradeUnitClass(numB):
self.addUpgradePath(graph, unitA, unitB)

def placeOnScreen(self, screen, unit, xPos, yPos):
screen.setImageButtonAt(self.pediaScreen.getNextWi dgetName(), self.upgradesList, gc.getUnitInfo(unit).getButton(), xPos, yPos, self.buttonSize, self.buttonSize, WidgetTypes.WIDGET_PEDIA_JUMP_TO_UNIT, unit, 1)

def unitToString(self, unit):
return gc.getUnitInfo(unit).getDescription() + ":%d"%(unit, )

################## Stuff to generate Unit Upgrade Graph ##################

def addUpgradePath(self, graph, unitFrom, unitTo):

# Check if unit numbers are valid
if (unitFrom >= 0 and graph.has_key(unitFrom) and unitTo >= 0 and graph.has_key(unitTo)):
graph[unitFrom].upgradesTo.add(unitTo)
graph[unitTo].upgradesFrom.add(unitFrom)
CvUtil.pyPrint(self.unitToString(unitFrom) + " upgrades to " + self.unitToString(unitTo) + ".")

def getActivePlayer(self):
"Gets the id of the active player for UU upgrades"
return gc.getGame().getActivePlayer()

def getMedianY(self, mGraph, unitSet):
"Returns the average Y position of the units in unitSet"

if (len(unitSet) == 0):
return -1
sum = 0.0
num = 0.0
for unit in unitSet:
sum += mGraph.graph[unit].y
num += 1
return sum/num

def swap(self, mGraph, x, yA, yB):
"Swaps two elements in a given row"

unitA = mGraph.matrix[x][yA]
unitB = mGraph.matrix[x][yB]
if (unitA != "E"):
mGraph.graph[unitA].y = yB
if (unitB != "E"):
mGraph.graph[unitB].y = yA
mGraph.matrix[x][yA] = unitB
mGraph.matrix[x][yB] = unitA
return

def getGraph(self):
"Goes through all the units and adds upgrade paths to the graph. The MGraph data structure is complete by the end of this function."

self.mGraphs.append(MGraph())
graph = self.mGraphs[0].graph

for k in range(self.getNumberOfUnits()):
unit = self.getUnitNumber(k)
if (unit == -1):
continue
if (self.getUnitType(unit) not in self.exceptionList):
graph[unit] = Node()

self.getGraphEdges(graph)
#CvUtil.pyPrint("1:\n" + str(graph))

#remove units that don't upgrade to or from anything
for unit in graph.keys():
if (len(graph[unit].upgradesTo) == 0 and len(graph[unit].upgradesFrom) == 0):
del(graph[unit])
#CvUtil.pyPrint("2:\n" + str(graph))

#split the graph into several disconnected graphs, filling out the rest of the data structure as we go
mGraphIndex = 0
while (len(self.mGraphs) > mGraphIndex):
mGraph = self.mGraphs[mGraphIndex]
self.mGraphs.append(MGraph())
newMGraph = self.mGraphs[mGraphIndex + 1]

#Pick a "random" element and mark it as order 0, then make all its successors higher and predecessors lower
#We can fix that to the range (0..depth) in a moment, and we've already marked everything that's connected
unit = mGraph.graph.iterkeys().next()
mGraph.graph[unit].x = 0
map = {}
map[0] = set([unit])
for iterlimit in range(10):
for level in range(min(map.keys()), max(map.keys())+1):
for unit in map[level].copy():
node = mGraph.graph[unit]
if (node.x != level):
continue
if (self.getUnitType(unit) in self.splitOutgoing):
continue
for u in node.upgradesTo:
if (not mGraph.graph.has_key(u)):
for i in range(mGraphIndex - 1, -1, -1):
if (self.mGraphs[i].graph.has_key(u)):
mGraph.graph[u] = Node()
mGraph.graph[u].upgradesFrom = self.mGraphs[i].graph[u].upgradesFrom.copy()
mGraph.graph[u].upgradesTo = self.mGraphs[i].graph[u].upgradesTo.copy()
break
nodeB = mGraph.graph[u]
nodeB.x = level + 1
if (not map.has_key(nodeB.x)):
map[nodeB.x] = set()
map[nodeB.x].add(u)
for level in range (max(map.keys()), min(map.keys()) - 1, -1):
for unit in map[level].copy():
node = mGraph.graph[unit]
if (node.x != level):
continue
if (self.getUnitType(unit) in self.splitIncoming):
continue
for u in node.upgradesFrom:
if (not mGraph.graph.has_key(u)):
for i in range(mGraphIndex - 1, -1, -1):
if (self.mGraphs[i].graph.has_key(u)):
mGraph.graph[u] = Node()
mGraph.graph[u].upgradesFrom = self.mGraphs[i].graph[u].upgradesFrom.copy()
mGraph.graph[u].upgradesTo = self.mGraphs[i].graph[u].upgradesTo.copy()
break
nodeB = mGraph.graph[u]
nodeB.x = level - 1
if (not map.has_key(nodeB.x)):
map[nodeB.x] = set()
map[nodeB.x].add(u)
highOrder = max(map.keys())
lowOrder = min(map.keys())
map = 0
mGraph.depth = highOrder - lowOrder + 1

