[REQ] Another alternative client (Difficulty 5/5 Team-Sized)
Role wanted: Coder
Difficulty: 5/5 Difficult
Milestone: N/A
Priority: Optional, Important
Language: C++ (QtQuick)
Origin: viewtopic.php?f=56&t=20818
First of all, we will keep supporting ManaPlus for Desktop. With this out of the way.
There's the idea of using tales-client (Source of Tales client) for Mobile. It have a simpler interface, is easier to use on mobile, etc.
To add Evol2/Hercules support with a backend library on tales-client, which would also allow us to make other clients in future and even rewrite ManaPlus in future with a more modern codebase, it is needed a lot of work. Therefore, we plan in assembling a small team of volunteers which are interested on the task.
Obviously, if everyone is fine with using ManaPlus on Mobile, there's no problem.
You can ask Ablu for help with tales-client, he is always on IRC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does Tales-Client looks like? Where can I find it?
A. http://www.sourceoftales.org/screenshots.html for screenshots
https://gitlab.com/tales/tales-client for git repository
Q. What's the reward?
A. There's already US$ 100 collected to those working on it.
That's how much money we've collected thus far, and for everyone working on it.
So more developers means this will be less money for each, and we'll need to collect more money.
But think on it as an additional incentive.
We may also later add items to rewards.
Q. How much technical knowledge I need to have?
A. You must know about networking and C++. Studying ManaPlus, TalesClient, Evol2 and Hercules source codes also help.
Git and GitLab knowledge helps with coordination.
Q. How do I volunteer myself? How will they reach me out?
A. It is better to write here of your intention to help. A Discord also allows us to contact you faster (but you can be on IRC as well).
GitLab username is also a must.
Q. Why don't devs do it themselves?
A. Lack of (wo)manpower currently skilled in C++.
Also, everyone is busy working on something else already.
And again, this is optional priority.
Q. Who is responsible for deciding upon the final version?
A. Client development is handled outside TMW's, so the final word would be Ablu's and the Source of Tales development team.
Q. I want to make my own client, not to use Tales' client.
A. This is a request for a backend, nor for a client rewrite.
Several other applications and languages can interact with it, and of course, you can always copy-paste the backend and use it elsewhere.
Q. I don't know how to code but I want to contribute on my own way.
A. Alternative ways of contributing include donating real money (which is what a certain group did, as you can see), donating ingame GP and items, etc.
But we still need volunteers, or at least people willing to learn C++ and tackle this project.
(Actually we might accept even prayers so feel free to contribute as you want! This is free software.)
Q. How long do you estimate this task to take?
A. Several weeks. Depends on number of volunteers, their coordination, and several other factors.
Q. Will this delay official server release?
A. Probably not.
Q. What packet version should the backend use?
A. We need server packet version 20170517 support.
Support for earlier packet versions is not required. Support for later packet versions is appreciated, in special, if you manage add support for all 2019 packet versions, we will have inventory boosting items (what, 100 slots isn't enough for you?! Weird.)
Anything else, feel free to contact here as well.