Features

New features for RaidTracker 3

RaidTracker 3 is a complete rewrite of the code base from earlier versions. Yet, the core idea of keeping it simple has not changed. In fact, the user interface was designed and tested before the code to implement it, so it is indeed the best version available.

RaidTracker is by no means a token system. When implemented right, it is a very powerful tool, even among early versions. RT 3 adds on to earlier versions with features that were envisioned or thought about, but were poorly implemented or cut. Among the new features in RT 3 include:

• Localization: Earlier versions were closely tied to World of Warcraft. RT2 tried to be more flexible, though this was never implemented right. RT 3 now allows complete localization, not only to system, but to language.
• Security: Security was not a huge priority, even from the beginning. Passwords are now part of the system.
• Themes: Styles or themes were a huge part of RT2, but were cumbersome to make. This is better than the old version 1.x styling. Now, cleaner code and easier styles means for the most part that all you need is a stylesheet, and optional images to make your own appearance.
• Linking: Rather than install a new copy for each use, and have people create new accounts, it is now possible to link the accounts with different copies, and activate or deactivate only the accounts you want to use per copy.
• Local time: It is now possible to use the time based on your time zone, rather than having to adjust based on a central location.
• Fixed times: New for this version is the ability to set all events to the same time, eliminating the need to manually enter in times for each event, if one plans event by the day.
• Point system: Does your guild use DKP? Or do you want to weight events differently to show importance? No longer does one need to use a separate site/program to track points. Just turn on this feature, and incorporate it into your events on RT. This feature moved to RT 4.00
• Leadership: It is now possible for one person to plan one event, and not an event that one does not "own", now allowing RT to become a group calendar
• Addons: Got a better idea for RaidTracker? If you can create a PHP addon, you can add it to RT 3.

Common RaidTracker features for all

RaidTracker has always been a very powerful system with the least amount of work and learning curve for everyone. This is no exception for RT 3: it uses the KISS principle. Among the familiar features in RT including this version include:

• Easy to start and use: Account creation is easy, and the interface is clean. Once an account is created, most things are done in 1-3 clicks.
• Easy to subscribe: Subscription can be done in as little as 1 or 2 clicks. And if you change your mind, 2 clicks can easily take you off, and put people at ease.
• Support for multiple characters per account: In systems (like MMORPGs) that allow control of many characters per account, managing is easy. It then becomes a cinch to swap characters in an event tailored for one's needs.
• Calendar or List view: Only RaidTracker allows both a calendar and a list view with features tailored for each view, and a way to switch or make one view a default.
  Calendar allows easy view as ... a calendar, while list provides stats for subscriptions.
• Cross-browser compatibility: RaidTracker is designed to comply with HTML5, XHTML, and CSS 2/3 features in all modern browsers. Newer browsers will be able to take advantage of the HTML5 features, while older browsers (like IE6) will degrade gracefully. All the work is done on the server side.
• Clean user interface: RaidTracker has always strived to use a simple user interface. In fact, it feels more like an application than a web page.

Common advanced RaidTracker features

Administrators and planners have a wide variety of resources to utilize RaidTracker to its full potential. In addition to the new features listed above, these features are common to older versions of RT as well as RT 3 for planners and administrators. Please note that some of these features may be limited or not available depending on the permissions set by the administrator.

• Ease of install: Unzip, upload, and point your browser to where you installed RT. In moments, you will have it up and running. The install is feature complete to upgrade, create, and link another database to this version.
• Planning events before making it official. The whiteboard feature allows a secret, or preparatory list that can be discussed before making it final with one click.
• Ease to create, modify and delete events and details. Add event is available anywhere, even on the calendar by selecting the add button. Details may be modified directly on the event view or deleted.
• Easy to add people, or move lists. Can often be used after event starts for statistics, but can be used for planning, or notation in case one is unable to change directly.
• Good communication: Use the public and planning notes not only on account, but also for event allows character/planner or planner/planner communications.
• Switch characters or roles: with accounts containing more than one character, it's easy to swap characters, or to change a role if needed. One click should do it.
• Batch moves. It is easy to select multiple characters to move. In RT 3, it is also possible to select by class or role.
• Ability to allow additions and withdrawls to end at different times.
• Tracking statistics. RT allows tracking subscription status for player or group over a variety of periods.
• Pressing news updates. It is possible to add "breaking news" that can be turned on or off at a time to alert users on the site.
• Changing permissions is easy. RT works in a series of ranks, who have rights to do certain things. Then, just apply the rank to the appropriate accounts. It's that easy.
  RT ranks work similar to group/guild ranks like in WoW. Group ranks are for visual purpose only in RT.
• Changing an account main character.
• Log viewer, to view what was done. Each event also has a separate log viewer or transaction viewer in RT 3 to view only changes with regard to that event.