Requiring "Other" Mods for new Plugin

I want to create a new plugin (actually a couple lol). I need to add certain fields to the database as I have previously mentioned. Numinix Product Fields will give me about 90% of what I need.

If you were doing this, would you just require this mod and add the other 10%?

Or

Just add everything you need ...?

Thanks!

I'd go down path #2 (just add everything you need) to make it easier on people that want to use your newly-minted plugin.

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Originally Posted by lat9

I'd go down path #2 (just add everything you need) to make it easier on people that want to use your newly-minted plugin.

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that is what I was learning towards. Then upgrades are easier in one package.

Thanks!

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Originally Posted by g2ktcf

that is what I was learning towards. Then upgrades are easier in one package.

Thanks!

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Exactly ... and then you're more in-control of your package!

Seconded. Unless absolutely necessary, I discourage people from submitting plugins that have preconditions for other plugins.

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Originally Posted by swguy

Seconded. Unless absolutely necessary, I discourage people from submitting plugins that have preconditions for other plugins.

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Do how would YOU handle "duplicates" from those other mods? I need product dimensions -> Length, Width and Height for example. If someone already has that additional mod installed then that would cause issues. If it was JUST the database, that is easy enough to look and test for. But changes for inputs on the Admin Products edit page would not be.

Thoughts?

PS I have been known to start an idea...and leave it there. I am actively coding this one...slowly, but a little more every day! :D

For this particular case, I would say:
- if you have Canada Post with dimensional pricing installed, skip this step
- if you have so-and-so plugin installed, skip this step.

otherwise, run this sql file ....

THEN later on you may need to say:

Note: if your product table already has dimensions, you may need to modify this plugin to reconcile the field names I used (length, width, height) with whatever you already have, if the names are different. Just change these files:

foo.php
bar.php
etc.

and change "length" to "name-of-your-length-field"
Something like that.

That makes total sense. I never considered offering options on how to get the field names into the DB! That is great input.

Thanks!
Chris

You could even make the field names defined constants and tell people to just update those.

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Originally Posted by swguy

You could even make the field names defined constants and tell people to just update those.

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exactly what I was thinking!