SC4 Devotion Forum Archives

SC4Evermore Welcome Portal => LEX File Exchange Discussion => Topic started by: vortext on March 28, 2011, 11:16:56 AM

Title: LD file, how to make it?
Post by: vortext on March 28, 2011, 11:16:56 AM
Last days I've been going over my plugins - again  :D. This time I've got some know-how of the reader and scpim and I've noticed most lots contain a LD file which lists all the dependencies. Since losing track of dependencies was the reason for reorganising in the first place and I've begun making my own lots, I would like to know how to make such a LD file. Would make life much more easy for sure. Thanks, V.
Title: Re: LD file, how to make it?
Post by: cogeo on March 28, 2011, 11:28:21 AM
It is automatically created by the LE. And it doesn't list ALL dependencies, only prop dependencies (no texture-packs or model-only files).
Title: Re: LD file, how to make it?
Post by: vortext on March 28, 2011, 11:50:46 AM
Quote from: cogeo on March 28, 2011, 11:28:21 AM
It is automatically created by the LE.

Really? When I make lots no such thing happens. Maybe it is because I use the pim instead of the official LE? But is there some way to keep track of dependencies besides good old pen & paper?
Title: Re: LD file, how to make it?
Post by: Andreas on March 28, 2011, 02:10:18 PM
Yes, only the Maxis Lot Editor creates those, and as cogeo said, they're not complete, unfortunately, as texture pack dependencies and such are missing completely. The best way (although not perfect in every case) is using the Analyser/Importer in SC4Tool, which will not only check the LD file, but also does a scan for all props and textures that are used. Not checked are other possible dependencies, such as custom query windows or sounds. But usually, those are added manually anyway, so you should know where the files are located, and how the filenames are called.
Title: Re: LD file, how to make it?
Post by: bap on March 28, 2011, 02:16:29 PM
Quote from: vortext on March 28, 2011, 11:50:46 AM
But is there some way to keep track of dependencies besides good old pen & paper?

Yes, you can use SC4Tools (http://kurier.simcityplaza.de/details.php?file=315 (http://kurier.simcityplaza.de/details.php?file=315)) for that. One of its option is a dependency tracker (not only for props, but also buildings and textures). It will give you the list of files in your plugins where the building and each of the props and textures used in the selected lot are defined (i.e., it shows you a list of dependencies). It will also list the ID of any missing props or textures.
Title: Re: LD file, how to make it?
Post by: vortext on March 28, 2011, 03:11:29 PM
Have the sc4tools up and running. Very usefull, thanks.