DDO Character Creator

[TheShado]

The actual builder is 90% JavaScript, and all the server-side stuff is handled with PHP. I use XML to store and transfer data such as classes, feats, spells, and the character build itself. With a little AJAX magic, it runs completely client-side (or so you'd think), and never needs to reload the page (in fact, doing so will actually lose your build, so I'm working on a way to prevent "accidents").

If I'm not mistaken, can't Excel export to a tab-delimited file?

Guess I should have read all of the posts before replying initially, but now you get 2 in a row from me=). In regards to preventing accidents, I'm assuming your website is using user logins? If so, that's your accident proof right there. Every user gets a current build file associated with their login. When they first create a handle, everything resets to a default state, and when they decide to create a new build, everything resets to default. As they edit their character, every change gets saved automatically. You mentioned that you were using PHP, so this is a very simple implementation. Obviously, I don't know exactly how you are doing everything, but I'm guessing your question is "Ok, how do I make it save with every change because Java and PHP hate each other with a passion".

I was working on a website awhile back that I wanted to create the effect of frames in, without having that annoying problem of clicking "back" on the browser but it only going back frame by frame instead of to the previous website(left side/top of website static, middle dynamic when a link is clicked). In doing that, I figured out a way that allows Java and PHP to work together. On my website, when you click a link (java) it enters a switch statement which uses the case to determine which link was clicked. It then sets a string variable equal to the result of the file(PHP), and prints the result to the web page.

Couple Ideas:
1) If you want zero character sheet loss: Using the same idea, every time a change happens in Java (the character generation), the result gets saved into PHP. This obviously isn't the most effient way in the world, because that's alot of saving to do if every change is going to access the server side harddrive and write to it -- Not to mention if a million people are doing it at once. I think the best option would be to save the information client side, and have any information transfered back to the server every <x> seconds or when the window gets closed. Writing every change to the users own harddrive is nothing, and takes care of things such as power outtages. In the off chance the outtage hits while saving and the file gets corrupted, you have that server side backup to synchronize with when the user logs back in.

2) If you want minor loss and/or don't want to save anything client side: Same idea as above, but instead of saving at every little change, auto save <x> number of seconds (30, 60, whatever), when the user requests to save, when the user changes tabs, or when the user closes the window.

In regards to XML access with C++... Write a very basic database program to load the XML file using C++/SQL (Free). You now have your data. Manipulate it to your hearts content and change the format so you are all compatible with each other. Doing this in MFC will take about 5 minutes (Well, the loading part=) ), as installing SQL Server allows you to create an MFC template for database access.

Anyways, those are just my thoughts on how you might go about it. Hopefully they are worth considering. If not, at least you know what you don't want to do=)

[SanePsycho]

This looks freak'n awesome. My initial thought was "What's the point, there's already one out there that does the same" until I started thinking about the community sharing idea. If someone posts a build that sounds great, but doesn't quite fit what I want, your web app will allow me to take that build as is, and just tweak it the way I want and re-submit it in possibly seconds, rather than having to re-create it myself or download a file, tweak it, then re-upload.

Exactly! DDO has always had a strong and loyal (but comparatively small) community, and with the influx of new F2P players, I want to get people excited about the game, even when they aren't playing. Everyday I have a plethora of new ideas I could implement with some time, so while I can't talk about all of them right now (surprises are fun!), rest assured once the site is launched, it will only continue to grow and improve.

Incremental backups was an idea I started to toss around when I decided to go the AJAX route for 2 reasons: A) I don't have much choice :P and B) this is what AJAX is for! While it isn't implemented yet, and I'm unsure how it will perform in real life (hopefully better then traversing the DOM in IE), I think it's a good compromise between functionality and performance. Since all visitors will need to have an account and be signed in to save their build to the server, when the page request for the character builder is first received, a temporary XML file is created on the server with the user's identifier, and exists until scrapped, or the user tries to properly save another build. Every time the user switches levels (new level or revision of an old one), an XMLString of the data for the most recent level is sent to the server for updating. I think this should limit server requests and bandwidth to an acceptable level (21 for a full build at minimum, more if the user is fickle ), while still affording a backup that's recent enough (you'll lose at most, 1 level of data). Hopefully that all made sense, I'm very tired at the moment

And just to make it clear, the site will NOT save any data to the user's HDD. I'm fairly certain Javascript can't do so (although I have seen sketchy hacks with decreased browser security settings, and even then only in IE), as the security risks would be monumental. You will be able to download the build XML file from the server once it's saved, or as a last resort (i.e. you lost your internet connection, site goes down), you can view the build as text (in XML format) to copy and paste into a file on your HDD. The W3C lays out a specification for saving XML files locally, but I don't believe it's actually been implemented for use yet unfortunately.