#Now we can move anything that isn't marked with an order to the next MGraph
#if there's nothing to move, we're done after this iteration
for (unit, node) in mGraph.graph.items():
if (node.x == 999):
newMGraph.graph[unit] = node
del(mGraph.graph[unit])
else:
node.x -= lowOrder

if (len(newMGraph.graph) == 0):
del(self.mGraphs[mGraphIndex + 1])

mGraphIndex += 1

#CvUtil.pyPrint("3:\n" + str(self.mGraphs))

for mGraph in self.mGraphs:
#remove links that would otherwise have to jump
for (unit, node) in mGraph.graph.iteritems():
for u in node.upgradesTo.copy():
if (not mGraph.graph.has_key(u)):
node.upgradesTo.remove(u)
for u in node.upgradesFrom.copy():
if (not mGraph.graph.has_key(u)):
node.upgradesFrom.remove(u)


nextDummy = -1
#For any upgrade path that crosses more than one level, insert dummy nodes in between
for (unitA, nodeA) in mGraph.graph.items():
for unitB in nodeA.upgradesTo.copy():
nodeB = mGraph.graph[unitB]
if (nodeB.x - nodeA.x > 1):
nodeA.upgradesTo.remove(unitB)
nodeB.upgradesFrom.remove(unitA)
n = nodeA.x + 1
nodeA1 = nodeA # original node A
# Begin Promotions Graph fix for Warlords by Gaurav
while (n < nodeB.x):
nodeA.upgradesTo.add(nextDummy)
mGraph.graph[nextDummy] = Node()
nodeA = mGraph.graph[nextDummy]
if n == nodeA1.x + 1:
nodeA.upgradesFrom.add(unitA)
else:
nodeA.upgradesFrom.add(nextDummy + 1)
# End Promotions Graph fix for Warlords by Gaurav
nodeA.x = n
n += 1
nextDummy -= 1
nodeA.upgradesTo.add(unitB)
nodeB.upgradesFrom.add(nextDummy + 1)


#Now we can build the matrix from the order data
#make sure the matrix is <depth> deep
while(len(mGraph.matrix) < mGraph.depth):
mGraph.matrix.append([])

#fill out node.y and the matrix
for (unit, node) in mGraph.graph.iteritems():
node.y = len(mGraph.matrix[node.x])
mGraph.matrix[node.x].append(unit)
if (node.y >= mGraph.width):
mGraph.width = node.y + 1

#make all rows of the matrix the same width
for row in mGraph.matrix:
row.extend(["E"] * (mGraph.width - len(row)))

#finally, do the Sugiyama algorithm: iteratively step through layer by layer, swapping
#two units in layer i, if they cause fewer crosses or give a shorter line length from
#layer i-1, then work back from the other end. Repeat until no changes are made

doneA = False
iterlimit = 8
while (not doneA and iterlimit > 0):
doneA = True
iterlimit -= 1
for dir in [1, -1]:
start = 1
end = mGraph.depth
if (dir == -1):
start = mGraph.depth - 2
end = -1
for x in range(start, end, dir):
doneB = False
while (not doneB):
doneB = True
for y in range(mGraph.width - 1, 0, -1):
medA = -1.0
medB = -1.0
unitA = mGraph.matrix[x][y-1]
unitB = mGraph.matrix[x][y]
nodeA = 0
nodeB = 0
setA = 0
setB = 0
if (unitA != "E"):
nodeA = mGraph.graph[unitA]
setA = nodeA.upgradesFrom
if (dir == -1):
setA = nodeA.upgradesTo
medA = self.getMedianY(mGraph, setA)
if (unitB != "E"):
nodeB = mGraph.graph[unitB]
setB = nodeB.upgradesFrom
if (dir == -1):
setB = nodeB.upgradesTo
medB = self.getMedianY(mGraph, setB)

if (medA < 0 and medB < 0):
continue
if (medA > -1 and medB > -1):
if (medA > medB):
self.swap(mGraph, x, y-1, y)
doneB = False
if (medA == -1 and medB < y):
self.swap(mGraph, x, y-1, y)
doneB = False
if (medB == -1 and medA >= y):
self.swap(mGraph, x, y-1, y)
doneB = False
if (doneB == False):
doneA = False
doneB = False
while (not doneB):
doneB = True
for y in range(1, mGraph.width):
unitA = mGraph.matrix[x][y-1]
unitB = mGraph.matrix[x][y]
if (unitA == "E" or unitB == "E"):
continue
nodeA = mGraph.graph[unitA]
nodeB = mGraph.graph[unitB]
setA = nodeA.upgradesFrom
setB = nodeB.upgradesFrom
if (dir == -1):
setA = nodeA.upgradesTo
setB = nodeB.upgradesTo
crosses = 0
crossesFlipped = 0
for a in setA:
yA = mGraph.graph[a].y
for b in setB:
yB = mGraph.graph[b].y
if (yB < yA):
crosses += 1
elif (yB > yA):
crossesFlipped += 1
if (crossesFlipped < crosses):
self.swap(mGraph, x, y-1, y)
doneB = False
if (doneB == False):
doneA = False

#this is a fix for median float->int conversions throwing off the list
if (mGraph.matrix[x][-1] == "E"):
sum = 0.0
num = 0.0
for y in range(mGraph.width - 1):
unit = mGraph.matrix[x][y]
if (unit != "E"):
node = mGraph.graph[unit]
seto = node.upgradesFrom
if (dir == -1):
seto = node.upgradesTo
sum += y - self.getMedianY(mGraph, seto)
num += 1
if (num > 0 and sum / num < -0.5):
for y in range(mGraph.width - 1, 0, -1):
unit = mGraph.matrix[x][y-1]
mGraph.matrix[x][y] = unit
if (unit != "E"):
mGraph.graph[unit].y = y
mGraph.matrix[x][0] = "E"

