SMF 2.0 Update Part Last
Hello everyone,
It has been a long time since the last blog post about SMF development. I have been meaning to post something like this for months but there always seemed to be something new coming up, right around the corner. I apologize. This post puts an end to all of that, and we'll try to get in the habit of giving you more frequent updates while we develop SMF code for you.
During the past 9 months, we have provided periodic development builds exclusively to our charter members, announced that Simple Machines has reorganized as an NPO, released SMF 2.0 RC4/1.1.12, and SMF 2.0 RC4 Security Patch/2.0 RC5/1.1.13 and announced the license change for the SMF 2.0 final release. SMF 2.0 will not only be the long awaited stable version we all are working on getting out in the community, but the free and open source software it was meant to be from the start. As you may have read, the last change required sorting out legal matters regarding the old LLC and the new NPO. At long last, this has been completed. All that's left now is to spray some "pesticode" here and there and 2.0 final should be ready to go.
Until last week, progress following the RC5 release was slow, for various reasons. Norv and Antechinus were caught up in real life and I had health problems. At this point, there are only a few changes to make, but we have started picking up the pace again and with the legal matters solved, we will do our best to release 2.0 final as soon as possible.
So, what does this all mean? It means 2.0 final is very very close to being released. Really! I can't give an exact date, but you can trust me that we will release SMF 2.0 final by the end of May, 2011, unless we get hit by an asteroid. In the mean time thank you all for your continued support.
It has been a long time since the last blog post about SMF development. I have been meaning to post something like this for months but there always seemed to be something new coming up, right around the corner. I apologize. This post puts an end to all of that, and we'll try to get in the habit of giving you more frequent updates while we develop SMF code for you.
During the past 9 months, we have provided periodic development builds exclusively to our charter members, announced that Simple Machines has reorganized as an NPO, released SMF 2.0 RC4/1.1.12, and SMF 2.0 RC4 Security Patch/2.0 RC5/1.1.13 and announced the license change for the SMF 2.0 final release. SMF 2.0 will not only be the long awaited stable version we all are working on getting out in the community, but the free and open source software it was meant to be from the start. As you may have read, the last change required sorting out legal matters regarding the old LLC and the new NPO. At long last, this has been completed. All that's left now is to spray some "pesticode" here and there and 2.0 final should be ready to go.
Until last week, progress following the RC5 release was slow, for various reasons. Norv and Antechinus were caught up in real life and I had health problems. At this point, there are only a few changes to make, but we have started picking up the pace again and with the legal matters solved, we will do our best to release 2.0 final as soon as possible.
So, what does this all mean? It means 2.0 final is very very close to being released. Really! I can't give an exact date, but you can trust me that we will release SMF 2.0 final by the end of May, 2011, unless we get hit by an asteroid. In the mean time thank you all for your continued support.
(I made them add the bit about the asteroid)
Btw, Antechinus made them add the bit about the asteroid
There actually is a branch for 3.0 already.
Make sure to get one that shows Liberace's smile. A handsome man he was.
Good to hear, can't wait for 2.0 final
Cheers
Billy
Great news and thanks for the update!
Great
I guess that only way to run finall version on forum will be to manage large upgrade?
I superliked this topic! You should to!
I'll personally be waiting for the 2.0 RC 420 version to come out, Chong.
Wow I forgot about that part. Here's to hoping upgrading from 1.x to 2.0 will be painless, at least smooth, cause the first thing I'll do once it's out is to use it on my main forum.
Sweet. Can't wait for 2.0 Final.
Finally, it is going to be final now.
the cake is a lie
Great news.
So what about 2.1? Or is development going straight into 3.0?
I agree.
I don't. All of the new images (buttons/category things) look like poop, to be honest. They don't fit in with Curve.
I agree, it does look nice.
Although the RC is running perfectly, it's great to hear that the official version is finally going to be released. One of the problems with those RC's is that there are no updates and patches (except the last RC4 security update). Instead you have to reinstall the complete forum. This will be alot easier with the final version. Updates can be done with the package manager. I missed that!
Still, I have to admit that I'm also looking at alternatives like IP.Board because they are developing like crazy and have a lot of new features. I really hope that SMF can keep up with this.
/sarcasm: SMF 2.0 final release is going to be the same day PSN will be available again.. delayed and delayed!
Ill just be happy that now if they update SMF 2 it wont break my installed mods, (hopefully) this was what chased me away from SMF in the 1st place. I would get the whole site setup, mods installed...everything just the way i liked it and BAM!!! They update another RC version. Drove me absolutely insane and ultimately made me use another forum software, thank god i can come back now.
Then we can have time travel
There are loads of old devs out there, and quite a few people on and off the team, who are familiar enough with 2.0 to handle development of 2.1 while the current dev team works on 3.0.
What's left to be done? This seems in rather stark contrast to what we've been hearing. Example from the first post in this thread:
Damn, I don't have access to the Charters' boards anymore
But for mod authors, RC5 should be a very good base to work on...
*Trax is so excited
Well for someone who hasn't tried the RC or Betas of 2.0, this is definitely something new.
Haha. Point taken.
So why don't you release a patch (from rc4 - rc5 forums) instead of reinstalling the entire forum?
Did you read the first post? lol
The end of 2011 is relatively near, too. Would you like to start using 2012 calendars right now?
Yeah I've been checking with NASA, just in case. There really are a lot of asteroids out there, y'know. I remember reading an article in New Scientist years ago. It said that on average the planet got hit by a massive killer every fifty million years, and we hadn't had one for about sixty five million so we were well overdue.
Cheery thought for ya.
No
It's joke
Nice work people
Sorry, that was just me. Had some bad beef last night.
