VirtDB and Secure VirtDB

[y_b]

Following up some requests and discussions in another thread I am presenting alpha versions of "Virtualizable" mod of dbx_3x and SecureDB.

The mod permits the DB be "virtualized" - the whole db is copied to the memory and is accessed only there without performing any disk access. Later, on user request, or automatically the DB can be updated to the real DB file and bounded again to it.

One of the benefits of such approach is avoiding writing history. The user can configure Miranda and to virtualize the DB. The history will be written only to the image in the memory and on exit can be discarded.

When the db is virtualized the memory image can be written to new file - i.e. to create a backup.
It is possible to load the DB even from read-only media.

This mod is in very alpha stage and should be used with high precautions. Make backup of your DB before installing some of these plugins!

The mod is applied to dbx_3x 0.5.1.0 and to the updated SecureDB.
It also includes Pescuma's PATH patch shortly described here and there.

The behavior can be controlled by mirandaboot.ini. You may want to see a sample.

Downloads

• VirtDB (MD5)
• Secure VirtDB (MD5)
• Sources (MD5)

There are two new services defined that could be used by external plugins.
I have uploaded sample plugin with sources to demostrate the new services.

[pescuma]

Cool, thanks y_b.

One question: could you add an option to realize the db at every x minutes?

[y_b]

Originally Posted by pescuma

One question: could you add an option to realize the db at every x minutes?

May be... But first I would like to equalize the new code in both plugins. Currently VDB is kind-a older than SVDB.

Also I am thinking to optimize the realize procedure - to override only the changed segments of the DB - this would make longer flash-memories live... eventually.

Most likely there will be a system service that might be used by another plugin to schedule "realizations", backups, etc.

BTW being not very artistic person I accept suggestions for "Virtualize", "Realize" and "Save DB..." main menu icons

[Drugwash]

One small suggestion: zip those dlls before uploading them. This way creation date can be preserved and zip can get whatever name, without having to name/rename the dll itself upon download/install :-)

[Faith Healer]

Originally Posted by Drugwash

One small suggestion: zip those dlls before uploading them. This way creation date can be preserved and zip can get whatever name, without having to name/rename the dll itself upon download/install :-)

the worst idea I ever heard

[Drugwash]

I keep my files in folders by creation date. It's easier to find a previous version, in case the current one fails.
Don't forget I'm testing all kinds of plugins and I need some order around. Besides, not all people have broadband access, even if it's a 100kB file, and if the server is bad, it takes a lifetime to download it.

Anyway, what on earth do you find bad in having the file zipped, with the possibility of renaming it like filename x.x.x.x.zip (where x.x.x.x is version number) before downloading it, while the content's filename and date stays unchanged?

[y_b]

I have just uploaded new versions of both VirtDB and VirtDBS plugins.
For more links see my first post.

The changes are:

• The bug with realize-on-exit has been solved/workarounded (hopefuly);
• Both plugins were joined to the same workspace;
• Two new services were introduced;
• There are some clean-ups of the code.

P.S. to Drugwash:
You may use

wget http://saaplugin.no-ip.info/db3xV/dbx_3xSV.dll

This will keep the timestamp and you will be able to see exatly when I compiled the dll ;)

[Drugwash]

I just right-click on the link and choose "Save target as...". If it were a zip, I could simply change it's name to reflect the date or version.

Being a dll, I have to first download it, then change it's date according to the internal "last modified" date, then zip it, naming the zip according to version number or release date.

Oh well... Thanks for the new builds.

[y_b]

I have just uploaded new build of both plugins. There is a minor change in the SaveFile service.
The new build has number 0.5.1.2 (check the file version).

Also I have prepared a simple plugin to demonstrate the new VirtDB services.
It can be used as a base to make AutoRealize/AutoBackups plugin.
For the links - see the first post.

[Drugwash]

Are you following the dbx_3x.dll in the nightlies, or you're working on the same old dll 0.5.1.0? There may be updates to it, required for the new unicode build in the nightlies, at least.

It'd be nice to add a note saying on which build is your version based (say nightly #35 or 0.5.1.0, for example).

I saw that 0.5.1.0 there, but I'm not sure though.