2.8.1.58 updater : What are those "deltas" ? And what's the point ?

Kzertus · June 6, 2018

I think the title is self-explanatory.

I just downloaded 2.4 GB of those deltas, then a "regular" 12GB torrent download for today's update.

I really do not understand how this patcher works.

Can someone explain to me ?

Eldur · June 6, 2018

After having a truckload of issues with the updater today and also with the forums not taking my log files, I now got this:

Mars Exulte · June 6, 2018

@Eldur, that's interesting, mine stopped at that point for a while, but has since continued downloading, albeit slowly. It's now lingering on 510 )

-edit

Patch complete and everything working normally now

Edited June 6, 2018 by zhukov032186

Yurgon · June 6, 2018

I really do not understand how this patcher works.
Can someone explain to me ?

I don't know the details, either.

Generally speaking, I guess it's something like this:

Let's say there's a big file, maybe 500 MB, in your installation. The same file exists in the new version on the server side, but it has been changed there. A "dumb" downloader would detect that your local file is different from the one on the server, download the new file from the server in its entirety, and then replace your old file with the new one.

A "delta" is usually a "difference". A "smart" downloader will hence try to figure out which parts of the file have actually been changed, download only the changed parts, and apply these changed parts to your already existing file. So let's say that 5 chunks of 5 MB each are completely different on the server side file, while the rest is identical to yours. Then a delta-updater would download only those 5 chunks, totalling 25 MB, and replace these chunks in your file.

And this method would be applied to all files, or at least to all files above a certain size (it might be faster replacing small files entirely rather than comparing them and applying changes).

But once again, I know nothing about the new updater, all of the above is just an assumption of what it probably does purely based on the term "delta".

Mars Exulte · June 6, 2018

@OP

I think the reason it's "hesitating" for a prolonged time periodically, is it downloads, and then applies or perhaps searches for more stuff, then downloads some more, etc. It's working on a few parts at a time, then moves on to the next bit, etc. I didn't stay and watch the whole process, once I realised it was working I got up and wandered off, came back a while later and it was finished.

robgraham · June 6, 2018

He still has a valid point though what is the point of a Delta or changed file patcher if it then goes and seemingly does the exact same as it used to and downloads 9-14gig of data, the whole point of a delta patcher is normally to reduce the amount of download required, not increase it.

Looking at the log for today you see that the Delta part of the patch grabs only what seems to be texture updates for installed content nothing else.. then goes and does the normal patch after which appears to grab.. everything like normal.

I think a lot of people are / where hoping that the delta patcher would mean less 9 - 12+ gb updates and more patches like other programs.

And yes I am aware compared to the 120+gb that a full install of DCS is 9 - 12gb is a drop in the ocean at about 1/10th of the install, but for some people it can be 1/4th or more of their monthly bandwidth if they don't have the greatest internet.