No, volcanos are fine. Only asteroids can affect it.
http://neo.jpl.nasa.gov/risk/
Now i cannot wait for the first public SMF3 beta
Absolutely not. Bug fixes only.
It will get released. You will see.
4 earth days remain(to the end of the promise!)
This is why they never give us a date
I am waiting patiently until the release day. If I waited 3 years (was 3 years??), why can't I wait a few more days?
After the release of 2.0 gold, my project rise from the ashes like fenix!
We are really tired of this waiting!
It's so annoying.
Simple Machines Forum v2.0 official release date/time: 31/05/2011 | 11:59:59 UTC
is there will be way to see list of changes from RC5?
On what date? xD
We still have to wait 26 days... omg
Edited
People who do nothing but complain will probably say that....
Do you really believe its just a matter of: "hey, lets release version 2.0"
There are countless of little things that needs to be done before the release... there's translations, documentation, site changes, support policy changes, etc... and above that, people who are involved are doing it on their spare time, with little to no motivation at all...
I mean, even WP does that from time to time...
And these are all the same story.
And i'm wondered how you do not figure how many people/users are deeply disappointed because of this continuos prolonging.
Just my 2 cents.
there is a release date... read the first message from this topic.
Search:
$forum_version = 'SMF 2.0 RC5';And replace with:
$forum_version = 'SMF 2.0';Now you have SMF 2.0, happy?
lmao ^5
And what about updates, will they work with the packagemanager. If so, then you have made a great mod, else I would suggest to respect the people that are really waiting for the official release after all those years. What's wrong with that?
at last, I can delete my SIGNATURE
Ok, no! ahahaha
It seems that it will be released until end of 31th May.
Which "trick" are you talking about? I should probably review it thoroughly again if you suggest it.
Can you see why we never make promises on release dates?
All of you complainers... If you really want to help and to make sure releases get done more frequently, then see the contribute page (link in header). There are all sorts of ways to contribute - from monetary donations to code suggestions to general assistance in supporting other users.
I get your point though.. if people think it is taking too long then why not help the project?
Yes, we do appreciate more than I can tell, our enthusiastic userbase.
SMF 2.0 RC is already a very stable and good software, at my community we use SMF 2.0 since RC1 and we are really happy with it. Some bugs, but it's a RC, and still very stable software. I don't need to have a gold edition to acknowledge you have made a great software.
Now regarding the quote..., that's what really makes me tingle and look forward for what's going on at the backstage
I'm sure that I'm breaking some rule, but I will quote Norv from the secret board.
That was posted yesterday. Just give them few more hours.
You naughty you. You shall serve as Norv's personal slave for a month for that.
But truthfully, that's just the same thing that was said in the first post of this topic really
Hey, don't be so cruel!
Yeah, but it seems that some people forgot about it.
Working on it, folks. We all want to get it out, there is no one wishing to keep analyzing asteroids, really.
(okay, maybe some people are wishing such, but that's for them astronomers, which none of us is. Sure as hell we don't like doing that.)
SMF triumphs once again... by releasing nothing. I think you made a huge mistake by staking your own reputation on that claim, SiNaN. As much as i respect you for being a great developer, i think SMF's progress is way too unpredictable and mysteriously winning the most underachieving development in history. It's better to spare us all any more laughter at the developers' expense and let it slide down memory lane and leave it to simmer down until it's dead quiet.
On a solid note, summer holidays are finally here! Yay! For SMF, i guess it's experiencing an asteroid shower after all. Ouch!
I have been following the bug tracker: http://dev.simplemachines.org/mantis/my_view_page.php since a few weeks now, in fact, i have been vaguely hopeful after reading your comment quoted above, and i have been checking on the bug fixing progress every single day. The slow pace of development is insane.
You can get out of here if you're not happy of the soft and the team. I love persons who talk a lot and do nothing behind to help. All is going in place behind and you don't see anything. Normal. But all is changing and so you can talk bad as many times as you want, the things don't wait you to evolve.
And it's more with people like Sinan than you....
Big thanks Sinan for all the great help you give, and the patience you have. I'm sure NPO will support you against these kind of idiots...
Yes, we may be a little late, sorry about that. Same for me, Mr. Jinx, although we're in the middle of the process and I'm still working on the last touches that need ready to get it out for people. It will be for download, when we consider it can be.
I apologize about that. Working on it. Oh, and... yes, asteroids are ugly. Even when they come in dozens of small details.
Because we don't care him ? No need to feed trolls... Well simple idea "Don't like it ... You can leave" This is free and FREE project... No-one expects fast releases etc... (Well everyone will be happy if development team gets bigger and develops more but you know FREE)...
They do it for free. Give them a break and be patient.
Thank You SMF Team, For everything Ya'll do for us All .
"End of the month" is an arbitrary, vanity date. All in all, it's just another day. At this point, there's little difference if it comes out May 31st, end of the week, June 31st, or whatever. In the scheme of things, "Real Soon Now" is more progress than we've had in years, so I'm excited. But surely I have better things to do than hit F5 every few mins or rant in post after post why it's coming out on [Random_Date+2] and not [Random_Date].
"rude!"
I know I can't speak for everyone and believe me I am impatient as hell, but take your time don't rush it.
and hey.. asteroids can be fun.. they spin..
Going back outside to keep a eye on the sky, lol...
I don't really care if 2.0 final is released today or not, but I really i'm looking forward to when it does.
Once it's out and we all have it downloaded then what?
So I hear everyone talking about 2.0 Final and 2.0 Gold.. what's that about?
Who needs testing. Just scrape something together call it gold and let the masses test it.
Oh wait.. That is Windows ideology, My bad.
LOL.