#CvUtil.pyPrint("4:\n" + str(self.mGraphs))

#one final step: sort the graphs with the biggest one at top
done = False
while (done == False):
done = True
for i in range(1, len(self.mGraphs)):
if (len(self.mGraphs[i-1].graph) < len(self.mGraphs[i].graph)):
done = False
temp = self.mGraphs[i]
self.mGraphs[i] = self.mGraphs[i-1]
self.mGraphs[i-1] = temp
return

################## Stuff to lay out the graph in space ###################

def getPosition(self, x, y, verticalOffset):
xPos = self.horizontalMargin + x * (self.buttonSize + self.horizontalSpacing)
yPos = self.verticalMargin + y * (self.buttonSize + self.verticalSpacing) + verticalOffset
return (xPos, yPos)

def drawGraph(self):
screen = self.pediaScreen.getScreen()
offset = 0
for mGraph in self.mGraphs:
#draw arrows first so they'll go under the buttons if there is overlap
self.drawGraphArrows(mGraph, offset)
for x in range(mGraph.depth):
for y in range (mGraph.width):
unit = mGraph.matrix[x][y]
(xPos, yPos) = self.getPosition(x, y, offset)
if unit != "E" and unit > -1:
self.placeOnScreen(screen, unit, xPos, yPos)
offset = self.getPosition(0, mGraph.width, offset)[1]

####################### Stuff to draw graph arrows #######################

def drawGraphArrows(self, mGraph, offset):
matrix = mGraph.matrix
for x in range(len(matrix) - 1, -1, -1):
for y in range(len(matrix[x])):
unit = matrix[x][y]
if unit != "E":
self.drawUnitArrows(mGraph, offset, unit)
return

def drawUnitArrows(self, mGraph, offset, unit):
toNode = mGraph.graph[unit]
for fromUnit in toNode.upgradesFrom:
fromNode = mGraph.graph[fromUnit]
posFrom = self.getPosition(fromNode.x, fromNode.y, offset)
posTo = self.getPosition(toNode.x, toNode.y, offset)
self.drawArrow(posFrom, posTo, fromUnit < 0, unit < 0)
return

def drawArrow(self, posFrom, posTo, dummyFrom, dummyTo):
screen = self.pediaScreen.getScreen()

LINE_ARROW = ArtFileMgr.getInterfaceArtInfo("LINE_ARROW").getPath()
LINE_TLBR = ArtFileMgr.getInterfaceArtInfo("LINE_TLBR").getPath()
LINE_BLTR = ArtFileMgr.getInterfaceArtInfo("LINE_BLTR").getPath()
LINE_STRAIT = ArtFileMgr.getInterfaceArtInfo("LINE_STRAIT").getPath()

if (dummyFrom):
xFrom = posFrom[0] + self.buttonSize / 2
else:
xFrom = posFrom[0] + self.buttonSize
if (dummyTo):
xTo = posTo[0] + self.buttonSize / 2
else:
xTo = posTo[0] - 8
yFrom = posFrom[1] + (self.buttonSize / 2)
yTo = posTo[1] + (self.buttonSize / 2)

if (yFrom == yTo):
screen.addDDSGFCAt( self.pediaScreen.getNextWidgetName(), self.upgradesList, LINE_STRAIT, xFrom, yFrom - 3, xTo - xFrom, 8, WidgetTypes.WIDGET_GENERAL, -1, -1, False )
else:
xDiff = float(xTo - xFrom)
yDiff = float(yTo - yFrom)

iterations = int(max(xDiff, abs(yDiff)) / 80) + 1
if (abs(xDiff/yDiff) >= 2 or abs(xDiff/yDiff) < 0.5):
iterations = int(max(xDiff, abs(yDiff)) / 160) + 1

line = LINE_TLBR
if (yDiff < 0):
line = LINE_BLTR
for i in range(iterations):
xF = int((xDiff / iterations) * max(i-0.1, 0)) + xFrom
yF = int((yDiff / iterations) * max(i-0.1, 0)) + yFrom
xT = int((xDiff / iterations) * (i + 1)) + xFrom
yT = int((yDiff / iterations) * (i + 1)) + yFrom
if (yT < yF):
temp = yT
yT = yF
yF = temp
screen.addDDSGFCAt(self.pediaScreen.getNextWidgetN ame(), self.upgradesList, line, xF, yF, xT-xF, yT-yF, WidgetTypes.WIDGET_GENERAL, -1, -1, False)

if (dummyTo == False):
screen.addDDSGFCAt( self.pediaScreen.getNextWidgetName(), self.upgradesList, LINE_ARROW, xTo, yTo - 6, 12, 12, WidgetTypes.WIDGET_GENERAL, -1, -1, False )
return

########################### PROMOTION GRAPH IMPLEMENTATION #############################

#The promotion graph works exactly like the unit upgrade graph. Just a few functions need to
#be changed to make it access promotions instead of unit infos. These functions do that.
#This is a subclass inherited directly from UnitUpgradesGraph, so all the functions that are
#not listed here are above.

