BB's Java Logger vs. XcomUtil

[Zombie]

The other day I wanted to do some testing (what's new?), but all my test copies of X-COM were probably changed so much I couldn't guarantee that the results would be free from problems. So I reinstalled a fresh copy of the game and then set about installing XcomUtil which is necessary in my case because the logger requires a split executable to run. I have a couple of pet-peeves about XcomUtil though. First, it changes stuff without you asking for it, and second, the utility consists of 24 files which really clutter up the game folder. (I know, I could run it from a separate location but I like to keep things consolidated if possible).

 

Anyhow, after running XcuSetup and overwriting the changed files with my archived copy of the game, I was about ready to configure the utility to run. Then I got smart. I never use XcomUtil after installing it in a testing folder for fear it will screw stuff up again. In addition, after you run XcuSetup the executable is already split, so there is basically no reason to continue on with the dreaded configuration process. What I did was delete all the XcomUtil files from my game folder except for Geoscape and Tactical.exe. Bingo! BB's logger still runs fine and I don't have to wade through all that clutter anymore. Much better!

 

- Zombie

[Bomb Bloke]

Well, aside from deleting the excess files, that's the process I recommend in my readme... Running XcomUtil certainly isn't one of my steps!

 

In fact, I've only ever used it once, years and years ago. The only reason I need people to install it is to split that EXE, and when I get around to it, I'll code my own splitter so that XcomUtil isn't required at all. I've been toying with just sticking the split EXE in my releases, but that's probably a bit too lazy.

 

I live with file clutter because it builds up anyway. My UFO folder contains 70 files. The sub folder I store all my coding material for the game in has 69mb divided amongst over 5000 files. No, don't ask me to account for them all, I have no idea how that happened.

[Zombie]

Once you get XcomUtil to split the executable the hard work is basically done. For this reason I archived my Geoscape and Tactical executables and shoved them into your logging folder on my hard drive. Never again will I have to split them up again.

 

And wow, I thought I had a lot of file clutter. You have me beat by a mile!

 

- Zombie

[Bomb Bloke]

All up my UFO folder has 89.6mb divided amongst 6457 files, with 244 folders. Don't get me started on the rest of my drive.

 

Though keep in mind that I keep a Dos version of the game in in a sub-folder of my CE game. That accounts for something like 1500 files on it's own.