Server management/API&SSE extension framework

[PravusJSB]

Hello guys, I've been working for some time now on a framework that wraps around DCS (and MOOSE/Mist in some ways) but mainly brings new code from my learning of how DCS works to provide a set of modules for extending the available API/SSE without breaking the game or doing anything naughty. Most of the time has been spent testing and poking but I'm now ready to pull everything together, I have a plan on what I will write but so far I have;

- gateModule: Allows for functions to be called, passed, and data to be sent/returned from scripting env, mission env, server code, api, sse, ect bridging everything together, which is core enabler for everything else.

- vscModule: Integrates DCS to MSVSCode and allow live step-in debugging, with all var/ups and locals visible and editable.

- netModule: POC which allows the use of the net API in mission scripting, get player info, kick, reload a miz, set mission settings interact and scrape the chat box ect, to be fair this was knocked together in about half an hour as a 'this all works as expected' bit of code.

- warehouseModule: A wrapper for MOOSE wh, automates the set up of stocks/wh objects/radio menus and options ect all with 1 line of code. The special feature of this which opens up a whole load of control for the mission designer is the ability to read and interact with the DCS airbase wh live data and integrate it into your logic/design.

 

I like writing code, Im not so fussed about testing and bug testing ect, so I'm looking to open up the code to a group of mission designers/server admins/game masters ect who have sufficient scripting experience to gain access to, test and steer the development of. With a view to polishing it all off into a usable, ,useful and working framework to be released to the community. At the minute the code is a bit messy and there's little annotations/instruction so it's not quite ready yet for release (which is why I'd like to keep the group closed) and I'm sure others can bring idea's to the table that can be implemented into the core code to enhance its function further.

 

If this interests you please drop me a PM, or my discord ID is in my sig.

 

Thanks.

Edited June 2, 2020 by PravusJSB
title change

[xcom]

Sounds really nice, should solve many issues mission designers and scripting in DCS.

[PravusJSB]

I can say with confidence just about anything within the bounds of DCS capability can be altered with this framework.

 

I have a few more modules in mind too that will be unique, its a shame I see so many complaining of MP performance, I have 1100 units moving, lots of code, lots of cpu time and my server runs like a single player for anyone whos in it. I'll try think how i could automate that somewhat so others without the skillset to do it can benefit some. Maybe you should come onboard and help ;)

 

EDIT, an idea of where this is going long term;

 

TODO = Module "ideas and plans;"

inTheWorks = {
   
   [1] = "Persistence (save game) maodule for automation of everything",
   [2] = "globalFlags, for passing information from 1 reboot to the next, or mission to mission",
   [3] = "dcsModule, bring into SSE the 'DCS' API functions",
   [4] = "escortScoring, and extensive scoring system including a fully working and feature rich escort class for clients",
   [5] = "UTILS for server admins, a bunch of useful tools to make life easier",
   [6] = "gridModule, for manipulation of the role select grid, get rid of the aircraft you need to and bring back when you want",
   [7] = "eventModule, maybe.. might need to do this for across the board event tracking",
   [8] = "baseManager, maybe? for base capture management",
   [9] = "serverOptimisation, for making MP feel like SP, no shitting around",
   [10] = "simpleZoneCap, maybe? a simple framework for setting up zone capture area's for red/blue battles in the wild. MOOSE has this but I found it to be CPU time intensive",
   [11] = *******
   [12] = "simple dynamic spawn manager, maybe?",
   [13] = "bring in the various, and often very good, dcs utils and me_db_api for use in scripting",
}

inProgress = {

   [1] = "WH wrapper, for MOOSE wh, and DCS wh integration", -- most focus will be on this
       -- Major TODO
       -- Find fuel and ammo info, find aircraft info
       -- write back to stock code
   [2] = "jsbGate, core module to bridge server Lua code with mission scripting",
   [3] = "VSC Debug, integration into VSC for live stepping into DCS code, very powerful",
   [4] = "netModule, to bring 'net' API into mission scripting",
}

Edited June 1, 2020 by PravusJSB

[PravusJSB]

I should mention that on a dedi server this is all above board and not 'modding' DCS if you will. I'm not altering DCS files in anyway, but I am hooking onto some where the functions talk to C and C doesn't like us calling it ;)

[PravusJSB]

Some great initial interest and people involved, with some great early ideas which has evolved the dcsWarehouse integration to include things like a real supply chain and resupply framework, creating physical assets to move around weapons on the map. I'm still looking for people skilled with Lua/code in general/mission designers and server managers to get involved early to shape this new framework.