class PromotionsGraph(UnitUpgradesGraph):

def __init__(self, pediaScreen):
self.mGraphs = []
self.horizontalMargin = promotionsHorizontalMargin
self.verticalMargin = promotionsVerticalMargin
self.horizontalSpacing = promotionsHorizontalSpacing
self.verticalSpacing = promotionsVerticalSpacing
self.pediaScreen = pediaScreen
self.upgradesList = pediaScreen.UPGRADES_GRAPH_ID
self.buttonSize = promotionsButtonSize
self.exceptionList = promotionsExceptionList
self.splitIncoming = promotionsSplitIncoming
self.splitOutgoing = promotionsSplitOutgoing

def getNumberOfUnits(self):
return gc.getNumPromotionInfos()

def getUnitNumber(self, k):
"Gets the id for the kth unit for the current active player"

# No unique promotions, so very simple
return k

def getUnitType(self, e):
"Returns the type of the units with the specified id"
return gc.getPromotionInfo(e).getType()

def getGraphEdges(self, graph):
for unitA in graph.iterkeys():
unitD = gc.getPromotionInfo(unitA).getPrereqPromotion()
self.addUpgradePath(graph, unitD, unitA)
unitB = gc.getPromotionInfo(unitA).getPrereqOrPromotion1()
self.addUpgradePath(graph, unitB, unitA)
unitC = gc.getPromotionInfo(unitA).getPrereqOrPromotion2()
self.addUpgradePath(graph, unitC, unitA)

def unitToString(self, unit):
return gc.getPromotionInfo(unit).getDescription() + ":%d"%(unit, )


def placeOnScreen(self, screen, unit, xPos, yPos):
screen.setImageButtonAt(self.pediaScreen.getNextWi dgetName(), self.upgradesList, gc.getPromotionInfo(unit).getButton(), xPos, yPos, self.buttonSize, self.buttonSize, WidgetTypes.WIDGET_PEDIA_JUMP_TO_PROMOTION, unit, 1)
You know, I was thinking about making a map editor as well. (Un)fortunately, Gr3yhound's MapView is really good and it feels like I would be wasting my time. Still, I will probably make a simple WBS editor as I'm interested in map making as well but I can't guarantee that it will be great with tons of features.

We'll see what happens here. Another approach could be to write an entirely new stand-alone application for this (with only some Python support) using a game engine. Could turn out to be powerful, but would at the same time defeat the purpose of CivSmith's plugin concept.I agree that it would be a little foolish to create one now, especially with the quality we already have.Please hold on to that thought! I was going to write some documentation for the previous version but real life hindered me from doing so. The creation of custom plugins is something that I will focus on for the next version (since the application relies on them). I am already writing examples (documentation and source code) that will be available later on.Excellent! I'll keep my eyes peeled.I'll keep that in mind. Good button graphics are hard to come by.:D

i have a question: in the documentation on your website, it says to download Python 2.5.4. however, the latest version is 3.1. do we have to download 2.5.4, or are we able to use the latest version?

thanks, and i can't wait to get started using CivSmith!

i have a question: in the documentation on your website, it says to download Python 2.5.4. however, the latest version is 3.1. do we have to download 2.5.4, or are we able to use the latest version?

The application is designed to work with Python 2.5. I would support the latest version but the main library I am using supports Python up to 2.5 only. Unfortunately, I don't have the time to modify the source of that library, I'd rather spend the time on the actual tool. However, Python 2.5 can co-exist with other Python releases so this shouldn't be a problem :)

This looks like a great utility.

Unfortunately it doesn't work for me.

I have all of the proper components downloaded. I cleared the config file and when I start up the program it can't find the proper folders for the game. :sad:

They are stored in the usual /Program_Files directory - shouldn't be difficult to find.

Running on Windows Vista Home.

What version of Civ do you have (normal retail disc, download, civ complete, civ gold)?

Are you running it as admin? If you aren't, it might not be able to retrieve the path to Civ from the registry.

You could just open the config.xml file and put the correct path for each base (game and expansions).

Perhaps a silly question: will the editor be (or even need to be) updated w/patch 3.19?

I haven't had any problems with CivSmith and BtS 3.19. The XML files should be the same as before so I don't expect any problems.

However, the next version will "officially" be for BtS 3.19 :)

You could just open the config.xml file and put the correct path for each base (game and expansions).

Ah yes!! I missed that. :blush: I'll give that a shot!

This thing looks like it has a ton of potential! Thanks again for coding stuff like this for us programming illiterates, i look forward to seeing the next update!

This thing looks like it has a ton of potential! Thanks again for coding stuff like this for us programming illiterates, i look forward to seeing the next update!

Thanks.

Unfortunately I "coded" myself into a corner :lol:, so basically I have to rewrite certain parts to make it faster and more flexible (it's a memory hog in its current form). Working with XML files directly is so slow...

I think I'll take a more conservative approach and allow you to edit stuff independently of Civ and then allow you to "compile" all your mod changes into an XML file instead of working with it directly as it is today.

Unfortunately I "coded" myself into a corner, so basically I have to rewrite certain parts to make it faster and more flexible (it's a memory hog in its current form). Working with XML files directly is so slow...

I think I'll take a more conservative approach and allow you to edit stuff independently of Civ and then allow you to "compile" all your mod changes into an XML file instead of working with it directly as it is today.


That sounds like a good idea, hopefully it is easier to implement as well in the long run, and not just a resource saver. I poked around on your blog and have to say again it looks like you are heading in a great direction. The Tech editor/graph is especially sweet!