if your intrested looking at autoupdate_log.txt you'll see

00000.000 === Log opened UTC 2018-06-06 22:18:17
00000.011 INFO : DCS_Updater/2.8.1.58 (Windows NT 10.0.17134; Win64; en-AU)
00000.011 INFO : cmdline: "D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\bin\DCS_updater.exe" --apply update C:\Users\rober\AppData\Local\Temp\DCS\update_info.json 2.5.2.18307.391
00000.013 STATUS: Initializing...
00000.019 INFO : basedir: D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World
00000.020 INFO : DCS/2.5.2.18144.387 (x86_64; EN;  WORLD,NEVADA_terrain,PERSIANGULF_terrain)
00000.020 INFO : branch: openbeta
00003.057 INFO : Got reply from www.digitalcombatsimulator.com
00003.058 STATUS: Verifying cached version info...
00003.060 STATUS: Downloading version info...
00006.990 STATUS: Verifying installed files...
00022.760 INFO : 1 files are changed or missing.
00024.881 STATUS: Preparing download...
00024.886 STATUS: Searching for already downloaded files...
00033.461 INFO : Found 0 local source(s).
00033.462 INFO : To download: 20308847920 bytes in 577 files
00033.462 STATUS: Downloading delta index...
00033.725 INFO : Got delta index.
00033.740 INFO : 319406213 bytes in 50 deltas to download.
00033.740 INFO : Found 50 matching deltas.
00033.740 STATUS: Downloading and applying deltas...
00033.747 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/vfstextures/VectorDataAsset.zip
00033.747 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/
00033.890 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/terrains/
00033.914 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/
00033.943 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/vfstextures/
00034.045 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/vfstextures/HardSplatTextures.zip
00034.226 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: CoreMods/aircraft/FA-18C/Textures/FA-18C.zip
00034.226 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\CoreMods/
00034.267 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\CoreMods/aircraft/
00034.314 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\CoreMods/aircraft/FA-18C/
00034.340 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\CoreMods/aircraft/FA-18C/Textures/
00034.440 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Dubai_objects/Dubai_objects.texture.zip
00034.440 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/
00034.466 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Dubai_objects/
00034.575 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Bazar/shaders/fxo/fxo.zip
00034.575 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Bazar/
00034.612 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Bazar/shaders/
00034.653 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Bazar/shaders/fxo/
00040.993 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Bazar/shaders/fxo/fxo.zip
00040.996 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Dubai_objects/Dubai_objects.texture.min.zip
00042.077 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: CoreMods/aircraft/FA-18C/Textures/FA-18C.zip
00042.080 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/BlockObjects/BlockObjects.texture.zip
00042.080 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/BlockObjects/
00064.626 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/vfstextures/HardSplatTextures.zip
00064.630 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/vfstextures/VectorDataAsset.min.zip
00065.569 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/vfstextures/VectorDataAsset.min.zip
00065.570 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Vehicles/Vehicles.texture.zip
00065.570 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Vehicles/
00076.842 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/vfstextures/VectorDataAsset.zip
00076.846 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/vfstextures/Noises.zip
00080.655 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/vfstextures/Noises.zip
00080.658 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Arabian_Unique/Arabian_Unique.texture.zip
00080.658 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Arabian_Unique/
00137.012 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Dubai_objects/Dubai_objects.texture.zip
00137.015 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Industrial2/Industrial2.texture.zip
00137.016 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Industrial2/
00155.704 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Vehicles/Vehicles.texture.zip
00155.708 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/BlockObjects/BlockObjects.texture.min.zip
00163.222 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Arabian_Unique/Arabian_Unique.texture.zip
00163.225 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/vfstextures/CloseupTextures.zip
00164.639 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/BlockObjects/BlockObjects.texture.zip
00164.643 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Arabian_Unique/Arabian_Unique.texture.min.zip
00166.640 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/vfstextures/CloseupTextures.zip
00166.643 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Industrial2/Industrial2.texture.min.zip
00175.133 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Industrial2/Industrial2.texture.zip
00175.136 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Vehicles/Vehicles.texture.min.zip
00226.901 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Dubai_objects/Dubai_objects.texture.min.zip
00226.904 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/CrashModels/CrashModels.texture.zip
00226.905 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/CrashModels/
00245.390 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Vehicles/Vehicles.texture.min.zip
00245.393 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Equipment/Equipment.texture.zip
00245.393 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Equipment/
00250.801 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Arabian_Unique/Arabian_Unique.texture.min.zip
00250.805 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/CrashModels/CrashModels.texture.min.zip
00261.436 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Industrial2/Industrial2.texture.min.zip
00261.440 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Industrial/Industrial.texture.zip
00261.440 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Industrial/
00266.399 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/CrashModels/CrashModels.texture.zip
00266.557 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Dubai_Unique/Dubai_Unique.texture.zip
00266.557 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Dubai_Unique/
00270.781 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/BlockObjects/BlockObjects.texture.min.zip
00270.785 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Equipment/Equipment.texture.min.zip
00276.150 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Industrial/Industrial.texture.zip
00276.153 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Industrial/Industrial.texture.min.zip
00288.567 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Equipment/Equipment.texture.zip
00288.570 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/RoadsideObjects/RoadsideObjects.texture.zip
00288.570 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/RoadsideObjects/
00293.555 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Industrial/Industrial.texture.min.zip
00293.558 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/vfstextures/Noises.min.zip
