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This topic will list features that are not yet implemented in CMUD, and provide a rough indication of when the feature will be implemented.
Think of this as a "known issues" list. Please consult this list before reporting any "bug". If you report one of these known issues, I'll probably just ignore it.
Long term plans
These features are larger and longer-term issues that will be worked on in 2009 (and beyond).
Mapper module
The mapper module in CMUD is mostly the same as the one used in zMUD. A few minor things have been fixed, and a new zone selection box has been added. The mapper *can* be docked and it supports the new theme/skin system.
A new version of the mapper is available in the v3.x BETA release that uses SQLite instead of ADO/MDAC databases. In the future, a new version of zMapper (cMapper) will also be released to support the new mapper database format.
Support for tile-based graphical maps is planned for the future. Some of the enhancements will still require a license for zMapper/cMapper, but will be better integrated with CMUD.
Built-in Chat support
Most of the functionality from the zChat plugin will be built-into CMUD. Features will be added to allow multiple chat windows to be easily created and managed. Improved methods for creating new chat windows "on-the-fly" for communicating with a specific player, guild, or chat channel on the MUD. The chat system will probably also be compatible with the Jabber protocol.
zApp Forms
The ability to create user-defined "forms" using zApp XML code. In addition, the zApp scripting components will be enhanced to allow zScript as one of the possible script languages for forms.
FTP
The #FTP command has not been implemented in CMUD yet. This will be added at the same time as SSH support with the addition of SFTP support and various synchronization features between SSH and SFTP.
Plugins
CMUD does not yet load zMUD plugins. CMUD *does* implement most of the zMUD COM API, so if you have an external program using COM calls, they should still work with CMUD. However, plugins will need to be edited so that calls to API functions zMUD* are replaced with CMUD*. Also, CMUD plugins need to reference CMUDAPI.DLL rather than ZMUDAPI.DLL.
Existing zMUD plugins might need to be edited and recompiled to work with the CMUD API rather than with zMUD. I will try to come up with some way to use existing zMUD plugins if it is at all possible.
Database module
The database module in CMUD is exactly the same as the one used in zMUD. A major rewrite of the database module to turn it into a real SQL database system is planned. It's possible that this will be done as a new add-on (like zMapper) where you get basic functionality within CMUD but have to buy the database add-on to receive a full standalone program that can edit your databases offline.
It will be based upon the database components used in zApp, which support ADO, MySQL, SQL Server, SQLite, Oracle, DB2, Sybase, Interbase/Firebird, and more. The database module in CMUD will probably use SQLite by default, but you will be able to use these other formats as needed.
Foreign Translations
CMUD currently does not support any foreign translations. A translation capability will be added to a future version.
Unicode support
CMUD will eventually be improved to support Unicode or multi-byte languages.
Improved COM API
Many improvements to the COM-based API for CMUD are planned.
Customized MUD front-ends
Using the zApp Form technology along with the new window docking system, you will be able to set up a unique front-end for each MUD that you play. The sponsered MUD icons that are included in the initial character selection screen will also be able to make use of these new functions to set up customized front-ends. These features will also be added to the MXP system, giving MUDs much more control over their look and feel than ever before.
With the new user interface options and customized front-ends, many MUDs won't need to develop their own clients anymore. Even end-users will be able to create these front-ends, and they will be shareable using the Package Server to any CMUD user.
The days of the plain, boring, single text window interface for MUDs should be over. The ability to build new interfaces for MUDs should help attract some of the MMORPG players who have become bored with the graphical games and want something with more depth and more roleplaying.
MUDs haven't died with the popularity of graphical MMORPGs. Just like with books, MUDs are here to stay, and CMUD will be the best, fastest, and most customizeable way to play them. |
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