how to use .diff attachments from the bugtracker

[antiekeradio]

Hi,

how can i use the .diff attachments that are posted in the bug tracker sometimes? I have seen a fixed bug that I would like to implement the fix for on my live board, but don't know how to use the .diff file...

thanks, Wouter

[Floris]

You can upload a .diff file and instead of clicking to download, you click to view.

[antiekeradio]

upload it where? I think thats the biggest part of my confusion

[Floris]

As attachment to the issue. We're talking about you testing it here on vBcom right?

[antiekeradio]

I have seen a fixed bug that I would like to implement the fix for on my live board,

the fix (a .diff file) is in the bug tracker. the bug is in my board.

I would like to use the .diff file to fix the bug in my board

[Floris]

Erhm, the project tools is not available for download yet. How did you obtain a copy?

[Floris]

NEVER MIND

I misread your post (I need to take a break..)

If you don't know how to use the .diff file you can't use it. You can use this on a shell account on your linux server. Using patch command. If you can't use it you have to simply wait for the next version where it's included.

[antiekeradio]

NEVER MIND

I misread your post (I need to take a break..)

If you don't know how to use the .diff file you can't use it. You can use this on a shell account on your linux server. Using patch command. If you can't use it you have to simply wait for the next version where it's included.

ah! another reason to want shell access on my next webhost...

thanks for the explanation.

[Grover]

ah! another reason to want shell access on my next webhost...

thanks for the explanation.

I was wondering the same today, but then I found this:

How to use Patch files (*.diff) for patching your vBulletin installation

I wonder why there's no more information on using .diff files from Jelsoft? Apart from this tip by PitchouneN64ngc, I can't find any information about patching vBulletin on this site.

[Grover]

What I would like to now (since I can't find any information on using this .diffs) is if using a .diff file can harm my board. I ask this, because I have never installed any .diff file and always used the normal upgrading procedure when a new version comes out. So I was wondering... are those .diffs fully tested and can I install them without any problems or is it on your own risk?

[jasonlitka]

I wonder why there's no more information on using .diff files from Jelsoft?

Because patching files is considered an advanced practice. If they posted directions then they'd end up with hundreds of people misapplying the patches and complaining that their boards aren't working.

[Grover]

Because patching files is considered an advanced practice. If they posted directions then they'd end up with hundreds of people misapplying the patches and complaining that their boards aren't working.

Well yes, I figured that also. But why does the development team provide .diffs to us customers then in the first place?

[jasonlitka]

Well yes, I figured that also. But why does the development team provide .diffs to us customers then in the first place?

There's probably a few reasons.

1. It's convenient to keep the solution with the problem report.
2. Most bugs that require patching are reported by advanced users.
3. The above mentioned users generally know how to use patch and diff safely.
4. If it's a real problem and you aren't in the above group you could probably fill out a support ticket and they can help you.
5. Even if you don't know how to use a diff, patches are fairly easy to read and you could make the changes manually.