I do agree that it should be fine-tuned. We'll all be just as disappointed if it meets the deadline but doesn't meet the standards of the community.
Meanwhile I will go bring out my telescope and stare into night sky later for potential asteroids.
lol, I had to do it , lol
It has been stated that 2.0 would be released by the end of the month ............. It wasn't! That in itself is no big deal, it was expected
But please don't call people names for stating views.
There's still a few hours left in some parts of the world >_>
That is just cosmetic to me, it's not a public release is it!
oh BTW in my language it still says LLC
http://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/sbdb.cgi?sstr=2011%20HP;orb=1
Ok, it was 0.0342 AU away (an AU is 150m km) but thats near enough for me as it equates to about 510,000km !
It was only a few hundred metres wide but I wouldn't want it in my backyard lol
Although we had started the release process, we had to delay things a little bit more due to an unpleasant last minute surprise. We were notified that one of the important but not-so-popular features of SMF 2.0 wasn't working as expected. It requires fixing before we can stick the "final" label on this thing.
As soon as we deal with this last minute surprise, we will be releasing SMF 2.0 final and it's not as far as weeks, months, years from now but "these days". Thank you for your continued support and patience.
Care to elaborate?
It is not a public release, nor it is exactly "cosmetic": it is one of the steps in the process of a public release. Testing SMF on the community forum is one of the steps we take, to make sure SMF is capable to handle the load of such site, that no problems are found, and that is it at the standard we want it to be for the community. So are many other things.
Allow me to be honest about it... We did have a couple of moments of sweat during the entire process so far. It proved a mostly unwarranted sweat in the end, yes, but that is exactly why, from my point of view, SMF 2.0 needs throughout testing before going public - in the measure of our possibilities.
What is more important, and release-critical, we did have to look into OpenID issues, as said above.
If you expect me to release SMF to public as long as I see an issue with it, with the slightest doubt or potential to affect thousands of people's forums in a measure we might not consider acceptable, then allow me to be clear about it: you are not going to see it.
I apologize for the little delay from the deadline we set for ourselves. I really am sorry for that. I know, delays may happen all the time, even in commercial software projects, and at the end of the day a few days off are less likely to cause issues for people than the potential of everything not being ready. However, I am not taking it lightly and I really am sorry about it.
We are in the process of knocking down all steps of making SMF 2.0 - the stable release - available to the public, including the codebase without release-critical bugs, language packs, etc. This process has steps, and we are following them. SMF 2.0 will be available to the community when I am comfortable enough with everything it does and everything it will do, in the measure of possible.
Though I would have to disagree about the whole 'unpleasant surprise', it's been broken for a very long time, since at least RC3, possibly even earlier.
I've used SMF for a long time and have always been impressed with it. SMF 1.1 is a stable product and I would be disappointed if SMF 2 was not.
Whilst I can understand the frustration from people, like myself, who have been waiting 5 years for SMF 2 as a developer myself I can understand the issues with releasing products that cannot be deemed stable. The ones who can deem a product stable? The developers of it.
Despite all the waiting I'm sure that it will be worth it for a free product as stable and feature-packed as SMF.
Those complaining about the time being taken would also be those complaining about bugs that slipped through due to a rushed release, such is the personality of people. I'm disappointed it isn't released yet but brandishing the pitchforks and torches is hardly a mature reply for a free and volunteer-built system.
All I can request is to keep us updated, the post regarding the OpenID bug was fantastic it gave everyone a good idea what the issue was and why there is a delay and gives some idea how long such a fix should take. Obviously updating us takes you away from the work though, so not too much!
SMF and it's team have my full support - I'll be taking up a Charter Membership shortly, once I know I have the funds. Keep up the good work!
Okay! I cant wait! I hope its today!
Hopefully the community can now see why we don't like to give dates on anything that is dependent upon volunteers.
So Devs go for it and give us some nice Gold Release
Hmmm....
A game is something different from website software
I know, you can play Minecraft online (in fact, I started playing it today), but that's not website software: just a java applet.
But they have the same situations. But hey, I don't blame the SMF team for this, they take their time and that's good. It means that they are fully opting theirselfes on releasing stable software.
SMF has come a long way over the past few years. Quite a few MAJOR situations have been resolved, and we still have the very BEST forum software available to enjoy on our websites.
This edition of SMF is truly software to be proud of. Congratulations and Thank You~!
I gotta give a very big Thank You to the devs too. This is just a big evolution in forum software, and it's way better then most other software's out there (even better then the paid ones!).
The devs are constantly busy with keeping the software stable, but still having loads of features being added.
The software is successfull in keeping it's users happy and so is the community (with mods, themes and other extensibility features).
Having so many mods just makes you realize that the software is just so easy to use for developers, a goal many other software's still have to accomplish.
So, thank you so much for this great software, and most of all, take your time to make it even better
You know it's been officially feature locked since 2007, right?
When I'm looking to release a new version of software there are two major questions I ask:
- Is there anything that used to work in the last release that doesn't work in the release candidate. In this case the last release was 1.1.13, so are there any bugs in 2.0 in features that work in 1.1.13?
- Are there any bugs in the major new features of the new release? (Are such bugs that do exist restricted to features that will only be used by a small minority of users? Would it render the release pointless if the new features which still have bugs were disabled?)
If the answer to both those questions are No I would release and accept that a small patch update will follow soon after. To do otherwise means that the release will keep being delayed - especially if very large numbers of people are running the release candidate (significant numbers of bugs will keep being reported).I look after a forum currently running phpBB 2.0.x. A couple of years ago, because I am active on a couple of SMF based forums (I have nearly 14,000 posts on one) I decided I would upgrade to SMF 2 (one significant reason being that some of the customisations I've added to phpBB are standard features in SMF 2). I took note of the statement on the download page: "Note: As this is in development, we do not recommend running SMF 2.0 RCx on a production site.". As I far, far prefer SMF and it appeared that the release of SMF was not far away (it's not usually that long after the first release candidate that the full release occurs) it seemed to be the correct decision.
