Features

Why Version 4

Originally, version 3.10 was going to be released, complete with DKP. Halfway through the process, I decided to consolidate form code into a library, as well as a few other changes. DKP was decided to be moved into an addon, although it would still be shipped as part of RT. So these features made it easier to bump the major version up a number. But I can blame Firefox, Chrome, and Opera, who do the same to their version numbers.

While RT 4.00 has not been completed yet, it will look a lot more like RT 3.00 than you think. No major changes to main, event, group or account views, and all themes will be compatible from 3.x to 4.x (or just need a minor tweak). While RT 4 has undergone some changes, it still adheres to the KISS principle, which is why interfaces in other views do not appear to have changed. It is still easy to use for everyone of different levels in your group or guild.

New (planned) features for RT 4

This is only changes from version 3.x to 4.x. Check the tab above for version 3. As most of these are seen by administrators only, I'll also list the features common for all RT versions below.

Addon system is complete, and writing addons should be easy to implement.

Admin menu is overhauled, making it easy to see features to customize

DKP/points are now included... albeit as an addon.

Localization is easier in RT 4 than in past versions.

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: 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. No need to require Java, Flash, Javascript either.
• 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 4 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.
• Setting control is easy: Admins can allow or disallow any feature, such as adding characters on accounts, swap characters in events, or even who can lead or plan events, based on your group's policies.
• 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.