[TheShado]

Yeah, that makes sense...Finish a level, it saves. I was just thinking of ways to limit as much data loss as possible. That's the beauty of controlling everything server side though. If you decided in the future you wanted to add a timer to save every 30 seconds, you can add one at your own leisure. The best part is as a user, I don't have to do a **** thing to get the feature=) (No updates). How close are you to Alpha/Beta stage anyways? Or are you just doing all the testing yourself and going for a full out launch when you're ready? My only fear now is that you are like me and 99% of other coders out there...Start a project, work many many many hours on it, stop for a day and that day turns into a month turns into a year, think "Hey, I wanna jump back into that", totally forget what your thoughts were on what to do next, and never look at it again.

[SanePsycho]

Yeah, that makes sense...Finish a level, it saves. I was just thinking of ways to limit as much data loss as possible. That's the beauty of controlling everything server side though. If you decided in the future you wanted to add a timer to save every 30 seconds, you can add one at your own leisure. The best part is as a user, I don't have to do a **** thing to get the feature=) (No updates). How close are you to Alpha/Beta stage anyways? Or are you just doing all the testing yourself and going for a full out launch when you're ready? My only fear now is that you are like me and 99% of other coders out there...Start a project, work many many many hours on it, stop for a day and that day turns into a month turns into a year, think "Hey, I wanna jump back into that", totally forget what your thoughts were on what to do next, and never look at it again.

To be honest, part of the reason I posted here was to keep my momentum going. It can definitely be difficult to stay focused and productive when you're not even sure if people are interested. I have taken a few breaks from the project already (mostly after creating the XML data files which run roughly 4-6k lines each - my wrists can't take that much abuse ), but I'm getting a little closer each day, one obstacle at a time. And rest assured, I take many, many notes for personal reference

I want to have a few people help me test it before it goes live, hopefully catch a few things I didn't. The first version won't include enhancements or social features, but they will follow soon enough, and be much easier to implement once everything else is done.

It's wonderful to see people excited about my project, I only hope that I will exceed expectations

[TheShado]

It's hard to go off of a DDO forum as to who would be interested and who wouldn't. This is the first time I've ever bothered looking at a DDO forum (was looking to see if they were going to give us VIP's DDO Store loot like they do Free players level sigils/zone access as loot), and stumbled on this. I can guarantee you though that once the site is launched, it will all turn into word of mouth when somebody asks a question about building their toon in game. "Go to www.<whatever>.com and there's a community character builder there".

Excitement from a few of us now is one thing, but a site like that will get a ton of use from those that may not be so vocal about it. At any rate, once you are ready for that site to be tested out, count me in as interested in participating. I can't say I would be able to pick out any D&D Logic errors (getting too many feats, too many skill points, etc), as I don't know the D&D ruleset whatsoever (just love the game), but I can really mess around with the program trying to crash it in different ways, testing your save code by quitting at different times -- Anything technical. Beta testing was part of my 4th semester in college, and one trick they actually do at the most basic level is have a little kid at the keyboard while the program is running. I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old -- Consider the bugs found=D

[jhenders]

I actually am an Avid user of Rons Character Generator which is AWESOME!

Can I get a link to it?
I would be much obliged,
Jhenders

Edit: I am too, now that I found a link.

I made this build but it didn't save it (Grrrrr) and so here's the build but Can you put it into format so that I can save it on Notepad into the your Character Generator to load it . . . SO:
Here's the build I made:

Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.5.1
DDO Character Planner Home Page

Pokit Rokit The Bard/Wiz Version
Level 20 Neutral Good Halfling Male
(4 Fighter \ 8 Wizard \ 8 Bard) 
Hit Points: 304
Spell Points: 695 
BAB: 14\14\19\24
Fortitude: 13
Reflex: 14
Will: 13

                  Starting            Ending          Feat/Enhancement
Abilities        Base Stats         Base Stats         Modified Stats
(28 Point)       (Level 1)          (Level 20)           (Level 20)
Strength             13                 16                   17
Dexterity            14                 17                   19
Constitution         14                 18                   18
Intelligence         14                 16                   18
Wisdom                8                  8                    8
Charisma             12                 12                   12

Tomes Used
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 20
+4 Tome of Constitution used at level 20
+2 Tome of Intelligence used at level 20

                  Starting            Ending          Feat/Enhancement
                 Base Skills        Base Skills        Modified Skills
Skills           (Level 1)          (Level 20)          (Level 20)
Balance               2                  7                    7
Bluff                 1                  2                    2
Concentration         2                  6                    6
Diplomacy             1                  1                    1
Disable Device        n/a               n/a                   n/a
Haggle                1                 16                   18
Heal                 -1                 -1                    1
Hide                  2                 11                   15
Intimidate            1                  1                    1
Jump                  5                 13                   15
Listen               -1                  0                    2
Move Silently         4                 13                   15
Open Lock             n/a               n/a                   n/a
Perform               n/a               12                   14
Repair                2                  4                    4
Search                2                  4                    4
Spot                 -1                  2                    2
Swim                  1                  3                    3
Tumble                4                 17                   17
Use Magic Device      3                 22                   22