Back end of last year I was on the point of deciding that I'd made a bad decision and instead (against my preferences) upgrading to the latest phpBB. I watched the SMF team blowup saga unfold, and because it seemed at the end of it that there was a new team with a new sense of purpose I continued to wait in the expectation the the release would not be that long coming.
Now it appears nothing has changed, the same old obsessions are still continuing to delay the release. I'm getting it in the neck for not having updated the forums and I'm left with a feeling that I've been taken for a ride by the SMF team with their continual "not long now" assurances. So the broken promise that unless there was a major catastrophe SMF 2.0 would be released by the end of May was the final straw.
You reach a point where you lose faith. I'm now very, very seriously looking at phpBB again and even if SMF 2 goes gold in the next couple of days it is in no way a forgone conclusion that that will be what I use. A crying shame because SMF is far better software and there are some really great people in the team.
Edit: Just to add, I've made this post in sadness, not in anger.
And if it does, then I'm really curious as to why? What difference has it made to you as a user, that the actual final version is not out yet, if you have already been using an RC?
The Team is doing well and do their job, just sit and wait for the announcement
Firstly I'd like take off my hat to the founders/managers of SMF. They couldn't have made a better life changing decision than by kick starting this project.
Then of course the equal amount of respect has to be given to the developers of this excellent piece of software. They carry out one of the most challenging tasks and what's even more amazing is that they do it with no motivation of any sort whatsoever. These intelligent individuals deserve much more respect than what you and I offer them. The amount of insolence all of you have shown so far just makes me sick. What you guys don't realize is everything they're doing simply benefits you, the user and they gain nothing in return (okay, sure maybe something off donations but when that's split among the entire team, there's barely anything compared to the time and effort they put into creating SMF) and again they push the date forward, why? to improve the tool for your sake, so that you won't overcome any issues in the forthcoming and yet all you animals keep howling just so they weren't able to release on the date stated and they've asked for nothing more than a couple more days and yet you again you throw a tantrum. You know why I feel you do that? it's because this is the internet where all you clowns get to be anonymous and snooty. Let me repeat this to you; they are improving the damn product for your sake and your benefit, try to realize that. They give you an unfinished product and it's you guys who are gonna make life miserable for them by flooding the support boards with your issues. So please, the least you guys can do is motivate them through words and of course your pockets
Lets continue acknowledging the members who've made SimpleMachines a success so far.
The Support Specialists, Customizers, Doc Writers, Localizers, Language Moderators, Friends and Family, Beta Testers. All these people have played a very very important role in the achievement and will continue to do so, so please acknowledge them, motivate them. They truly deserve the respect!
Then of course I would also like to bow down to the mod authors & theme designers. It's them too who've played a part in revolutionizing SMF. They have expanded the capabilities of a simple forum software to something much more powerful & extraordinary. The capabilities of SMF are limitless thanks to them.
Not forgetting the voluntary supporters who assist members in the support boards. They offer their time and effort by assisting you with issues you face and they expect nothing in return. A round of applause to them for their generous and superior nature.
And last not least us, the end-user of the product. It's thanks to us that word goes around about this brilliant tool and more people begin to use SMF. We increase the popularity of their product day by day. So at least now that you realize you play a part in the success of SMF, try to act a bit more descent and give the fellow developers some extra time to make it a golden bug-free product.
I apologize in advance for any grammatical errors.
Good luck to the "awesome team". May god bless you all.
Cheers
I haven't been using a RC on my live site - I heeded the warning on the download page. The SMF forum where I am active is using 1.1. I downloaded 2.0 RC2 and RC3 and put them on a test server ages back which persuaded me to wait for final rather than go with 1.1.
I have to balance functionality against supportability. So software where I fear I may be left high and dry while I wait for a new release with fixes to problems is a major concern.
But one thing to note,
The team takes no money for what they do - All donations go to the NPO, and are used for corporate expences such as servers, lawyer costs and whatever the NPO needs to purchase or rent outside of it's own staff.
We are all volunteers working on our own free time
This is a good thing from the standpoint of expediting release due to a smaller, simpler plate. It's a bad thing from the standpoint of competitiveness in the forum "marketplace". Four years of feature-freeze has unfortunately caused SMF to fall behind feature-wise and in modernization.
Here's hoping that with the management reorganization, the shift to being an NPO, and the upcoming release of 2.0 final that we can look forward to a phase of SMF catching-up and not only modernizing the features and technology of the software, but once again pulling ahead of the pack like in its former glory days. I'm looking forward to a surge in development and evolution. Soon all the pieces will be in-place and the impediments out of the way... hopefully all the promises we've been told hold true.
Exactly. lol
I forgot and got carried away.... I will leave the important part....
OMG
You confuse people man...
and talking about confusing people
and no it isn't .... it is 2.0 RC5
As bad as people wants 2.0 to be final , please don't make it worse via replies like them , please.
As for ETA I'm kinda concerned as well... any news Devs?
Yes they do a great job! Very happy that soon all will be happy and the software can do a great step further. Also very good for the mod section!
But don't read too much forum, get back to coding the last issue! ;-)
It isn't robbery when you have the free will to buy it or not
When you start a community you can't bet it will work, so spending 200 bucks is crazy.
I am Portuguese
Also, i would like to ask if 1.1.x branch will be retired? When? After 2.1 final is released? What is planned for 1.1.x after 2.0 final is released?
