Github and Modpack development

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Is using public github repositories for modpack development ok


  • Total voters
    9

Strikingwolf

New Member
Jul 29, 2019
3,709
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The PhoenixTeam uses public github repositories for our modpack development. One of our members, @Elec332, brought up that since we were technically rehosting the files through github that we could not use it for modpack dev collaboration without having perms for all mods. This was troubling to me because we could not make modpacks as well if we could not collaborate on them in the beggining phases where we do not have permissions and we do not want to pay for an account with private repositories. I wanted to know what the FTB forums opinion on this was so discuss!
 

SkeletonPunk

New Member
Jul 29, 2019
2,063
-3
1
The PhoenixTeam uses public github repositories for our modpack development. One of our members, @Elec332, brought up that since we were technically rehosting the files through github that we could not use it for modpack dev collaboration without having perms for all mods. This was troubling to me because we could not make modpacks as well if we could not collaborate on them in the beggining phases where we do not have permissions and we do not want to pay for an account with private repositories. I wanted to know what the FTB forums opinion on this was so discuss!
well, we could just make it a private repository.
 

GreatOrator

New Member
Jul 29, 2019
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I actually thought about using github myself for this same purpose and pulled it down for the same reason. HOWEVER, one alternative is to use github to host the configs and any special files required (such as HQM quest files, or special ruins made for atomicstrykers ruins mod) as well as the level.dat since that is what stores the mod id's and the save file (if you have a map involved) which would still allow everyone to collaborate since the important information is there and still leave mod downloads to the individual team. Possibly keep an updated mod version spreadsheet on google docs to ensure everyone is using the same info overall.
 

Strikingwolf

New Member
Jul 29, 2019
3,709
-26
1
I actually thought about using github myself for this same purpose and pulled it down for the same reason. HOWEVER, one alternative is to use github to host the configs and any special files required (such as HQM quest files, or special ruins made for atomicstrykers ruins mod) as well as the level.dat since that is what stores the mod id's and the save file (if you have a map involved) which would still allow everyone to collaborate since the important information is there and still leave mod downloads to the individual team. Possibly keep an updated mod version spreadsheet on google docs to ensure everyone is using the same info overall.
The problem with that is it doesn't allow us to do quick collaboration on mods. For example, I want to add ExU to the pack. I fork the repoi or make a new branch of the repo then I add ExU. I then submit a PR and everyone is fine with ExU. Then others want to make sure we all have the same version and they can't do that quickly because we don't have it in a central repo. On another note the level.dat doesn't work because oftentimes when I am making quick changes to a modpack I don't have time to let it launch and such, I just need to drag, drop and commit
 

trajing

New Member
Jul 29, 2019
3,091
-14
1
The issue comes with certain mods that don't host out of date versions. I still have no qualms about hosting this because of other opinions I have on the subject.
 
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jaquadro

New Member
Jul 29, 2019
182
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How many of you are working on this? Bitbucket allows private repos for up to 5 people (the dirty catch is that 5 is counted against all the private repos you own and share with unique people).

You could also switch to a github perosnal account which is a more reasonable $7/month.

Strictly speaking, you probably don't have permission to host those files even on a private repo. I lump that into the same category as small private servers - authors getting bent over it need something better to do.
 

Strikingwolf

New Member
Jul 29, 2019
3,709
-26
1
How many of you are working on this? Bitbucket allows private repos for up to 5 people (the dirty catch is that 5 is counted against all the private repos you own and share with unique people).

You could also switch to a github perosnal account which is a more reasonable $7/month.

Strictly speaking, you probably don't have permission to host those files even on a private repo. I lump that into the same category as small private servers - authors getting bent over it need something better to do.
14
 

Celestialphoenix

Too Much Free Time
Nov 9, 2012
3,741
3,204
333
Tartarus.. I mean at work. Same thing really.
Down to the letter of the "law"; you are redistributing mods without permission. Technically we shouldn't do it- no room for argument in that regard either.

Morally
- how long are the files up/publicly available? [without permission]
-how easily could someone who isn't your pack team access those files?
(possible to obscure/password the individual files so they'll be useless to anyone else who finds them??)​
-is there an alternate to Github that'll do private repositories for free?​

Given that you're doing this to make packbuilding easier- rather than circumvent the mod author's rules, and that the files are sufficiently hidden then its probably ok for the majority of mods.
 

Strikingwolf

New Member
Jul 29, 2019
3,709
-26
1
Whats being hosted? The entire mods? Or just the configs/scripts?
The entire mods
Down to the letter of the "law"; you are redistributing mods without permission. Technically we shouldn't do it- no room for argument in that regard either.

Morally
- how long are the files up/publicly available? [without permission]
-how easily could someone who isn't your pack team access those files?
(possible to obscure/password the individual files so they'll be useless to anyone else who finds them??)​
-is there an alternate to Github that'll do private repositories for free?​

Given that you're doing this to make packbuilding easier- rather than circumvent the mod author's rules, and that the files are sufficiently hidden then its probably ok for the majority of mods.
  • Depends on the length of the project
  • Very easy; however, not a lot of people know about our github soooo...and those that do probably wouldn't want to do this (due to them most likely being devs themselves)
  • There probably is, but the way github handles files and such is very useful for our projects. Also, it allows people to see where the pack is going and comment on it if it is public. If only there was a way to remove that little download button...