What is the Future of phpBB?

[warmweer]

Not part of the development team, but I change their diapers. I'm 77. Soon, they will change mine.

They do already, but thanks to Alzheimer you don't even realise it (that includes force-feeding, toilet visits, etc ... actually they even write your posts ).

[[Dimetrodon]]

I mean, when I first began i was 16 and was on phpBB1 and was able to submit mods with just simple find line nunber and replace or add, it was simple back then.

Easier to code perhaps, but not easier to install. Certain MODs caused significant problems for users trying to upgrade and were less than intuitive to install.

Technically, MODs are still around in phpBB Custom Coding. They're just no longer accepted into the customizations database.

[warmweer]

Technically, MODs are still around in phpBB Custom Coding. They're just no longer accepted into the customizations database.

The Group Template variables extension is a curious case in this respect as using the extension actually implies that some custom coding (in the templates) will be done.

[[Dimetrodon]]

Technically, MODs are still around in phpBB Custom Coding. They're just no longer accepted into the customizations database.

The Group Template variables extension is a curious case in this respect as using the extension actually implies that some custom coding (in the templates) will be done.

I have only given that a cursory read, but if it involves editing phpBB files directly, then yes, it is technically a MOD.

Whatever can become an Extension should, but honestly, I don't really have a problem with some things being outright MODs as long as users accept the risks involved. I know some are going to strongly disagree with me on that, but it's just my personal opinion.

[warmweer]

...
I have only given that a cursory read, but if it involves editing phpBB files directly, then yes, it is technically a MOD.

Not really, in itself it's an extension sensu strictu, but it doesn't do anything but provide a means to facilitate using group membership requirements in templates. I used the MOD (on phpBB 3.0) extensively and (personal opinion) it's extremely useful.

[[Dimetrodon]]

I used the MOD (on phpBB 3.0) extensively and (personal opinion) it's extremely useful.

MODs themselves are way before my time, so I never installed one on an old phpBB version. It's neat that the MODifications Database for phpBB 3.0.x is still in existence, as I downloaded some of them just to check them out.

The xml files only open correctly in Internet Explorer, for some reason. A testament to when it used to dominate, I guess.

[tvm]

If you think I'm a troll you are wrong. I am suggestion and giving advice based on my own expirience, and what I've read here. Support staff claims the reason for lack of support in the support forums is because of less bugs. Or maybe it's because people are moving on? According to SEMrush phpbb.com had almost 30% less visitors in August compared to July.

My main point here is that dev-team says they need people, and I know people are willing to help. I also know that most of the dev's are "up in the age", being 38 myself - I have to play catchup with those who learn to code now, with PHP8 I am sure it will attract more poeple and hopefully bring their interest to phpBB as long as phpBB welcomes them with open arms. To be able to intergrate phpBB within a CMS other than WP is important however.

For what it's worth I am very grateful to phpBB and their team, and the fact that they let me critizise as a new member means alot, but playing catchup is difficult, when you have a few years off for instance.

Also, mentioning "google search terms skills" and what not would seems more degrading than disagreeing which would be totally fine.

So yea, I was harsh in the beginning, because I didn't want to see their legacy die, I went head in first. And it seems to have shaken something up at least.

Lastly, thanks for all your hard work for the "new" ones and those who's been on since day 1.

Also re php: since legacy code still will work with phpBB8 I dont understand why we are not able to use legacy code in extensions, and I still dont understand why we still cant have the option of "allow php in template" as long as they are warned that once they update or change style these things will be gone.

Best regards,
A very humble and grateful Thomas

[warmweer]

According to SEMrush phpbb.com had almost 30% less visitors in August compared to July.

https://www.similarweb.com/website/phpbb.com/#traffic can't back that up.
Also: have a look at https://www.similarweb.com/website/phpb ... ompetitors,

The question remains whether those stats can be trusted.

[[Dimetrodon]]

The question remains whether those stats can be trusted.

One thing is true however. Interest in this site has gone down over the years, and I do not buy the argument that it is all due to a more stable and reliable code-base requiring less support.

[tvm]

Since we're kind of on the subject, and the last reply is from ext-validator.

Please explain to me why there are so few official extensions? I mean, come on, do you really need someone to make an extension who make the forum SEO friendly? This should be built in, as well as other things. ATOM feeds, still being a thing in 2022? While xml sitemap, no way. Emojicons have been around since the first version of gboard/ios keyboard, we're talking 2007/2008 or something like that. In june 2022 when 3.3.8 was released we still have 16px height smileys. Good job.

Should be ex-validator imo.

[[Dimetrodon]]

Emojicons have been around since the first version of gboard/ios keyboard, we're talking 2007/2008 or something like that. In june 2022 when 3.3.8 was released we still have 16px height smileys. Good job.

phpBB has emoji support. Try using emojis on your cell phone when posting. I have a Ukraine flag emoji in my signature.

Should be ex-validator imo.

Not really.

[tvm]

Its quite different from just changing textearea to blob than actually intergrating it as vanillaEmoji with latest iconpacks all the time from either google or apple. So no, they dont have Emojicon support, their table field has it.

[warmweer]

Since we're kind of on the subject, and the last reply is from ext-validator.

AFAIK, there's no phpBB member with username ext validator (aside from the fact that you're insinuating that a username would imply a group membership or a "function")

Should be ex-validator imo.

Assuming you're referring to that non-existent member, are you suggesting a new name?

[david63]

Support staff claims the reason for lack of support in the support forums is because of less bugs.

That is partly true but in my opinion there are mainly three areas where support is being requested

• Updating/upgrading. This seems to present the biggest problem area and most of this would be unnecessary if the auto update from the ACP had not been removed from phpBB 3.3 to be deferred to phpBB 4.
• Email. This falls into two areas (a) email configuration which in some cases is to do with host's server configuration and (b) non delivery of email, generally because many phpBB emails are treated as spam - which may, in part, be due to the fact that phpBB is so popular.
• Emulation. There is a growing request for phpBB to be made to emulate other software (such as Facebook or other bb software) and much of this is, in my view, due to the changing behaviour of users. They want simplicity - both as end users and as board Admins.

I still dont understand why we still cant have the option of "allow php in template"

As I understand it PHP in templates is not well supported in Twig and because phpBB is moving over to Twig then much of what PHP in templates is used for can be achieved with Twig functionality.

I also know that most of the dev's are "up in the age"

Not sure what age has to do with anything!

As for reverting back to MODs that, in my opinion, would be a retrograde step - especially when the "Advanced update" method is now depreciated and is scheduled to be removed. (In my opinion this option should have been removed in phpBB 3.1)

Please explain to me why there are so few official extensions?

Simple - there are not enough people to develop them.

as far as I know it is still the number one used free bulletin board software on the planet.

Not sure how you arrive at that. Yes phpBB may be the most downloaded, as opposed to used, bb software but how far is that going back? Also many people, myself and I would guess many on here, download open source software to "try it out" and then decide that it is not what they want and uninstall it.

[halil16]

When I wanted to set up a forum 2 years ago, I didn't know what I was doing. Between 2 free options, I decided on phpBB. Because it had responsive styles and was a playground for me with the support and customizations provided. I spent many sleepless nights customizing it and dealing with even the smallest things. But in the end it made me happy. Then I formed a bond with him. I have to think 30 times to leave phpBB when I have all the means. Moreover, with phpBB 4 and the new style, it seems that things will keep up with the times. I hope so.