I was wondering, will you be able to make the changeover to being database driven and not real-time without losing all the work that you have done so far on the unit and tech editing menus and such? Also, are you planning on including building/wonder, civilization, and civic editors, etc, in addition to the unit and tech editors?

Thanks again for providing this for the community, I hope that the cold you had is long gone and wont keep you from your creative coding :D

PS: I dont know if you already saw this post: http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=231917
It is an XML editor by Kael, I'm not sure if it might have any code that might give you a jump start, but I thought that I would mention it. It's cool but I dont think it has caught on with novice modders. Plus it cant load previously created mod info...

Oh yeah and there was stevo32's editor: http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=311239

I was wondering, will you be able to make the changeover to being database driven and not real-time without losing all the work that you have done so far on the unit and tech editing menus and such? Also, are you planning on including building/wonder, civilization, and civic editors, etc, in addition to the unit and tech editors?

I would probably have to rewrite the two editors. I'm not sure if I want to continue making it semi-open source with Python either. One thing I've noticed is that it is really time consuming and boring to make the GUIs through code (as it is now), even if Python is amazing and one of my favorite programming languages. If I continue with Python I will at least make an editor that will allow me (and you) to easily design a GUI and then compile or translate the whole thing to Python. It will make my life so much easier and will boost productivity by 200% or something. :lol:.

The plan is to make a fully working Civ editor, I just need to decide what approach I want to take in terms of it being somewhat open (Python) which would allow anyone to adapt it to their liking or fully close sourced (no Python) which would allow for really advanced graphical editors (think of the tech editor but 2-4 times better). I'm trying to come up with a solution that would allow both. At this point, I am considering making it completely open source (which would require Pascal/Delphi skills if anyone wants to customize) and get rid of Python. I am just not sure what to do at the moment.

I've looked at nearly every (if not all) editors available here so I have a pretty good idea of what works and what doesn't. Code doesn't help me much because I don't use Java, C, C++ nor C#, but thanks anyway for your suggestions.

Thanks again for providing this for the community, I hope that the cold you had is long gone and wont keep you from your creative coding :D

At least that gives me an excuse to stay home from work and code from the couch :p

I would probably have to rewrite the two editors. I'm not sure if I want to continue making it semi-open source with Python either. One thing I've noticed is that it is really time consuming and boring to make the GUIs through code (as it is now), even if Python is amazing and one of my favorite programming languages. If I continue with Python I will at least make an editor that will allow me (and you) to easily design a GUI and then compile or translate the whole thing to Python. It will make my life so much easier and will boost productivity by 200% or something. :lol:.

The plan is to make a fully working Civ editor, I just need to decide what approach I want to take in terms of it being somewhat open (Python) which would allow anyone to adapt it to their liking or fully close sourced (no Python) which would allow for really advanced graphical editors (think of the tech editor but 2-4 times better). I'm trying to come up with a solution that would allow both. At this point, I am considering making it completely open source (which would require Pascal/Delphi skills if anyone wants to customize) and get rid of Python. I am just not sure what to do at the moment.

Well, I am not going to be designing any GUIs anytime soon, thats way out of my league:twitch:
There is also very little chance that me or most of the blokes who need something like this the most will be adapting the editor with Python, either. I think there are veritable hordes of guys out there like me who want to help with grunt mod tasks (like changing flavor text or making basic unit, tech, and improvement changes). However because we are functionally coding illiterate we have a hard time making a decent contribution to the modding community. So my vote is whatever makes this project easier for you to code and make shiny, even if it comes at the expense of ease of CivSmith cusomizability at the code level. Thats my two bits, keep it simple for us simpletons (I am assuming that we are your target crowd). :D


At least that gives me an excuse to stay home from work and code from the couch :p

:lol:

Well, I am not going to be designing any GUIs anytime soon, thats way out of my league:twitch:

Hehe, of course not :D I'm just saying that I want people with Python knowledge to be able to adjust it to their liking.

But you're right of course, if I can make a better editor by keeping it closed source, then maybe that's the way to go. I am currently working on an add-on for Flight Simulator X but I will be coming back very soon with a working Tech Editor demo as a stand-alone program. I need to make a demo to see how a database driven CivSmith would work compared to the current version (Probably better :D).

So make sure to come back and check it out in a couple of weeks!

Incredible work, thank you.

But you're right of course, if I can make a better editor by keeping it closed source, then maybe that's the way to go. I am currently working on an add-on for Flight Simulator X but I will be coming back very soon with a working Tech Editor demo as a stand-alone program. I need to make a demo to see how a database driven CivSmith would work compared to the current version (Probably better :D).

So make sure to come back and check it out in a couple of weeks!

I definitely will, I am excited to see what you come up with, and I think a lot of other people are, too!

Wow, Looks really amazing and very simple to use mew.
Do you plan to add more editors mew?
Ones for Civilizations, Buildings, Wonders, and Promotions would all greatly flesh it out into being an all encompassing program mew.

Can this be used to edit improvements and such? Or civics? Cuz I downloaded someone else mod and dislike a few minor things. If I tweak those things easily, that'd make me happy. Nonetheless, I downloaded your utility anyway, just cuz it seems very useful.

Hehe, of course not :D I'm just saying that I want people with Python knowledge to be able to adjust it to their liking.

