Pinpickle
May 31 2009, 01:48 AM
The Autosaver!Okay, so today I was working on my game and I went away to do something, when I came back my dad had closed my laptop to sleep it. My laptop being extremely dumb shut itself down and I lost some of my work. I though
GM should have an autosave, then I thought
why not make one? So I came up with this. All you have to do is enter how frequently you want it to save, minimize it and continue working on your game!
Functions-Changeable times in which the autosaver saves.
-Ability to enable and disable the autosaver.
-You don't need to be in GMs window to save, it does that by itself, and then it changes back to whatever you were doing before.
-You can add more than one GM to the list of GMs to save
-Works with GM6 and GM7!
-Option to make a question whenever it autosaves, but it can be turned off
-Uses next to none CPU usage
-Glitch free! (As far as I know)
-Don't know if this is a function, but it doesn't save when you have a codebox open in the GM window.
Creditthe_doominator with his
Advanced Window DLLRoach with his
Win enabled DLLScreenshot
DownloadVersion 5Version 4Version 3Version 2Version 1Hope you enjoy it!
Yes, it is vista compatible.
Known glitches:NoneWARNING:Make sure you know when you are using this, you may be deleting a huge object for testing, knowing you have a backup you can load then BAM it autosaves and that object is gone forever, please, please remember to disable it/turn questioning on when needed. And if something bad does happen, I take no responsibility for it.
To mods: I read over the
what games are and aren't allowed topic over and over, I'm pretty sure that this is okay. If it isn't, just lock it or delete it or whatver.
TheCommonFlame
May 31 2009, 02:01 AM
Looks interesting. Will try now.
Schyler
May 31 2009, 02:02 AM
Haha, or you could set the backup Frequency in Preferences
EDIT: Fail on my part
I thought it existed.
jakey5565
May 31 2009, 02:05 AM
Sweeet. I just tested on a minute cycle. and it works, althogh i tried disabling and the timer still goes down, although i like the background color shift when disabled. this will stop me lossing my work when ever my PC desides to throw a hissy fit.
-Jakey5565
Pinpickle
May 31 2009, 02:18 AM
QUOTE (Mechanotal @ May 31 2009, 02:01 PM)
Looks interesting. Will try now.
Make sure you get back to us on that!
QUOTE (Schyler @ May 31 2009, 02:02 PM)
Haha, or you could set the backup Frequency in Preferences
EDIT: Fail on my part
I thought it existed.
I wished it did, because it would have an even better autosaving system!
This will have to do for now.
QUOTE (jakey5565 @ May 31 2009, 02:05 PM)
Sweeet. I just tested on a minute cycle. and it works, althogh i tried disabling and the timer still goes down, although i like the background color shift when disabled. this will stop me lossing my work when ever my PC desides to throw a hissy fit.
-Jakey5565
The timer still going down is intentional, but if you want it to be changed I can do that.
EDIT: Post 1000! Whoo!!
Hockeyflyers
May 31 2009, 03:05 AM
Very good idea.
I was wondering how you did it. When the timer gets to 0, does it set the GM Window to foreground and simulate pressing ctrl+s? That's how I would do it, I am not even sure there
are other ways.
I did not download it, as I save my project everytime I close a codebox and I am happy with the results. The little * in the caption is a reminder enough to me to save it. I was once a victim of GM shutting down making me lose work. I have never lost work since
.
I am sure this is extremely useful for a lot of people. It's a very good idea, and I applaud you for putting it into action.
Pinpickle
May 31 2009, 03:16 AM
QUOTE (Hockeyflyers @ May 31 2009, 03:05 PM)
Very good idea.
I was wondering how you did it. When the timer gets to 0, does it set the GM Window to foreground and simulate pressing ctrl+s? That's how I would do it, I am not even sure there
are other ways.
I did not download it, as I save my project everytime I close a codebox and I am happy with the results. The little * in the caption is a reminder enough to me to save it. I was once a victim of GM shutting down making me lose work. I have never lost work since
.
I am sure this is extremely useful for a lot of people. It's a very good idea, and I applaud you for putting it into action.
GM has a little *? *tests* wow, it does, I never noticed that!
I would have made the GM window come into the foreground, but I don't think it's possible with GM, and I just scanned the manual for such a function and I couldn't find anything. If there is a way, please enlighten me, now off to the DLLs forum to see if they have any ideas.
Hockeyflyers
May 31 2009, 03:23 AM
QUOTE (Pinpickle @ May 30 2009, 10:16 PM)
GM has a little *? *tests* wow, it does, I never noticed that!
