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[Guest]

As far as functinality is concerned what is the bot core of choice?

TWcore is java
Merv is C

but other than that they seem fairly comparable. Merv seems to have more support outside of TW. Any reason for this? I guess no one is using / developing for powerbot anymore..closed source? Are there any other bot cores to consider?

Are there any major differences in the function these bots provide? It appears that the development platform is the driving force behind selection.

[Dr Brain]

I'll assume you have equal knowledge of both C++ and Java, and that's why you're asking.

If you're going to be doing any database work, I would suggest TWCore. Additionally, I find Java easier to use for complex constructs. I used TWCore to load in FACTS generated images of the map and have it warp people around based on that. I think something like that would be much harder on C++.

Merv has the advantage of lots of example code, but TWCore still has enough to get you started, and the internals are decently commented.

I really like TWCore, and I would say the only reason to pick Merv is if you want to use one or two of the already developed plugins in addition to what you're making, rather than running both cores.
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[Cerium]

Sigh, I hate shameless advertising, but whatever...

As far as core functionality, Hybrid (java-based) wins hands down. The downside is it has a steeper learning curve (or so I hear...), and doesnt have much in terms of examples or preexisting code. If you go with Hybrid, youll be writing a lot of your bots (see: all). Aside from that, the TWCore is fairly easy to work with and you can find roughly 7 billion premade bots to use as a starting point.

To summarize: Hybrid if youre well versed with Java, or TWCore if you lack experience/patience.
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[Cyan~Fire]

Indeed, as much as I hate Java, I'd say TWCore is probably a better bot than MERV. But ASSS is the future, don't worry about bots.
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[D1st0rt]

Cerium and Cyan are both correct. TWCore has a lot of preexisting bots and is much easier to work with, in my opinion, for someone with little experience. At some point hopefully before I die the next version of TWCore will be released which already has considerable usability improvements over the current public version. Hybrid has some wicked stuff but you do have to write basically all of your bots from scratch. Cyan is also correct in his statement that ASSS is far superior to bots, but it also has probably the steepest learning curve and highest demand for patience in all of the SS community.

If you could elaborate a little on what you planned to do, we could probably pick which option would be best for you.
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[SamHughes]

I was able to make a bot and get it working in TWCore with no Java knowledge and little C++ knowledge to cross-over from, so I can't not recommend TWCore.

[freakmonger]

I would have to vote for hybrid myself. As I've used the hybrid core for awhile now. Yes all this is true though about having to make all of your own bots from scratch but thats the best way sometimes.

[Guest]

I'm working with a small team to update the bot for SSCX Warzone CTF. This is basically what we will be doing:

-port the existing functionality our current bots provide
-implement new functionality and scalability not present in our current bots
-document the process so future staff, developers, and sysops can benefit from and utilize the features of a new core bot.
-allow continued development through availability of source code and existing modules.


Bearing in mind that 1-2 years down the road ASSS may be a viable consideration we are looking for a bot core that has the following characteristics:

Stability
Documentation
Community support (for development)
Relatively low learning curve
Some available prewritten modules (basic features)


Although it is not necessary a java environment is slightly more appealing for development because we have a couple team members who are more readily familar with java than C++, but we've programmed in both before.

Based on the research that I've done I believe that TWcore is going to be the best selection to fit our needs.

There seems to be some very knowledgeable people here, and I appreciate the responses. I expect we'll be here occasionally in the future. so I guess I'd better register.

Thankyou.

[Dr Brain]

In that case, you want ASSS and not a bot. It's not something that will only be a good idea two years in the future. It's a good idea now.

The problem most people have with ASSS is that they don't want to rewrite their bots. You have the perfect oppurtunity right in front of you.

[Cerium]

The bigger problem is that im sure theyre stuck with subgame for a while, so ASSS probably wont be an option in the immediate future.

[Dr Brain]

And what, pray tell, is tying them to subgame? The bots is the answer most people give.

[Cerium]

Well, chances are its the same thing keeping chaos on subgame:

(1) Admins with the ability to change unwilling/perma afk
(2) Staff with very little knowledge of running subgame, would be completely helpless on ASSS.
(3) Strong belief that subgame is more stable/secure/whatever
(4) Zone doesnt use anything that _needs_ ASSS, meaning bots can do everything necessary.
(5) Some faggot like phong could use the switch to get themselves various privledges, only to turn around and attack the zone.

Id have to open my logs to find the other reasons people gave for why we didnt switch.

[D1st0rt]

If they are already on SSCX, wouldn't the switch to SSCX-A be fairly seamless?

[Dr Brain]

[freakmonger]

[Muskrat]

I'd say the answer he was implying there was "because they're stupid". No background required .

[Cerium]

(1) True, but a lot of SSCX 'policies' are silly. A lot of my events were never finished because of zone politics and such.
Speaking of silly, Mr. Guest, can you please tell Wonderer to go fuck himself? Thanks.

(2) Its more than just one command, and there are a number of other differences as well. Secondly, there are a ton of people on 'staff' who dont even know the subgame commands yet. Stupid, yes, but thats how it works.

(3) Some people prefer software A over software B. Sometimes they have reasons, other times its preference. Combine this with #1...

(4) I think you misunderstood me.

(5) In the case of phong, the faggot is bipolar. Sure, he was all helpful when he was going to host the new ASSS server, but as soon as he decided not to and I told him to stop using the smod password, he lost his stupid mind.
Sadly, there are many players like him. Infact, Im sure you can think of a few yourself.

[Dr Brain]

[Lithium_X]

As it stands right now we are not going to asss, but I look forward to a time when we can, and possibly bring together some zones in the process.

The main reason why we are developing is for the availabilty of a functional and adjustable league bot. That is the imperative reason, and unfortunately we will be stuck with our old league bot for this season which is starting shortly.

Alternately there are a number of additions and augmentations / features that we would like to add to the main arena and develop in subarenas. Development under a new bot core will provide a means for this as well, and documenting any modules written now will help later as reference when we eventually move to asss.

[D1st0rt]

It sounds like you mainly want the core for a league bot, which would have to be written from scratch. If that is the case, I'd go with Hybrid.