{\b {\ul Notable Equipment }} \par Minos Legens \par Intricate Field Optics \par Blue Dragonscale Robe \par Bracers of Deftness \par Band of Siberys \par Madstone Boots \par Seven Fingered Gloves \par Kyosho's Ring \par Belt of Tongue \par Cloak of the Zephyr \par Bottle of Air \par Shintao Cord \par Dreamspitter \par +5 Screaming Amethyst Arrow \par Tortured Livewood Longbow \par  \par Level 1 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+4)
Skill: Move Silently (+2)
Skill: Tumble (+2)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+2)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Focus: Bludgeoning Weapons
Feat: (Automatic) Attack
Feat: (Automatic) Defensive Fighting
Feat: (Automatic) Halfling Agility
Feat: (Automatic) Halfling Bravery
Feat: (Automatic) Halfling Keen Ears
Feat: (Automatic) Halfling Luck
Feat: (Automatic) Halfling Size Bonus
Feat: (Automatic) Halfling Thrown Weapon Focus
Feat: (Automatic) Heavy Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Heroic Durability
Feat: (Automatic) Light Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Martial Weapon Proficiency (ALL)
Feat: (Automatic) Medium Armor Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Shield Proficiency (General)
Feat: (Automatic) Simple Weapon Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Sneak
Feat: (Automatic) Sunder
Feat: (Automatic) Tower Shield Proficiency
Feat: (Automatic) Trip


Level 2 (Bard)
Skill: Perform (+3)
Skill: Tumble (+2)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+3)
Feat: (Automatic) Dismiss Charm
Feat: (Automatic) Fascinate
Feat: (Automatic) Inspire Courage
Spell (1): Focusing Chant


Level 3 (Wizard)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Maximize Spell
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Feat: (Automatic) Inscribe Scroll
Feat: (Automatic) Magical Training


Level 4 (Fighter)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Power Attack


Level 5 (Bard)
Skill: Jump (+2)
Skill: Listen (+1)
Skill: Perform (+2)
Skill: Tumble (+2)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Spell (1): Otto's Resistable Dance


Level 6 (Bard)
Skill: Concentration (+2)
Skill: Haggle (+1)
Skill: Jump (+2)
Skill: Perform (+2)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Least Dragonmark of Healing
Feat: (Automatic) Inspire Competence
Spell (1): Expeditious Retreat


Level 7 (Bard)
Skill: Haggle (+2)
Skill: Hide (+2)
Skill: Move Silently (+2)
Skill: Perform (+2)
Spell (2): Rage
Spell (2): Heroism


Level 8 (Bard)
Ability Raise: STR
Skill: Bluff (+1)
Skill: Hide (+2)
Skill: Jump (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+2)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+2)
Spell (2): Sonic Blast
Spell (1): Remove Fear


Level 9 (Fighter)
Skill: Perform (+0.5)
Skill: Tumble (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Selected) Lesser Dragonmark of Healing


Level 10 (Fighter)
Skill: Perform (+0.5)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Power Critical


Level 11 (Bard)
Skill: Balance (+2)
Skill: Haggle (+4)
Skill: Perform (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Feat: (Automatic) Suggestion


Level 12 (Bard)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Haggle (+4)
Skill: Hide (+2)
Skill: Move Silently (+2)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Dragonmark of Healing


Level 13 (Wizard)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+1)
Spell (1): Ray of Enfeeblement
Spell (1): Shield


Level 14 (Wizard)
Skill: Spot (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Spell (2): Flaming Sphere
Spell (2): Melf's Acid Arrow


Level 15 (Wizard)
Skill: Spot (+2)
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Bludgeoning Weapons
Spell (2): Web
Spell (2): Snowball Swarm


Level 16 (Wizard)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Balance (+1)
Skill: Tumble (+1)
Feat: (Wizard Bonus) Spell Focus: Enchantment
Spell (3): Dispel Magic
Spell (3): Fireball


Level 17 (Bard)
Skill: Haggle (+2)
Skill: Tumble (+2)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+4)
Feat: (Automatic) Improved Inspire Courage
Spell (3): Cure Serious Wounds


Level 18 (Wizard)
Skill: Use Magic Device (+2)
Feat: (Selected) Weapon Specialization: Bludgeoning Weapons
Spell (3): Haste
Spell (3): Frost Lance


