ROM Hack [Help ?] - New plugin system, looking for a name

[Nanquitas]

Hey guys, it's been a while

So, I'm currently working on a new plugin system builtin luma3DS.
This plugin system will fix issues like:

• Impossibility to change the application (freeze at 3DS logo)
  
• Impossibility to use applets or home button with huge plugins like ctrpf

And now, I'm confronted to a choice I have to do, the name of the plugin file !

I have several options (feel free to propose yours if you find something cool), and I'd like to get your opinion on the question.
For now, the name is 3DS Game eXtension - .3dsgx, but it can be anything else until the release.

Thanks a lot !

 

[Deleted member 373223]

I'm kinda with 3dsgp and ctrgp because gp also sounds like grand prix, and as a metaphor of the eternal race to make better and better plugins/in-game overlays but 3dsgx is probably gonna win.

 

[Jvhellraiser]

3ds_xcaliplugin.3dsgx No but for real, 3ds_Phoenix plugin.3dsgx

 

[Vieela]

I'd go for .ctrgp because it makes it easier to recognize. People would look to the .ctr part and already guess that it's a plugin and what to do with it, it'd be easier to organize.

 

[soprano1]

That's nice, but what would be the situation with mode3 games on O3DS?

 

[Sc0tline]

I like CTR Game Plugin, ctrgp sound almost like ctrpf for me

 

[Jayenkai]

How about a sub/prefix extension, which additionally describes the purpose of the plugin

?.data.3dsx
?.bin.3dsx
?.img.3dsx
?.snd.3dsx
etc.

 

[Nanquitas]

That's nice, but what would be the situation with mode3 games on O3DS?

Plugins will works fine with O3DS Mode3.

How about a sub/prefix extension, which additionally describes the purpose of the plugin

?.data.3dsx
?.bin.3dsx
?.img.3dsx
?.snd.3dsx
etc.

You may confuse the concept of plugin with layered fs or I don't understand your idea.

 

[Jayenkai]

I’m of the thought that an extension oughta be 3 characters, with rare exceptions for 4.
You’re suggesting bumping it up to 5!!! Eeeuw!!!

By adding sub-extensions, you’re allowing for much more variation.

 

[Nanquitas]

So, your idea is that since 5 characters is too long, we should add more ?

The extension proposed are indeed a bit long, and I too searched for extension within 3 characters, but the extension must means something.

I don't really see the point in adding a sub-extension when all plugins are basically an executable, and the content of the plugin can be directly stated either in the name or in the various field in the plugin format.

Furthermore, .3dsx is already used by the 3ds homebrews so it's not a good idea.

 

[PabloMK7]

I’m of the thought that an extension oughta be 3 characters, with rare exceptions for 4.
You’re suggesting bumping it up to 5!!! Eeeuw!!!

By adding sub-extensions, you’re allowing for much more variation.

Nintendo DS model files are .nsbmd and 3DS model files are .bcmdl so that's not an issue

 

[Jayenkai]

Then just call it .3dsPlugin
No point smushing the extension if you’re already knowingly going over the standard 3 char limit.

 

[RedL]

How about .lpg for Luma PluGin? Since these plugins will be Luma-only, it'd make sense to tie their extension to Luma.

Quick personal takes on the current proposals:
- .3dsgx: Pretty good, but feels a bit too close to the already-available .3dsx. Maybe .3dgx?
- .ctrgx: The CTR part is a bit confusing, most people don't know it's the 3DS codename (I had to recheck to be sure).
- .3dsgp: The "gp" part is the confusing one here. Maybe we don't need to specify "game plugin" and just say "plugin"?
- .ctrgp: Two confusing parts, this one don't feel "Luma plugin" at all.

I agree with the above-evoked sentiment: most of the proposed extensions are a bit too long, file extensions rarely go beyond 3 characters, and 4-char extensions are already a rarity.

 

[Hallowing]

How about .LCX for Luma CTR extension

 

[DarkSeele]

Is this Really necessary? Just name it whatever you want you're the Creator and
if you still want my opinion how about Luma Game Plugin (.lgp)

 

[Nanquitas]

Necessary ? Not really, I just give the community the possibility to participate in this for those who want to.
Nothing mandatory.

For those thinking that an extension of 3 characters is a standard, it's just because you don't deal with enough file type in your typical use.

Check this list to get a view, there's a lot of extensions which are not 3 characters length, and it's a drop in the bucket of file extensions.

I agree, that a 3 characters length is more common, but it's not a limit nowadays (historically it's because of firsts file system).
I'd prefer something long, but which makes sense and sounds good than 3 ugly/random characters.

But all of that is personal taste, as I said you're all free to propose your ideas on the question.

Cheers and thanks for the feedback !

 

[kennean]

I'm a little sad that you'll drop the support for NTR, and that it's just because there's this one little game that I couldn't find anything other than the .plg and it works wonders...

Are you gonna incorporate it in the official Luma, or, like CTRPF, on your own branch?

I've voted on .ctrgp, but .lpg is good too...

 

[t1op]

Luma Action Replay... .lar?

 

[Bluespheal]

I'm bad with naming things, but I kinda like lpg, it's pretty self explanatory, if it uses Rosalina it could even be rpg, but I guess that's be confusing.

I too like longer ext names, but I feel they look kinda similar, the more unique the name is the better.

 

[Pickle_Rick]

I like lgp too.