Difference between revisions of "Client Launcher"

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== What is a Client Launcher? ==
 
== What is a Client Launcher? ==
A Client Launcher as a few key roles
+
A client launcher has a few key roles currently these tasks are done as directed by the manifest file(s) you load into your launcher of choice.
These tasks are done as directed by the manifest(s) you have loaded in your launcher
+
In the broader gaming industry, a client launcher will communicate directly to a central server for directions of what to do.
 +
 
 +
Tasks the client launcher is often directed to do
 
* Initial Game install
 
* Initial Game install
 
* Patches Game install with current updates or bugfixes
 
* Patches Game install with current updates or bugfixes
* Launches Game and correct Game files for selected server
+
* Check game files for correct versions or corruption
 +
* Launches Game with correct Game files for selected server
  
  
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Launchers currently have one or all of the following issues
 
Launchers currently have one or all of the following issues
 
* Unrestricted access to OS file structure write & delete
 
* Unrestricted access to OS file structure write & delete
* Utilize a very inefficient and insecure manifest file for directions
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* Utilizes a very inefficient and insecure manifest file for directions
** manifest file is overly bloated and time-consuming to build
+
** manifest file is also overly bloated and time-consuming to build
 
* Does not show download speeds
 
* Does not show download speeds
 
* Does not show per file progress
 
* Does not show per file progress
 
* Does not give any indication of file sizes or overall install size
 
* Does not give any indication of file sizes or overall install size
 +
* Trying to support multiple private servers with a single manifest causes problems
 +
 +
 +
== Current Launcher Options ==
 +
=== '''[https://github.com/leandrotlz/Tequila Tequila]''' - Windows ===
 +
* Development Status: <span style="color:#800000">Abandoned</span>
 +
* Used Primarily by Homecoming Servers Network and Titan Network (For Paragon Chat)
 +
* Used by Many Private Servers
 +
=== '''[https://github.com/thunderspynetwork/creamsoda Cream Soda]''' - Windows ===
 +
* Development Status: <span style="color:#800000">Abandoned?</span>
 +
* Forked from Tequila and reworked
 +
* Used by Many Private Servers
 +
=== '''Island Rum''' - Mac ===
 +
* Development Status: <span style="color:#008000">Active (?)</span>
 +
=== '''[https://github.com/sunrise-launcher/sunrise-launcher Sunrise]''' - Windows? ===
 +
* Development Status: <span style="color:#800000">Abandoned?</span>
 +
* Project started by SCOTS Team but was later abandoned before release
 +
* Currently in incomplete status
 +
=== '''[https://gitlab.com/elitist_neckbeard/sweet-tea Sweet Tea]''' - Cross-Platform? ===
 +
* Development Status: <span style="color:#008000">Active</span>
 +
* Active development by CoXG
 +
* Created to imitate Cream Soda? While also attempting to address security flaws found in all current Launchers
 +
* Intended to be Cross-Platform (Cross OS - Win/Mac/Linux)
 +
  
 
== Project Objectives ==
 
== Project Objectives ==
 
Stuff we want to do!
 
Stuff we want to do!
 
== Current Launcher Options ==
 
* '''[https://github.com/leandrotlz/Tequila Tequila]''' - Windows
 
** Used Primarily by Homecoming Servers Network and Titan Network (For Paragon Chat)
 
** Used by Many Private Servers
 
** Development status - Abandoned
 
* '''[https://github.com/thunderspynetwork/creamsoda Cream Soda]''' - Windows
 
** Forked from Tequila and reworked
 
** Used by Many Private Servers
 
** Development status - Abandoned?
 
* '''Island Rum''' (Need Source) - Mac
 
** Development status - Active (?)
 
* '''[https://github.com/sunrise-launcher/sunrise-launcher Sunrise]''' - Windows?
 
** Project started by SCOTS Team but was later abandoned before release
 
** Currently in incomplete status
 
** Development status - Abandoned?
 
* '''[https://gitlab.com/elitist_neckbeard/sweet-tea Sweet Tea]''' - Cross-Platform?
 
** Active development by CoXG
 
** Created to imitate Cream Soda? While also attempting to address security flaws found in all current Launchers
 
** Intended to be Cross-Platform (Cross OS - Win/Mac/Linux)
 
** Development status - Active
 

Revision as of 09:33, 10 October 2019

What is a Client Launcher?

A client launcher has a few key roles currently these tasks are done as directed by the manifest file(s) you load into your launcher of choice. In the broader gaming industry, a client launcher will communicate directly to a central server for directions of what to do.

Tasks the client launcher is often directed to do

  • Initial Game install
  • Patches Game install with current updates or bugfixes
  • Check game files for correct versions or corruption
  • Launches Game with correct Game files for selected server


Overview and Concerns

The current client launcher options available for City of Heroes have many limitations and security holes.

Launchers currently have one or all of the following issues

  • Unrestricted access to OS file structure write & delete
  • Utilizes a very inefficient and insecure manifest file for directions
    • manifest file is also overly bloated and time-consuming to build
  • Does not show download speeds
  • Does not show per file progress
  • Does not give any indication of file sizes or overall install size
  • Trying to support multiple private servers with a single manifest causes problems


Current Launcher Options

Tequila - Windows

  • Development Status: Abandoned
  • Used Primarily by Homecoming Servers Network and Titan Network (For Paragon Chat)
  • Used by Many Private Servers

Cream Soda - Windows

  • Development Status: Abandoned?
  • Forked from Tequila and reworked
  • Used by Many Private Servers

Island Rum - Mac

  • Development Status: Active (?)

Sunrise - Windows?

  • Development Status: Abandoned?
  • Project started by SCOTS Team but was later abandoned before release
  • Currently in incomplete status

Sweet Tea - Cross-Platform?

  • Development Status: Active
  • Active development by CoXG
  • Created to imitate Cream Soda? While also attempting to address security flaws found in all current Launchers
  • Intended to be Cross-Platform (Cross OS - Win/Mac/Linux)


Project Objectives

Stuff we want to do!