I think it's important not to undermine the importance of 1.1.x branch since it's still the predominating SMF version on active/production sites.
Many people have paid for modifications for 1.1.x and spent a great number of hours customizing their forums to look just like they want, so i think it should definitely not be taken for granted that most or all of us will shift to 2.0 final when it's released. Hence, it is my strong opinion that support and development (i mean primarily bug fixing since new features are obviously meant for 2.0+) for 1.1.x should not be disregarded after 2.0 final.
So, the 1.0 branch is dead now?
No
Theres going to be no major updates to the 1.1.x branch unless its a security issue. Its not dead just not going to have further development work done. If your 1.1.x forum runs fine then its not a real issue. If you want to take advantage of the latest features then you will need to convert to 2.0 when it is finally released.
The 1.1 series is almost 7 years old...
IK... I was asking about 1.0 (not 1.1) and asking if there were still going to be security updates for it.
But I'm assuming the security fixes will keep coming...
I don't even use 1.0 for a site though, I just have one on my test server.
I haven't been working on fixing bugs, except for this OpenID issue and another critical bug, since we initiated release process. Fixing stuff when you are so close to a release is dangerous in that there is little to no time for wide testing.
Besides, how I use my time is ultimately my choice. I'm merely a volunteer here and I have no obligation to work on SMF. I'll spend time on SMF as much as I want and as long as I enjoy.
Lol, the day is not far when people will complaint that this team member is taking a lot of time in eating his food (I was about to give some other naughty example
ETA: And yes, afaik he's ok at the moment. I still talk to him sometimes.
Anyways it's good to see that 2.0 final is near, thanks for all your hard work!
No surprise there then.
Sharks, i did welcome you to join too ^^
I've been waiting just as long as you have. And they devs also stated that an issue with open id arose at the last minute so they had to fix that. Otherwise it would have been out by the end of May. You have to understand everyone does this as a volunteer, they have lives outside of smf.
Patience all it will come.
Actually they did.
I'm sure spamming F5 will help speed the process along...
Folks, be patient. Asking over and over will not speed it up. It may even slow them down if you piss them off.
My bad attempt of a joke lol
The OpenID bug has been sorted and that was the last blocker. We also managed to sneak in a couple of other bug fixes, so that's all good too. The ones left on Mantis are trivial and aren't worth delaying the release.
Go for it. Make a noise. Have fun.
Alright!
<google>+1</google>
<facebook>Like</facebook>
Umm... Thanks for sharing your secret?
Seriously, it's somewhat of a relief to know The Day is finally coming. I try not to be pessimistic about SMF, but i have been waiting for so long, i hope Bin Laden's zombie doesn't show up at my door and blow me up before i get to see "2.0 final released" on the SMF main page.
BTW, the minor fixes that were left out of 2.0 gold, could mean that 2.0.1 won't be far from the 2.0 release?
Really everyone wants to start work on bigger and better things, so fixing minor glitches in 2.0 probably wont be high on our agenda. It'll depend on whether anyone feels like backporting 2.1 fixes into the 2.0 branch.
Thanks,
We were working on making the builds ready, and if you stop in the middle of version changes for 2.0... that's what happens.
I didn't intend to worry you, sorry about that.
So that report will get removed as "not a bug"?
"I didn't intend to worry you, sorry about that." as Cheryl Cole would say "Nee bother lad!"
I guess this means that there won't be a 2.0.1 release so soon after 2.0 gold.
It would appear we are now only one bug away from the 2.0 final release... "Some files missing 'admin_register_activate' => array"
http://dev.simplemachines.org/mantis/view.php?id=4725
P.S. I noticed that the other missing bugs have simply been shifted to the 2.1 branch. Is that a good/safe thing to do? Just wondering...
They're trivial things that aren't release critical, so rather than hold things up we put them off until 2.1.
And don't get me wrong, that's just great
Cheers...
I bet it will be released this wednesday.
The prize is a cookie!
+1!
I've been thinking about this post (and the news that fixes for the remaining low priority bugs are being postponed to 2.1) - it's the most reassuring I've seen in a long time. I'd begun to think all the developers were living in some ivory tower where they continually chased after the totally unreachable goal of not releasing the software until it was perfect. At least somebody realises that unquantifiable damage has been done to the reputation of the project due to the never ending delays. We'll never know how many more people might have used SMF if it had ever been released instead of going elsewhere.
Good on you Antechinus!
The release process isn't (unfortunately) a ten second job and we have just finished making the last minute changes. Depends how much time Norv has to push the relevant buttons. It's Monday in that part of the world IIRC, so I would assume that means working for a living is going to take up some time. You may have to wait a few days.
I assure you that I'm not the only person on the team that realises the delays have been damaging, nor am I the only dev that has a practical attitude.
^ Someone's taken over my recently vacated position, eh?
The team couldn't care less about the moaning. Seriously, they're not a bunch of emotionally insecure toddlers who are going to run into a wall and cry if you startle them.
While we're at it, let's complain about the French Revolution.
Update: The team (with the exclusion of Brad) couldn't care less about the moaning. Seriously, they're not a bunch of emotionally insecure toddlers who are going to run into a wall and cry if you startle them.
At least we have a pretty good idea of when Windows 8 will be released...
Emoticon of the day for me. Thanks for that.
Not really. Motoko isn't on the team and hasn't been for ages. His grumbling doesn't affect anything.
Indeed. That, however, doesn't mean I can't snark a little. I mean, the OpenID bug that was all of a sudden a stopper had been present for many many months. It's interesting that it was so suddenly considered a blocker to 2.0 rather than a major or medium-priority bug for a 2.0.1 release. I mean, that's happened in the past. You're not going to get any kind of complex software completely bug-free. Instead of delaying until it's "prefect", just release once all the crucial things (data loss bugs, for instance) are done and make a few bugfix updates later.