But you're right of course, if I can make a better editor by keeping it closed source, then maybe that's the way to go.Also, people that can edit the editor are probably able to edit the Civ4 files directly without a lot of hassle. The mod editor has two uses 1) make modding way more accessible to those who are not very well-versed with computers and 2) make modding easier for those who already have a grasp of what they're doing.

I think focussing on the former is more important, because it allows more people to participate in the modding fun - whereas people who are willing to venture into the editor code are probably ambitious and knowledgeable enough to reach the limits of any editor very quickly anyway (like editing the Python and/or SDK parts of the game) :)

Cheers, LT.

Do you plan to add more editors mew?
Ones for Civilizations, Buildings, Wonders, and Promotions would all greatly flesh it out into being an all encompassing program mew.

That is the plan; a bunch of editors in one application.

Can this be used to edit improvements and such? Or civics?

At the moment, no. The current preview version that is available can only edit units and technologies, though it's not 100% complete (It is a preview after all).

Also, people that can edit the editor are probably able to edit the Civ4 files directly without a lot of hassle. The mod editor has two uses 1) make modding way more accessible to those who are not very well-versed with computers and 2) make modding easier for those who already have a grasp of what they're doing.

I think focussing on the former is more important, because it allows more people to participate in the modding fun - whereas people who are willing to venture into the editor code are probably ambitious and knowledgeable enough to reach the limits of any editor very quickly anyway (like editing the Python and/or SDK parts of the game) :)

Cheers, LT.

Absolutely. However, the original idea was that more advanced and larger mods (with custom tags and so forth) could be supported by allowing devs and users to make their changes/additions to the application through Python. The sad thing is that a fully close sourced editor wouldn't be able to fully support all mods - only standard Civ/War/BtS/Col mods.

It seems like I will have to abandon the original idea after thinking about this for over a month now (:sad:) but hey, this will lead to a better editor with more features so it will most likely pay off (:D).

...the original idea was that more advanced and larger mods (with custom tags and so forth) could be supported by allowing devs and users to make their changes/additions to the application through Python. The sad thing is that a fully close sourced editor wouldn't be able to fully support all mods - only standard Civ/War/BtS/Col mods.

It seems like I will have to abandon the original idea after thinking about this for over a month now (:sad:) but hey, this will lead to a better editor with more features so it will most likely pay off (:D).

I am really looking forward to a "basic" editor with a plethora of useful features! It still hasnt happened yet (going on how may years since Civ4's release now? :P ).

I used to be a quality assurance lead at a software company for a couple of years:badcomp:. Sometimes the hardest decisions are made before any code or art for a project is started, what features do we include? How much will this benefit the average user? Is this interface intuitive? etc.:deal:

In the end, the coding savvy can always go back later and add custom elements to their mod, or a "basic" user can hand the nearly finished product to someone else to spice up (Plus CivSmith could still edit the "basic" content of an "advanced" mod right?).

Later on you could always code another follow-up app (in python, or whatever) that would help more advanced users easily manipulate custom elements to a mod...

But I am not trying to pile more work on your plate :eek:

I am just trying to suggest another approach that may more easily achieve your desired goals :goodjob:

when I attempt to run this program I get this error:

Error 193: Could not open Dll "python25.dll"

followed by:

Python could not be properly initialized. We must quit.

I made sure that all pre-requisites were properly installed. I also made sure that I ran the program as an administrator (Vista). Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

I am really looking forward to a "basic" editor with a plethora of useful features! It still hasnt happened yet (going on how may years since Civ4's release now? :P ).

Yeah I'm surprised too and was hoping that someone would have made an editor when I came back here a year ago. I suppose my project is the very definition of taking matters into your own hands :D

I used to be a quality assurance lead at a software company for a couple of years:badcomp:. Sometimes the hardest decisions are made before any code or art for a project is started, what features do we include? How much will this benefit the average user? Is this interface intuitive? etc.:deal:

You'll receive a PM when it's time to test ;)

Plus CivSmith could still edit the "basic" content of an "advanced" mod right?).

Yes, only custom tags would be affected and not truly supported (Though I might be able to still add some basic support).

Thanks for your suggestions :)


when I attempt to run this program I get this error:

Error 193: Could not open Dll "python25.dll"

followed by:

Python could not be properly initialized. We must quit.

I made sure that all pre-requisites were properly installed. I also made sure that I ran the program as an administrator (Vista). Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

So you have installed both Python 2.5 and the lxml package? Tricky problem. You could try copying Python25.dll to the CivSmith folder and see if it runs then. Python25.dll is usually located in C:\Windows\System32.

Other than that, it sounds like Python hasn't been installed properly.

Tried placing Python25.dll in the CivSmith folder and in the System32 folder. Neither option worked. My IDLE gui works just fine though. Is there any particular path that CivSmith needs to have or special settings that I need to set in python?

Yeah I'm surprised too and was hoping that someone would have made an editor when I came back here a year ago. I suppose my project is the very definition of taking matters into your own hands :D


No kidding :yup:


You'll receive a PM when it's time to test ;)


I'd be happy to. As you can tell I am full of opinions :old: At least I have some sort of logic behind most of them...

Tried placing Python25.dll in the CivSmith folder and in the System32 folder. Neither option worked. My IDLE gui works just fine though. Is there any particular path that CivSmith needs to have or special settings that I need to set in python?

That's strange. IIRC, CivSmith looks up if Python is installed through the registry and looks for Python25.dll in the usual location (System32). I don't have any sources on my laptop (they're backed up on disc at home) so I can't check atm.

