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We are very pleased to announce that we have found the help from Jobe, and the time and resources, to upgrade the vbirc database robot to version 2.0. Well, at least the script it runs that makes it the great database bot it is.
You are probably familiar with the bot in your chat channel and that you can query it using the ??
From today on, that script has the same features, and a lot more new ones. vbirc.com/database has the syntax listed and explained. But here's a quick summery:
- The bot now allows per channel and global keyword entries.
This allows one for example to have ?? rules to be specific to a channel, while it still links to the global network rules.
- In the past Brian and Floris were the only ones who could add new entries, this is now changed. We now allow channel operators to add their own channel specific entries.
Yes, YOU are in control of the queries in your channel. Global entries can only be added by global operators (like Brian and Floris).
An example could be that you have your own ?? rules entry, or your own ?? help or ?? info keyword entries.
- In the past only one keyword could have one entry, we now allow unlimited definitions per keyword.
This means that you can have not just one ?? rules response, but multiple. This means you are no longer limited to 250 characters, but can span it over multiple lines.
This applies to both channel and global keywords.
- In the past only one bot could use the script, due to technical limitations, caching and buffering would screw things up. This is now also resolved. We can have multiple bots. You won't notice this yourself, but the database bot's lag can be reduced now by spreading the load over multiple bots. The bots are part of a botnet (robot network; no, not skynet) and share the same userfile and database script and data. Allowing us to quickly grow a new clone of database, and span it over 5 to 15 channels. Popular channels (15 more users) can request their own bot with own nickname and host address. Personalizing it for their chat channel; allowing a personalized and quick database bot that's not stressed by the other channels it is on.
- In the past you could only add or delete an entry. Now with additional options one can not just add and delete a keyword, but have multiple keyword definitions. New definitions are automatically inserted with add, but can also be manually inserted or put in the sorted list. Appending or prepending to existing definition entries is now also possible. As well as replacing a definition of a keyword. Allowing flexibility and usability that's much more intuitive and time saving. An example could be that your have a keyword ?? schedule - with definitions for dates, you can now append to expired dates (expired) .. making the list still keep the outdated entries, clearly showing which are upcoming, expired, etc.
- Talking about being flexible, in the past a keyword definition was plain text, no exceptions. With the new version you can use variables. Our documentation (see link above) will try to go into more detail on this.
I think an example is the best way to demonstrate this though: ??channel add trout Watch it $1 because I will trout slap you.
Now if you type in the channel: ?? trout James
The bot will reply: Watch it James because I will trout slap you
I am sure you can see how dynamic this makes the database script, another example? Okay, in the past you had to ??add twitter_floris http://twitter.com/floris, and repeat this for EVERYBODY that wanted to get added, in the new script you can do: ??channel add twitter http://twitter.com/$1
Now if you type in the channel: ?? twitter floris, the bot will reply: http://twitter.com/floris/ - an easy url to click on, works on every input you give it. No more inputting everybody individually, and forgetting your regular users and friends.
Don't have the database, data, info, infobot, databot, or any of the services bots we offer in your channel, you can request one by sending an email to staff@vbirc.com, include your vbirc nickname and your registered channel, and our staff will get right on it.
Oh, and users can now also type: ??stats