I would have made the GM window come into the foreground, but I don't think it's possible with GM, and I just scanned the manual for such a function and I couldn't find anything. If there is a way, please enlighten me, now off to the DLLs forum to see if they have any ideas.
I know it's not in the manual, but I am sure there is a dll out there somewhere. Maybe the_doominator's does the trick. I'll check.
Ahh yes.
http://gmc.yoyogames.com/index.php?showtopic=314894CODE
//window_focus_set(hWnd) - Sets the keyboard and mouse input to the
// specified window.
to get the handle of the game maker window, use
CODE
//window_find(text) - Finds the handle of the window
// with the given caption.
Pinpickle
May 31 2009, 03:33 AM
QUOTE (Hockeyflyers @ May 31 2009, 03:23 PM)
QUOTE (Pinpickle @ May 30 2009, 10:16 PM)
GM has a little *? *tests* wow, it does, I never noticed that!
I would have made the GM window come into the foreground, but I don't think it's possible with GM, and I just scanned the manual for such a function and I couldn't find anything. If there is a way, please enlighten me, now off to the DLLs forum to see if they have any ideas.
I know it's not in the manual, but I am sure there is a dll out there somewhere. Maybe the_doominator's does the trick. I'll check.
Ahh yes.
http://gmc.yoyogames.com/index.php?showtopic=314894CODE
//window_focus_set(hWnd) - Sets the keyboard and mouse input to the
// specified window.
to get the handle of the game maker window, use
CODE
//window_find(text) - Finds the handle of the window
// with the given caption.
I've already found a DLL, but thanks for going out to find one. Updates comin' soon.
EDIT: My DLL doesn't work, I'll use yours
Pinpickle
May 31 2009, 04:26 AM
Update! Okay, here are the new features.
QUOTE
-You don't need to be in GMs window to save, it does that by itself, and then it changes back to whatever you were doing before.
-You can add more than one GM to the list of GMs to save
-A new interface
-When it is disabled the timer no longer goes down
Hope you all like it!
MMORPGguy
May 31 2009, 04:47 AM
This thing is easily one of the most useful GM utilities, like, ever.
QUOTE
-When it is disabled the timer no longer goes down
I lol'd.
Pinpickle
May 31 2009, 05:39 AM
QUOTE (MMORPGguy @ May 31 2009, 04:47 PM)
This thing is easily one of the most useful GM utilities, like, ever.
QUOTE
-When it is disabled the timer no longer goes down
I lol'd.
I have to agree with that, I still sing with glee whenever my GM window explodes up and explodes down.
I still don't get why the timer still going down is
that bad.
TheCommonFlame
May 31 2009, 06:53 AM
Version 2 won't work, was the dll included in the download?
Edit: Oh thanks for the new file. It looks nice. I will only use it if I have to leave my laptop open or something. It would be a bother while I am working on a game.
Good work.
Pinpickle
May 31 2009, 07:13 AM
QUOTE (Mechanotal @ May 31 2009, 06:53 PM)
Version 2 won't work, was the dll included in the download?
Edit: Oh thanks for the new file. It looks nice. I will only use it if I have to leave my laptop open or something. It would be a bother while I am working on a game.
Good work.
I don't see how it would be a bother, a quick flash every 5 or 10 minutes isn't a bother, well not to me at least.
TheCommonFlame
May 31 2009, 07:15 AM
Not so much a bother, but if I am deleting objects and editing major code, it would annoy me if it saved.
I could just disable it though.
Pinpickle
May 31 2009, 07:22 AM
QUOTE (Mechanotal @ May 31 2009, 07:15 PM)
Not so much a bother, but if I am deleting objects and editing major code, it would annoy me if it saved.
I could just disable it though.
This gives me an idea, time for a new update!
Pinpickle
May 31 2009, 08:49 AM
A new update!
Changes are
QUOTE
-Option to make a question whenever it autosaves, but it can be turned off
-A nice scrollbar to keep the window small
-Shows the names of the GM files you have in the autosaver
Hope it makes things even more convinient!
TheCommonFlame
May 31 2009, 08:51 AM
The new features are nice. It will come in more handy for me now. Neat scroll bar too!
Again, good work Pinpickle.
Pinpickle
May 31 2009, 09:06 AM
QUOTE (Mechanotal @ May 31 2009, 08:51 PM)
The new features are nice. It will come in more handy for me now. Neat scroll bar too!
Again, good work Pinpickle.
Thanks, I just realised that the GM file names cut off the last letter of the name, so I just fixed that.
general sirhc
May 31 2009, 04:48 PM
Very close to the quality I would expect from you PinPickle Pinpickle all you need to do is drop that cpu usage a little bit more. Maybe check if the window has focus, if not disable draw functions. I have had a GM game sit on 3% cpu usage while monitor my keyboard and mouse input (That was back on my dual core celeron not this quad core intel so yer) I have faith in your PinPickle.