It's been how long since the NPO has fully owned the software? I recall when the public was being told that the transfer was the only thing holding up the release and pointing fingers about signatures and other stuff. I also recall a few of the developers simply stopping coding because they didn't want to work on a project that might become "dead". (not sure if that exact word was used, but that was implied for sure...)
Why not just have gone for the truth with a simple "We're not quite comfortable releasing it in the current state" rather than blaming outside forces? I guess that wouldn't go because then the current team would have had to take responsibility for any further delays instead of conveniently blaming the problem-du-jour.
I am very glad to see the current team start owning up to some of the delay that has occurred now that there is nobody/nothing to blame, I just wish that had started sooner as owning the problem leads to action to resolve it (for better or worse).
Have a nice day.
Making a statement pointing blame seems pointless.
It was the waiting for the signatures for the LLC -> NPO handover, it is now the developers that we're waiting for. They aren't hiding the fact, there were some bugs and they are working on it. It isn't a full time job for any of them.
I'm annoyed with how long it's all taking but it'll be worth it in the end and it's understandable. Pointing fingers won't speed it up or answer anything that most of us realise anyway. To make it clear this isn't a bash to the developers, it's just the truth.
Keep on with the good work guys!
I take back my earlier post about Motoko. It's evident that he's taken over Arantor's fifteen-paragraphs-to-say-one-thing-halfway position. No offense meant, Arantor
Here ya go.
I wandered as a beggar, being fed from town to town as the local people saw fit, often being stoned instead or threatened with imprisonment. On occasion, I was able to convince some learned man that I was a sincere scholar, and was thereby permitted to read the Ancient Records in which the details of necromancy, sorcery, magick and alchemy are given. I learned of the spells that cause men illness, the plague, blindness, insanity and even death. I learned the various classes of demons and evil gods that exist, and of the old legends concerning the Ancient Ones. I was thus able to arm myself against the dread Maskim, who lie in wait about the boundaries of the world, ready to trap the unwary and devour the sacrifices set out at night and in deserted places; against the she-devil LAMMASHTA, who is called Sword that Splits the Skull, the sight of whom causes horror and dismay, and (some say) death of a most uncommon nature.
In time I learned of the names and properties of all the demons, devils, fiends and monsters listed herein, in this Book of the Black Earth. I learned of the powers in the astral Gods, and how to summon thier aid in times of need. I learned, too, of the frightful beings who dwell beyond the astral spirits, who guard the entrance to the Temple of the Lost, of the Ancient Days the Ancient of the Ancient Ones, whose Name I connot write here.
In my solitary ceremonies in the hills, worshipping with fire and sword, with water and dagger, and with the assistance of strange grass that grows wild in certain parts of the MASSHU, and with which I had unwittingly built my fire before the rock, that grass that gives the mind great power to travel termendous distances into the heavens, as also into the hells, I recieved the formulae for the amulets and talismans which follow, which provide the Priest with safe passage among the spheres wherein he may travel in search of the Wisdom.
But now, after One Thousand-and-One moons of the journey, the Maskim nip at my heels, the Rabishu pull at my hair, Lammashta opens her dread jaws, AZAG-THOTH gloats blindly at his throne, KUTULU raises his head and stares up through the Veils of Sunken Varloorni, up through the Abyss, and fixes his stare upon me; wherefore I must with haste write this Book lest my end come sooner than I had prepared. For indeed, it appears as though I have failed in some regard as to the order of the rites, or to the formulae, or to the sacrifices, for now it appears as if the entire host of ERESSKIGAL lies waiting, dreaming, drooling for my departure. I pray the gods that I am saved and not perish as did the Priest, ABDUL BEN-MARTU, in Jerusalem (the gods remember and have mercy upon him!). My fate is no longer writ in the stars, for I have broken the Chaldean Covenant by seeking power over the Zonei. I have set foot on the moon, and the moon no longer has power over me. The lines of my life have been obliterated by my wanderings in the Waste, over the letters writ in the heavens by the gods. And even now I can hear the wolves howling in the mountains as they did that fateful night, and they are calling my name, and the names of the Others. I fear for my flesh, but I fear for my spirit more.
SMF team politics in a nutshell.
Um, does that count as a copyright violation?
All we know at the moment is that the last remaining blocker was fixed 3+ days ago and at that point all that was left was for Norv to "press a few buttons". I understand it's not "a 10 second process" but I wouldn't have imagined it was a 3+ day one either after the last blocker bug was fixed. Can you elaborate? Thanks.
Having seen the process before, it does take a few hours for all the steps of making a release. It might wait until the weekend when enough free consecutive hours are available to actually do that.
I don't understand, what that means?
See how difficult the release process is; you messed it up even at the easiest step.
Easy? You know how hard checking those boxes and choosing the sticky/unsticky option is.
Well, it's hard if you are not using quick moderation.
upload SMF2.0.zip to FTP and link to download.
Dur re-lease be done!
But really, I don't understand why some people get so tied up about this release. It really isn't that much different from RC5 as far as I know. Personally I would want the release as stable as possible for gold, but everyone knows "gold" doesn't mean bug-free. Look at others out there and how many x.y.Z there often are. Granted some of them aren't really just fixing bugs but also including improvements, in speed/stability/compatibility/etc.
Really? So are you saying that final will still say
Those of us who took heed of that warning when looking for software to run a site where risk was unacceptable have been waiting for a very long time for a proper release.
That line is there to make sure people don't come running back screaming "DURR YOU BROKE MA FORUMS I HATE U GUYZZZZ" every few hours.