Level 19 (Wizard)
Skill: Hide (+1)
Skill: Move Silently (+1)
Spell (4): Death Aura
Spell (4): Wall of Fire


Level 20 (Wizard)
Ability Raise: DEX
Skill: Haggle (+2)
Spell (4): Stoneskin
Spell (4): Burning Blood
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Bard Extra Song I
Enhancement: Bard Extra Song II
Enhancement: Bard Extra Song III
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Attack I
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Attack II
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Bravery I
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Bravery II
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Damage I
Enhancement: Bard Inspired Damage II
Enhancement: Bard Lingering Song I
Enhancement: Bard Lingering Song II
Enhancement: Extra Dragonmark Use I
Enhancement: Extra Dragonmark Use II
Enhancement: Extra Dragonmark Use III
Enhancement: Extra Dragonmark Use IV
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy II
Enhancement: Halfling Dexterity I
Enhancement: Halfling Dexterity II
Enhancement: Halfling Hero's Companion I
Enhancement: Halfling Hero's Companion II
Enhancement: Halfling Hero's Companion III
Enhancement: Halfling Hero's Companion IV
Enhancement: Wizard Improved Maximizing I
Enhancement: Wizard Improved Maximizing II
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II
Enhancement: Bard Haggle I
Enhancement: Bard Haggle II
Enhancement: Bard Perform I
Enhancement: Bard Perform II
Enhancement: Wizard Energy of the Scholar I
Enhancement: Wizard Energy of the Scholar II
Enhancement: Wizard Intelligence I
Enhancement: Wizard Intelligence II
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness II

And here's how it need to look to be bale to load it (not the same stats, skills, etc.):


NAME: Scritinize, ;
RACE: 1;
SEX: 0;
ALIGNMENT: 4;
CLASSRECORD:
Fighter,
Wizard,
Fighter,
Wizard,
Fighter,
Wizard,
Fighter,
Wizard,
Fighter,
Wizard,
Fighter,
Wizard,
Fighter,
Wizard,
Fighter,
Wizard,
Fighter,
Wizard,
Fighter,
Wizard,
;
ABILITYRAISE: 4, 6, 10, 2, 0, 0;
ABILITY4: 0;
ABILITY8: 0;
ABILITY12: 2;
ABILITY16: 2;
ABILITY20: 0;
TOMERAISE:
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 3,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 2,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 2,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 4,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0,
;
SKILLRAISE:
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 3, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 4,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 1,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 1,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 1,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 2, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 2,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 1,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1,
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 2, 0,
;
FEATLIST: 16,
Diehard, 6, 1,
Dodge, 11, 3,
Empower Spell, 10, 4,
Extend Spell, 12, 1,
Greater Spell Focus: Enchantment, 2, 4,
Heighten Spell, 15, 1,
Maximize Spell, 3, 1,
Oversized Two Weapon Fighting, 3, 3,
Power Critical, 15, 3,
Quicken Spell, 20, 4,
Toughness, 1, 1,
Toughness, 18, 1,
Toughness, 9, 1,
Two Weapon Defense, 19, 3,
Two Weapon Fighting, 1, 3,
Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons, 7, 3,
;
ENHANCEMENTLIST: 0,
;
SPELLLIST: 16,
Expeditious Retreat, 2, 0,
Shield, 2, 1,
Soundburst, 2, 2,
Magic Missle, 6, 0,
Flaming Sphere, 8, 0,
Melf's Acid Arrow, 8, 1,
Knock, 10, 0,
Haste, 10, 1,
Death Aura, 14, 0,
Force Missles, 14, 1,
Stoneskin, 18, 0,
Wall of Fire, 18, 1,
Teleport, 20, 0,
Cloudkill, 20, 1,
Protection From Evil, 4, 0,
Ray of Enfeeblement, 4, 1,
;
ITEMS: 15,
Necklace, <None>, Constitution +6, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, 1, 0,
Helm of the White Dragon, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, 0, 0,
Minos Legens, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, 1, 0,
Visor, <None>, Intelligence +4, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, 1, 0,
Nightforge Armbands, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, 1, 0,
Full Plate, +4 Enhancement Bonus, Twilight, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, 1, 0,
Band of Siberys, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, 1, 0,
Madstone Boots, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, 1, 0,
Seven Fingered Gloves, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, 1, 0,
Cinder's Band, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, 0, 1,
Mechanic's Belt, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, 1, 0,
Cloak, <None>, <None>, <None>, Protection +4, <None>, <None>, 1, 0,
Beignin Breath, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, 1, 0,
Dream Edge (Vorpal), <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, <None>, 0, 0,
Longsword, +4 Enhancement Bonus, Vorpal, <None>, <None>, <None>, Force Damage, 0, 1,
;
PASTLIFE:
0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0,
;