00294.425 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/vfstextures/Noises.min.zip
00294.426 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/vfstextures/fabric.spec.zip
00295.037 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/vfstextures/fabric.spec.zip
00295.040 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Dubai_Unique/Dubai_Unique.texture.min.zip
00296.828 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/CrashModels/CrashModels.texture.min.zip
00296.831 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/RoadsideObjects/RoadsideObjects.texture.min.zip
00300.616 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Equipment/Equipment.texture.min.zip
00300.619 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Vessels/Vessels.texture.zip
00300.619 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Vessels/
00300.689 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Dubai_Unique/Dubai_Unique.texture.zip
00300.691 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/AirfieldsLights/AirfieldsLights.texture.zip
00300.691 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/AirfieldsLights/
00314.683 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Vessels/Vessels.texture.zip
00314.685 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/industrial_equipment/industrial_equipment.texture.zip
00314.686 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/industrial_equipment/
00315.122 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/industrial_equipment/industrial_equipment.texture.zip
00315.123 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Communication/Communication.texture.zip
00315.123 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Communication/
00315.412 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/RoadsideObjects/RoadsideObjects.texture.zip
00315.414 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/vfstextures/HardSplatTextures.min.zip
00315.489 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/AirfieldsLights/AirfieldsLights.texture.zip
00315.491 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Vessels/Vessels.texture.min.zip
00316.170 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Communication/Communication.texture.zip
00316.172 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/industrial_equipment/industrial_equipment.texture.min.zip
00316.398 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/industrial_equipment/industrial_equipment.texture.min.zip
00316.399 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/AirfieldsLights/AirfieldsLights.texture.min.zip
00316.549 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/vfstextures/HardSplatTextures.min.zip
00316.551 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Communication/Communication.texture.min.zip
00316.923 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Communication/Communication.texture.min.zip
00316.924 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Aircrafts/Aircrafts.texture.zip
00316.924 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Aircrafts/
00318.124 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Dubai_Unique/Dubai_Unique.texture.min.zip
00318.127 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/vfstextures/CloseupTextures.min.zip
00318.480 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/vfstextures/CloseupTextures.min.zip
00318.481 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Walls/Walls.texture.zip
00318.481 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Walls/
00318.774 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Walls/Walls.texture.zip
00318.775 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Aircrafts/Aircrafts.texture.min.zip
00322.259 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Aircrafts/Aircrafts.texture.zip
00322.261 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Commercial/Commercial.texture.zip
00322.261 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Commercial/
00322.508 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Commercial/Commercial.texture.zip
00322.509 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Walls/Walls.texture.min.zip
00322.715 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Vessels/Vessels.texture.min.zip
00322.716 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Misc/Misc.texture.min.zip
00322.716 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Misc/
00322.770 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Walls/Walls.texture.min.zip
00322.771 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Commercial/Commercial.texture.min.zip
00322.817 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Aircrafts/Aircrafts.texture.min.zip
00322.818 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Bridges/Bridges.texture.min.zip
00322.818 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Bridges/
00322.904 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Misc/Misc.texture.min.zip
00322.905 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/SeasideObjects/SeasideObjects.texture.zip
00322.905 INFO : MKDIR D:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\_downloads\Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/SeasideObjects/
00323.049 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Commercial/Commercial.texture.min.zip
00323.050 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/vfstextures/fabric.spec.min.zip
00323.132 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/Bridges/Bridges.texture.min.zip
00323.133 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_BEGIN: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/SeasideObjects/SeasideObjects.texture.min.zip
00323.251 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/vfstextures/fabric.spec.min.zip
00323.297 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/AirfieldsLights/AirfieldsLights.texture.min.zip
00323.352 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/RoadsideObjects/RoadsideObjects.texture.min.zip
00323.458 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/SeasideObjects/SeasideObjects.texture.zip
00323.591 INFO : DELTA_DECODE_END: Mods/terrains/PersianGulf/Models/SeasideObjects/SeasideObjects.texture.min.zip
00323.592 INFO : Successfully applied 50 deltas. Traffic was 35.4%. 583500423 bytes saved.
00323.687 INFO : To download: 19405941284 bytes in 527 files
00323.687 STATUS: Preparing to torrent...
00324.037 INFO : 4 parts to fetch
00333.621 INFO : Added DCS-2.5.2.18307.391-NEVADA_terrain.common-update-0.torrent: 2.2 MB

so it's clear that it's only grabbing the textures (server build above not core install server was 980mb 'delta' and then 8.9gb normal while my main machine is 2.9 gb of delta and if the logs anything to go by 12 or so gb of normal patch

Mars Exulte · June 8, 2018

Thing though is, how big your patches are is 100% dependent on how many and what modules you have installed. If you own only DCS World, with no extras, then you can expect relatively small patches. If you own 20+ modules and four maps like I do......... they can be fairly large, fairly often.

If somebody is that super duper restricted on bandwidth, they should either only install one or two modules they're currently interested in playing with... or get a different hobby. There's no 'making small patches' out of 'large amounts of data'. To an extent, yeah, where possible. But you're going to have to deal with that, nature of the beast.

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2.8.1.58 updater : What are those "deltas" ? And what's the point ?

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