Just dropping by to say "hi". I hope that the programming is going well Senap :goodjob:

I know he's waiting on me for some icons, but I hope that's not holding him up. For the record, I haven't been able to make a start this week, but I should get to them next week.

Just dropping by to say "hi". I hope that the programming is going well Senap :goodjob:

Hi! I've actually been working like a madman trying to complete the new editor and am having lots of fun (even when the programming drives me crazy :mad:).

If you want technical details, I am working on saving/loading routines. The idea is - as mentioned earlier - to create the mod (only techs in this version) entirely in the editor and then exporting it to Civ's mod folder in XML format. I am also working on the import feature, which will allow you to import any existing mod into the editor and edit its techs.

While NikNaks' icons are important, they are not holding me back or anything, but there is no point in posting screenshots yet as all the buttons are icon-less and the tech editor is far from complete (right now, it looks very close to the 0.3 version that is available).

I think I will have something for you to download and test in 1-4 weeks.

Hi! I've actually been working like a madman trying to complete the new editor and am having lots of fun (even when the programming drives me crazy :mad:).

I think I will have something for you to download and test in 1-4 weeks.

Cool :D No rush, I am just trying to be supportive! I bow to your 1337 skrillz :bowdown:

It's getting late here (It's 4 AM already :eek:) and I have ended my programming session for today. I'm happy to give you a small taste of what the new editor looks like:

http://thirdpilot.net/screenshots/civsmith_04_main_window.jpg

http://thirdpilot.net/screenshots/civsmith_04_properties1.jpg

http://thirdpilot.net/screenshots/civsmith_04_properties2.jpg

Please ignore the temporary icons that I am using in the menus, they will be replaced. Here's a taste of the new features:


The Tech Grid has basically the same interface as before, with the blue tech boxes. I added a new mode that allows you to see all the technologies color coded by era (as seen in the first screenshot). Techs can still be moved around and edited when viewed in this mode.
You will be able to import your custom tech buttons in BMP, JPEG, TGA and DDS format (maybe even PNG) and the editor will automatically convert the image to DDS. The button will be displayed in the grid as seen in the screenshot.
All the era, unit class and advisor values (screenshot 2) are collected from the default Civilization XML files on your PC, so the data will be up-to-date with any future patch.
Moving techs around requires you to hold down SHIFT and then dragging the tech to the desired location. If you drop a tech above an existing tech, their positions will swap as before. Assigning prereqs will be handled using the CTRL and ALT keys and dragging. A new mode will automatically "kick in" and display the tech grid with prereq color codes just like in the previous version.
The techs' civilopedia and strategy entries will be editable (is that a word?) through the editor.
All the mod data (currently mod settings and the tech data) are stored in one project binary file. This means that the editor is lightning fast (well, if you keep the tech count under 1000 ;)). You have the option to export your mod to ANY installed Civilization version (Civ, War, BtS) and the editor will automatically create the appropiate mod folders and XML files. Of course, referring to BtS units in a Civ mod will still cause crashes but at least the XML will be correctly formatted ;).
You will be able to import existing mods to the editor. If the imported mod's XML is correct, the tech editor will correctly use the mod's era, unit class and advisor values instead of Civ's. Any (XML) file that the editor can't edit will be stored along the previously mentioned project binary file. If I have the time, I will add XML and Python editors but I don't guarantee anything.

I also have some bad and some good news. The bad news is that the new version of CivSmith will only have the Tech Editor available. That's because I have focused on it 100%. So the good news is that the Tech Editor will be fully functional when released. This means that it will allow you to edit every available tech property and accurately produce a working CIV4TechInfos.xml file (and mod).

Any feedback is welcome.

This is amazing when are you planning on releasing it?

I also have some bad and some good news. The bad news is that the new version of CivSmith will only have the Tech Editor available. That's because I have focused on it 100%. So the good news is that the Tech Editor will be fully functional when released. This means that it will allow you to edit every available tech property and accurately produce a working CIV4TechInfos.xml file (and mod).

Any feedback is welcome.

Hey, one step at a time, right! I second the motion, this looks simply awesome and in-depth :D

It's getting late here (It's 4 AM already :eek:) and I have ended my programming session for today. I'm happy to give you a small taste of what the new editor looks like:

http://thirdpilot.net/screenshots/civsmith_04_main_window.jpg

http://thirdpilot.net/screenshots/civsmith_04_properties1.jpg

http://thirdpilot.net/screenshots/civsmith_04_properties2.jpg

Please ignore the temporary icons that I am using in the menus, they will be replaced. Here's a taste of the new features:


The Tech Grid has basically the same interface as before, with the blue tech boxes. I added a new mode that allows you to see all the technologies color coded by era (as seen in the first screenshot). Techs can still be moved around and edited when viewed in this mode.
You will be able to import your custom tech buttons in BMP, JPEG, TGA and DDS format (maybe even PNG) and the editor will automatically convert the image to DDS. The button will be displayed in the grid as seen in the screenshot.
All the era, unit class and advisor values (screenshot 2) are collected from the default Civilization XML files on your PC, so the data will be up-to-date with any future patch.
Moving techs around requires you to hold down SHIFT and then dragging the tech to the desired location. If you drop a tech above an existing tech, their positions will swap as before. Assigning prereqs will be handled using the CTRL and ALT keys and dragging. A new mode will automatically "kick in" and display the tech grid with prereq color codes just like in the previous version.
The techs' civilopedia and strategy entries will be editable (is that a word?) through the editor.
All the mod data (currently mod settings and the tech data) are stored in one project binary file. This means that the editor is lightning fast (well, if you keep the tech count under 1000 ;)). You have the option to export your mod to ANY installed Civilization version (Civ, War, BtS) and the editor will automatically create the appropiate mod folders and XML files. Of course, referring to BtS units in a Civ mod will still cause crashes but at least the XML will be correctly formatted ;).
You will be able to import existing mods to the editor. If the imported mod's XML is correct, the tech editor will correctly use the mod's era, unit class and advisor values instead of Civ's. Any (XML) file that the editor can't edit will be stored along the previously mentioned project binary file. If I have the time, I will add XML and Python editors but I don't guarantee anything.