1) It puts one on a supported release track that will receive incremental update packages going forward, unlike requiring full reinstalls of all files, mods and manual edits (like betas and RCs, including RC5 require).
2) It will bring a lot of mod and theme authors out of hibernation who are waiting for a stable actual release and who haven't wanted to waste time trying to develop for an unstable, unfinished target.
Uninstall the old one and install the new one.
Well, when you uninstall the old one it tests the files before it does the uninstall and if it doesn't find any problems it should uninstall okay. Same for installing the new one. Of course things can always go south. Backup everything before you try it which you should always do anytime you make a change.
the only thing you have to worry about is doing the installation of the mod into the new version after upgrade.
Wrong, actually. The packages table is not cleaned up during the upgrade, listing most if not all mods still installed, and making it somewhat more difficult to install since you have to fudge it through an uninstall first.
but the database does not know if the files are removed
1/ Get the large upgrade for the version I'm currently using, and load all files except the upgrade php and sql files.
2/ Delete all mod zips.
3/ Uninstall and delete all custom themes.
4/ At this point you effectively have a new, vanilla installation. Then upload all the large upgrade files for the new version (including the actual php and sql upgrade scripts)
5/ Run upgrade.
6/ Install custom stuffs.
7/ Have beer.
Works perfectly every time.
ETA: Mind you, it'd be rare for me to reload the exact same mod zip.
Oh yeah, I'll often uninstall the ones that will uninstall, but just delete the ones that wont.
Doesn't even have to be. It uses the package id to determine whether or not it's the same mod. That's why a bit back I had '2 copies of a mod installed' with only one entry in the log_packages table, because this was on Windows and the first mod was mod.zip, the second was mod (1).zip. Package manager is voodoo, mess with it at your peril
ETA: Mind you if I'm going to do that, it'd be faster to just delete all the zips and then run one query to sort all the db entries.
When I upgrade my RC5 to 2.0 Gold will it just wipte out TinyPortal?
If so, will all my articles and stuff be there when I just reinstall TP?
I think it is safe to:
* Back up all of the files, just in case
* Uninstall all the mods, but leave all the data on the database
Then get rid of:
* All php and php~ files, other than Settings.php
* The entire Sources directory
* The entire Themes directory -- save your "test" themes and customizations someplace else, first.
* The entire Packages directory
You'll want to leave attachments, and maybe avatars, and maybe smileys, alone.
There is a GUI for that and it is what I use after a upgrade.
You should try doing the upgrade from RC3 to RC5+SVN changes, while the site remains online, even with AJAX shoutbox and people not even noticing that you're upgrading, and not even dropping an AJAX request.
Wouldn't this be the perfect day for a SMF 2.0 final release?
Better buy a telescope. Wanna see it? Buy a telescope. Gonna be in space.
Oh. Play it cool. Play it cool. Here come the space cops.
They're standing on it.
A new satelight was launched May 31,2011 dubbed SMF. NASA reported a mechanical failure that sent the satelight hurtling towards Jupiter. Hubble telescope was able to capture pictures of a spectacular crash in space as SMF became firmly wedged into Uranus.
Sure, I recognize that a lot of it has to do with status and marking it as officially stable.
If I had a forum however I'd be more interested in the future of development of SMF after 2.0 gold. Sure 2.0 going gold is a good sign, but unless you were pessimistic, it wasn't as if it wasn't going to happen eventually. RC5 isn't far from being considered a final release. Heck I'm sure plenty of software companies would have just slapped gold status on it after the state it was in at RC2. So I am pleased to see how serious Simple Machines takes stability and security in response to its users of its software.
I'm hoping SMF takes a logical path for the future where it isn't years before a new release comes out with some useful enhancements. To me, that would mean adding only a few features in each iterative release, 2.1, 2.2, etc. That also to me means to not go directly to 3.0, as I think with the current limited resources we could be looking at another 5 or more years from now before it would be released.
Another thing to do perhaps to help calm the wait is to release official mod packages. Feature X is coming to 2.1? Users don't want to wait 6 weeks for 2.1? Have an officially maintained mod package that adds that functionality to existing 2.0 installs. It would sort of be like how on a linux distro you can upgrade individual packages yourself instead of having to wait for the distro upgrade to be released that includes the updated packages.
We all should cross our fingers!
Hopefully this means we are nearly good to go
Now let me just reiterate why we don't give release dates. In a project of volunteers you just can't. Sure goals can be set. But when you put dates out to the public, look what happens when you can't live up to them.
I too am a little frustrated that 2.0 is taking so long. And, yes, they should have just said it'll be ready, when it's ready. Don't call us, we'll call you. But at the end of the day the guys who put it together are working hard to give us something free and awesome and if it takes them a little longer than expected, then so be it
That line has been used so often, everyone's fed up of hearing it, it's been said for at least the last two years.
If there are only a few minor changes, is there no chance it can just be a thing we can do from the admin panel?
Unless we could give constructive inputs into helping making this release faster, why don't we just wait?
So you speak for everyone?
I agree, totally, with jackregan! It'll be ready when it's ready!
So, relax...have a beer...if you're old enough. Or you can try some other free forum software...or reach into your wallet and pay for one.
I know I'll say, "Thank you!"
upgrades from RC's are always going to use the large upgrade package, this will not change anytime soon. also the number of changes is not few, it includes at least a header change in each and every file due to the license change.
Yes.
No, because the package would have to be generated completely manually, it'll be worse to install than some mods.
No, at least one of the developers has said they're fed up of saying it too. As have anyone who's been on the team in the last two years (which includes me).
Been there, done that, thanks.