Oh btw 9/10 for the program (It'll be 10/10 when you have it sit below 10% cpu usage)
Pinpickle
May 31 2009, 08:26 PM
QUOTE (general sirhc @ Jun 1 2009, 04:48 AM)
Very close to the quality I would expect from you PinPickle all you need to do is drop that cpu usage a little bit more. Maybe check if the window has focus, if not disable draw functions. I have had a GM game sit on 3% cpu usage while monitor my keyboard and mouse input (That was back on my dual core celeron not this quad core intel so yer) I have faith in your PinPickle.
Oh btw 9/10 for the program (It'll be 10/10 when you have it sit below 10% cpu usage)
You have an standard for me? I've never had a standard before *sniff*, what an honour ;D.
[/offtopic]
I got that new update out for ya. I optimized the code so it sits at 0 - 3 percent when you don't have focus on and it sits below 10 percent, mostly 5 when the foreground window is the Autosaver.
Schyler
Jun 1 2009, 12:03 AM
The update has made this much nicer to use. I'm actually using it right now ^^
Pinpickle
Jun 1 2009, 02:38 AM
QUOTE (Schyler @ Jun 1 2009, 12:03 PM)
The update has made this much nicer to use. I'm actually using it right now ^^
I'm glad your benifiting off it!
EDIT: Glitch found.
QUOTE
If you autosave while a codebox is open, the codebox closes and whenever you try to open a new codebox it comes up with an error. In this case you have to close GM (more errors pop up when you try to do that) and open it up again. I'm pretty sure this has something to do with the fact every other window gets disabled when a codebox is open, don't worry I will set out to fix this.
I'll have it fixed in no time.
TheCommonFlame
Jun 1 2009, 03:07 AM
Oh, I didn't notice that bug.
I have it ask me before it saves, so I can finish my coding and then let it save.
How will you fix it? Just check if there are no code boxes? What if someone leaves there computer whilst a code box is open, and the autosaver running?
Pinpickle
Jun 1 2009, 03:09 AM
QUOTE (Mechanotal @ Jun 1 2009, 03:07 PM)
Oh, I didn't notice that bug.
I have it ask me before it saves, so I can finish my coding and then let it save.
How will you fix it? Just check if there are no code boxes? What if someone leaves there computer whilst a code box is open, and the autosaver running?
I'm gonna try and get it to close the codebox while saving the code in the codebox then save the game, it's proving difficult because the window_destroy() function isn't working.
EDIT: I think I have it now, I'm putting a disabled window into the foreground, which I think is bad. Anyway, I'll get this to work.
TheCommonFlame
Jun 1 2009, 03:13 AM
QUOTE
I'm gonna try and get it to close the codebox while saving the code in the codebox
What if the changes in the codebox are not to the creators liking, and he would prefer to stick with his original code? But he can't, because it saved the box?
I don't know, just saying.
Pinpickle
Jun 1 2009, 03:14 AM
QUOTE (Mechanotal @ Jun 1 2009, 03:13 PM)
QUOTE
I'm gonna try and get it to close the codebox while saving the code in the codebox
What if the changes in the codebox are not to the creators liking, and he would prefer to stick with his original code? But he can't, because it saved the box?
I don't know, just saying.
Thats what the question is for.
general sirhc
Jun 1 2009, 02:14 PM
Very good PinPickle Pinpickle you have met your standards and I give you 10/10 because your standards are very high. Now I shall be off to code some batch
[offtopic]
HERE IS A HINT TO NOOBS
Game maker is an easy way of making a GUI, batch is a simple way of doing something powerful... Combine the two and what do you get? A powerful program with a GUI =)
And now on a completely unrelated note to powerful with GUI have a look at Sindex, its powerful and has a GUI (Link is in my sig)
[/offtopic]
Edit: In true GMC nature: My stupid offtopic bbcode isn't working MODS FIX IT NOW!
Edit2: On behalf of General Sirhc Co, I apologize for use of the word "PinPickle", I did not mean it that way and again I do apologize for that outburst. Thank you
Pinpickle
Jun 1 2009, 07:12 PM
QUOTE (general sirhc @ Jun 2 2009, 02:14 AM)
Very good PinPickle Pinpickle you have met your standards and I give you 10/10 because your standards are very high. Now I shall be off to code some batch
[offtopic]
HERE IS A HINT TO NOOBS
Game maker is an easy way of making a GUI, batch is a simple way of doing something powerful... Combine the two and what do you get? A powerful program with a GUI =)
And now on a completely unrelated note to powerful with GUI have a look at Sindex, its powerful and has a GUI (Link is in my sig)
[/offtopic]
Edit: In true GMC nature: My stupid offtopic bbcode isn't working MODS FIX IT NOW!
