Config, Databases, Add … has ‘grown’ a Script option. (?)
Obviously a Script ‘database’ runs a mAirList script, but what would such a script actually do? Would it somehow instantiate a new IDatabase object (Factory.CreateDatabase or similar?) which allows mAirList to use an external database and display it in the Browser, or would it do something different?
This one has me baffled, and I need to know to be able to describe it in the manual. Unless of course it shouldn’t be there at all?
Basically, database scripts are pretty much like notification scripts. They implement a number of procedures that are called by mAirList, namely when the user browses through the database, searches it, or retrieves a playlist for a particular hour slot. The script fetches the requested data from anywhere it wants to (SQL databases, XML files, HTTP calls, …) and then uses the various Factory methods to create playlist item objects, which are then passed to mAirList.
Check the “scripts\database” folder in the download archive, there’s an example for eldoDB.
In my opionion, this is really one of the hidden gems in mAirList, because it allows you to connect mAirList to any data source (third party products, or even custom backends), while using the standard components like Database browsers, Database actions etc.
Yes, I do see what you mean, but it’s not something I can describe in a few lines for the manual. :o
I think what I’ll do is, as you mentioned, to say something like “this allows people with suitable programming skills to connect to and use an external audio data store,” point people to the examples, and suggest that they enquire in the Forum if they require further help. I know that’s a cop-out, : but explaining it all fully would take several pages in itself.
but explaining it all fully would take several pages in itself.