Oh, I am. As soon as 2.0 final is out, I'm gone for good, to a fork of SMF that's been in development and requires the release along with its change of licence.
Besides, I like to think of it as giving the team some motivation since I won't be complaining about the things that have been noted as bugs for years, that won't be fixed in 2.0 even when a solution has been posted, or about the way things are run.
If so, I'm satisfied
soon = soon enough
+1
Why? I prefer to have SMF 2.0 final this month and not to wait another one because of RC6.
(it would be the same, because RC5 is very stable and with your idea it won't be still gold, which is the same for a lot of webmasters)
So where was this when they were all telling us "we just need one more signature and its done?"
Shhhhh, don't talk about that. I tried a few pages ago and it didn't go well. We're pretending it was never said that the signature was the only thing preventing release.
signature is done and dusted
Last minute bug quashed
so why no release, or are there more bugs we are not being told about
you are telling me that in SMF ORG there is only one person who can put up the release?
(BTW it is the weekend
And yes, it is the weekend now. You have to bear in mind the time zones though. It is only just the weekend now in some places.
11:39am
just too fast and furious!!!
When it's released, I run the large update and then my mods disappear, and then I just reinstall them and all of the data and settings of each mod will be preserved, right?
I'm thinking about my customs actions mod and also TinyPortal as I have put loads of stuff into both of these.
I have also made huge changes to the index.template.php file but well, I can just copy and paste that I guess.
On another note, I notice that the forum on this site now says SMF 2.0 at the bottom. Not sure how long it's been like that (who looks?) but maybe it's prophetic...
It's been changed from some time, but you can do this too, owdy provided the code hack here
http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=421547.msg2949775;topicseen#msg2949775
Really? what code updates are you refering to?
Thanks Tweak, but it was Illori who made the comment and I asked her for clarification. In my post or the post linked too, I don't believe there was any mention of bug fixes so I don't know why you or her brought up the "code update" point. So I would appreciate some clarification from her what 'code update' she refered to, if she can.
All Owdy's hack does is change what version is displayed in the footer. That's nowhere near the same thing. Owdy just posted that as a joke.
How's he going with all this lack of time stuff?
@Illori, see Kindreds post for the answer.
Hello SMF community
hello SMF community. as you can see i dont post much. i have been sitting here and just watching the arguing and everyone has good points. i am in favor for the people who are saying. just be patient and it will come out. the SMF staff are doing this for NO profit so u cant get mad. but i see where you are coming from. yes they did promise end of may. but ITS FREE. so u cant get mad. but i have one question, if you guys say u are working on it then why are u always here posting responses and trying to talk to people. if you guys wanted to get it out today. you should stop posting and start working on the update. thats all i have to say. if you are saying its going to come out and your saying your working on it as we speak. why are u in the forum have a conversation. all i have to say is GET TO WORK. because i have my own site and i hate it when staff members say they will do something but i see them posting or, they are in the chat. please stop posting staff, and work on the update. THANK YOU.
DONT RESPOND
http://download.simplemachines.org/
Um who cares who announces it? It's released.
http://dev.simplemachines.org/mantis/view.php?id=4747
The download page shows 2.0 as being available (no more RC5) but it's interesting to note that its change log shows it's date as being released on 5 June 2011.
About 1.1.14, the bug tracker is still frozen for 1.1 since no bugs have been fixed after 1.1.13.
1.1.14 seems to be simply a new release with the LLC copyright line removed at the bottom of the forum. Nothing to get excited about, folks, as it's the same thing under the bonnet.
But more importantly, does that mean anything different for those who are/will still be using 1.1.x? Such as, reduced or dropped development?
BTW, 1.1.14 is only available under "Archived releases" http://download.simplemachines.org/?archive
And not on the download page, which seems to indicate that 1.1.14 is the end of life for 1.1.x branch? Since it's been archived.
P.S. The minor bug for 2.0 just got moved to 2.1, so i guess the final release is coming any time now.
Thanks devs!! Can't wait to put this on my site!
Nice work on the release, team!!
P.S. LOL i had to submit many times before this post was accepted due to all the excitement with 2.0 final release and hectic replies. Congratulations, SMF team!
So, err... how do I actually do a large upgrade then?
$forum_version = 'SMF 2.0 RC5';To this:$forum_version = 'SMF 1.9';Imma cheatah :3
I'm not trying to put any unnecessary pressure on the SMF team. It would be futile at this point anyway, as the release process has already begun. I'm just pointing out stuff that might help the team iron out any glitches faster.
Cheers!
In short, I am well happy!
The upgrade.php process stuck during step 4 - changing database tables - but once I started it again it picked up at the same stage and finished just fine.
So, all is good
A huge, massive thank you to the brilliant SMF team!
1.1.14 is no longer listed on the main download page because 2.0 is now the stable version. You can find versions older than 2.0 in Archived Releases page, including 1.1.14.
That looks much tidier. Also looks slightly more appealing (to me at least).
BTW, special thanks to you, [SiNaN]. I also use SimplePortal on all my forums, quite intensively. I hope a new SP is planned soon for 2.0 final?
Also, now that SMF 2.0 Gold is out, i must ask you... why isn't One Piece in your Anime List?
Thanks again!
There will probably be a quick bug fix release and the long awaited 2.4 release soon after.
I tend to leave the best part of my meal to the end. That's the same with One Piece. Though I doubt Clannad series would give "the best" spot in my list.
edit: what I got was the 'Large Upgrade' from the 'FULL INSTALL' link
NPO is the organizational structure... The Simple Machines organization (NPO) now owns all properties, trademarks, etc that the LLC used to own.
2.0 is released under the BSD license.
1.0.x and 1.1.x will remain under the proprietary SMF license.