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A front-end for *stupid* front-ends?

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LegsXd:
Does there exist a program (which when give very simple command-line arguments) can call "other" emulators using more complicated commands?, .i.e., similar to a BAT file but more powerful.
For example, such a program could:
- uncompress *.zip & *.7z roms for emulators that do not have support.
- automatically mount CD images for emulators which are not capable.
- have a script language for complex command-line arguements and modification of emulator *.ini files
- force the emulator into fullscreen and possibly make ESC key work as expected.
- support for multiple emulators for a single system.

As many of you know, some front-ends support this sort of stuff, for example:
- Gamebase contains a script language (Gemus) which can modify emulator *.ini files and can form complex (game dependent) command-line arguments.
- LusSpace FE has support for the Goodtools "Goodmerged" 7-zip sets.
- Mamewah has pre- & post- commands for executing other programs like WinIPAC.
- A few front-ends give you the option to uncompress a rom before sending it to the emulator.

I think this is an idea that would "level the playing field" in the battle between the FE authors.  What do you guys/gals think?

youki:
You can do that using VBScript or JavaScript instead of bat.  It works really well. You create your script .VBS or .JS  , then you call it from the Front End you want.  For instance from a .BAT  like taht

CScript  RunMyGame.vbs %1

Of course, in your VBS file you have to code what you want. But you can do all what you want. Even download a ROM from internet for instance.



Howard_Casto:

--- Quote from: LegsXd on November 23, 2005, 12:23:32 am ---Does there exist a program (which when give very simple command-line arguments) can call "other" emulators using more complicated commands?, .i.e., similar to a BAT file but more powerful.
For example, such a program could:
- uncompress *.zip & *.7z roms for emulators that do not have support.
- automatically mount CD images for emulators which are not capable.
- have a script language for complex command-line arguements and modification of emulator *.ini files
- force the emulator into fullscreen and possibly make ESC key work as expected.
- support for multiple emulators for a single system.

As many of you know, some front-ends support this sort of stuff, for example:
- Gamebase contains a script language (Gemus) which can modify emulator *.ini files and can form complex (game dependent) command-line arguments.
- LusSpace FE has support for the Goodtools "Goodmerged" 7-zip sets.
- Mamewah has pre- & post- commands for executing other programs like WinIPAC.
- A few front-ends give you the option to uncompress a rom before sending it to the emulator.

I think this is an idea that would "level the playing field" in the battle between the FE authors.
--- End quote ---

LegsXd:
I understand all of the points you 2 make.  They are valid. 

But it's like this, for some of the features I mentioned, I'd have to write 20-30 scripts for all of the emus I use.  I'd much rather have a program that could organize this effort (and would have a much lower learning curve).

For people who only use MAME and 2-3 other console systems, then fine, this wouldn't be that useful.  There are other and perhaps better ways to do this (as youki mentioned).

As for the multiple emus, I was just suggesting that such a program could easily have a set of "preferences" where the current default emu could be picked.

I think people do choose a FE based on these sort of features.  Many FE's as they evolve seem to slowly add these "types" of  features--proving that they are useful. (the emulators I mentioned are examples of this)

I'm simply trying to point out how a simple program could potentially make things less complicated for many people out there.  Isn't that usually the point of good software?

Howard_Casto:

--- Quote from: LegsXd on November 23, 2005, 10:58:22 am ---I understand all of the points you 2 make.
--- End quote ---

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