Edit2: On behalf of General Sirhc Co, I apologize for use of the word "PinPickle", I did not mean it that way and again I do apologize for that outburst. Thank you
I'm not sure I understood any of that, but I'm sure the intentions were good. So thanks, but I did notice you read my siginature. I don't believe it's a 10/10 until I can fix this code glitch.
Pinpickle
Jun 2 2009, 01:59 AM
Managed to fix that glitch, sadly I couldn't get in all of the functions I said would be there. Now it just doesn't save whenever the codebox is open. I'll take that 10/10 general_sirhc!
Schyler
Jun 3 2009, 08:22 AM
Gah! As soon as I disabled it, the worst of all things happened!
I lost the latest build of my CMS. In future, this is going to be running all the time. Great job Pinpickle
Pinpickle
Jun 5 2009, 10:00 AM
QUOTE (Schyler @ Jun 3 2009, 08:22 PM)
Gah! As soon as I disabled it, the worst of all things happened!
I lost the latest build of my CMS. In future, this is going to be running all the time. Great job Pinpickle
Good for you! I need to learn to run the autosaver on startup. I'm thinking of making an interface update so there are buttons on the screen that you can click instead of keys you can press on the keyboard. And if anybody wants it the option to move the game's backup files to a different folder.
SilentxxBunny
Jun 6 2009, 08:34 AM
Looks interesting. I am downloading now but I won't get around to trying until tomorrow. Its 4:30AM here and I need sleep. I will edit when I have time to try it out.
general sirhc
Jun 18 2009, 07:25 AM
Pinpickle if you need a way to do start up I can be of help although im not entirely sure what you mean by startup, I am guessing that you are referring to when GM is launched if yes then...
Since my previous posts have been confusing today I will do a step by step approach
1. Your program goes into the game maker program file C:\program files\game maker\ (only an example)
2. When your program is run it calculates where the start menu folder for game maker is and adds itself in
3. Your program will launch game maker when its started
4. The user runs game maker via the start menu shortcut to your program
Understand that all? If you need help with any of this feel free to message me (I probably will respond quicker then if you reply to this)
I can also write batch files which you main need if you require using system values EG %windir%
iluvfuz
Jun 21 2009, 12:06 AM
One of the best Game Maker tool idea out so far. You can add options to choose different programs such as Photoshop, C++ and Java compilers and GIMP. I'm not sure if that would be too difficult to add, but it would be even more useful to me (especially when Photoshop freezes.)
Pinpickle
Jun 30 2009, 08:12 AM
That was an accidental double post, please delete.
Pinpickle
Jun 30 2009, 08:15 AM
QUOTE (general sirhc @ Jun 18 2009, 07:25 PM)
Pinpickle if you need a way to do start up I can be of help although im not entirely sure what you mean by startup, I am guessing that you are referring to when GM is launched if yes then...
Since my previous posts have been confusing today I will do a step by step approach
1. Your program goes into the game maker program file C:\program files\game maker\ (only an example)
2. When your program is run it calculates where the start menu folder for game maker is and adds itself in
3. Your program will launch game maker when its started
4. The user runs game maker via the start menu shortcut to your program
Understand that all? If you need help with any of this feel free to message me (I probably will respond quicker then if you reply to this)
I can also write batch files which you main need if you require using system values EG %windir%
I don't really understand what you mean by all that. It seems you have read a post that I didn't make, have you been talking to my alter ego lately?
QUOTE (iluvfuz @ Jun 21 2009, 12:06 PM)
One of the best Game Maker tool idea out so far. You can add options to choose different programs such as Photoshop, C++ and Java compilers and GIMP. I'm not sure if that would be too difficult to add, but it would be even more useful to me (especially when Photoshop freezes.)
Good idea, I'll see what I can do about that.
Mairu
Jun 30 2009, 09:53 AM
I haven't actually tried this yet but from reading the comments here it seems that it's 100% timer based
Maybe you could allow inactivity to trigger it too? (Choice between timer/inactivity/both)
general sirhc
Jun 30 2009, 11:58 AM
Pinpickle you cause me to not make sense lol this is my message simple and to the point
QUOTE
If you need help with integrating your game into windows file structure so that the user of your program may have it always open with game maker please message me.
Pinpickle
Jul 25 2009, 02:22 AM
I think I should be giving this topic a bump.
So... bump.
iluvfuz
Aug 4 2009, 12:40 AM
Bump, this program is awesome. I hope you improve it more with random stuff.
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