I also have some bad and some good news. The bad news is that the new version of CivSmith will only have the Tech Editor available. That's because I have focused on it 100%. So the good news is that the Tech Editor will be fully functional when released. This means that it will allow you to edit every available tech property and accurately produce a working CIV4TechInfos.xml file (and mod).

Any feedback is welcome.

Can i use your editor on Mac OS 10.any version ? :goodjob:

I'm switching to mac...

This is amazing when are you planning on releasing it?

My deadline is set to September 4. However, I'm trying to finish up to make it available as soon as possible.

Hey, one step at a time, right! I second the motion, this looks simply awesome and in-depth :D

Baby steps, yes :lol:. Thanks.

Can i use your editor on Mac OS 10.any version ? :goodjob:


I'm sorry, the code is Windows only. I would support Mac if I could but I have never owned one myself and it's too expensive for me.

I haven't see you online for a while, so I'd just like to mention that I've worked on the icons, and have them complete. If you could give me an email address to send them to if you're not going to be online, that'd be great. For now, the new unit icon (even though it won't be used this version):

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/NikNaks93/unit2.png

(saved as a PNG because I forgot you were using BMPs)

Also, the new editor is looking fantastic. Awesome work :D

Also, the new editor is looking fantastic. Awesome work :D
Thanks.

I haven't see you online for a while
I am working hard this week (and the upcoming ones too) so you can usually find me online around noon or after 10 PM. I am usually online after 10 PM.

Also, the new editor is looking fantastic. Awesome work :D

Couldn't agree more. (Can't wait to see the next version.) :thumbsup:

Hi

I installed this programme and got this responce;
» Reading configuration
• Civ: -- Not found --
• War: -- Not found --
• BtS: -- Not found --
• Col: -- Not found --

Why can't it find the games? I don't have them in an unusual location.

Probably because the application doesn't have the appropiate rights to scan the registry. Try running as administrator.

I recommend that you hold on until September 4, when the new version will be out.

Okay, thank I'll wait for the finished version

Hey Senap,

I hope that everything is going well with you and still look forward to seeing and testing the next release of the editor! :D

Hi, the1sean, everything is going well but slooooow. My job is forcing me to work more than usual so I have less time to work on the project right now, but I'm getting there.

oh my god :cry: :worship:this is beautiful!!!!!!!
can i add this to the modcast?

you tech editor cannot see hidden -1 tech location :)

General update: This project is still alive and I am working on it, but it's taking a looong time to finish the Tech Editor. This is because I am working (at my IRL job) like crazy and will probably not have a lot of free time until late december.

oh my god :cry: :worship:this is beautiful!!!!!!!
can i add this to the modcast?

Thanks :D

What do you mean with adding to the modcast? Like talk about it? That's fine I guess.

you tech editor cannot see hidden -1 tech location :)

All the techs are listed, even if you don't have the Tech Editor active. Any hidden techs would be listed there.

ahh okay. well thank you for the program, its going to make going through alot of xml easy.

Do I have to dl Python 2.5 if I already have Python 2.6?

What the deuce? I didn'get get a mail to notify me about your reply. I'm so sorry.

The 0.3.x version still needs Python 2.5 to work. However, Python 2.5 and Python 2.6 can still co-exist.

However, I suggest that you just wait for the next version. It's is superior in every way and does not require Python at all.

woo hoo im waiting to see your new version expectantly :)!!

hm, I almost can't wait for the release of the new version...
python is SO not working for me, i installed v2.5.4, but when i try to install lxml2.2 or newer, it says that according to the registry i dont have python 2.5 - ergo your tool won't load...

yeah i had a bit of trouble too. i had to start over from scratch and sniff through those links for the exact release versions.

why doesn't it work with civ 4 complete :(

What the deuce? I didn'get get a mail to notify me about your reply. I'm so sorry.

The 0.3.x version still needs Python 2.5 to work. However, Python 2.5 and Python 2.6 can still co-exist.

However, I suggest that you just wait for the next version. It's is superior in every way and does not require Python at all.Is this still being worked on or is this a dead thread that has been trawled up?

Error 126: Could not open Python dll ''Python25.dll''
Python could not properly be initialized. We must quit.

WHY!

wow - looks like a GREAT tool... any chance that this will be updated?

one thing i noticed was that in the unit editor there is a button for prereq bonus, but there is no prereq bonus dropdown in the prereq tab

Hey guys, sorry for not catching up with the thread earlier. My intention is to release this, so I'll look into it and at least release a barebones visual tech editor, as soon as I have the time.

I am currently working on some work-related apps (in my spare time, sigh) and those projects have much higher priority :(