MODx at SimpleScripts.com

One of my hosting providers (Bluehost.com) announced the availability of SimpleScripts installation (an alternative to Fantastico). When I went to http://simplescripts.com, I found a listing for MODx 9.6.1. I checked at Bluehost and, sure enough, there’s an automated install of MODx 9.6.1!

Did someone on the team do this and has it been thoroughly tested? I’d like to mention it on my MODx site but not unless it’s been verified as a bulletproof install.

I started an install on a non-MODx subsite and the SimpleScripts intall warns (in red) that there are at least 43 files that will be overwritten by the install. I find that hard to believe, so maybe the install script needs a little tweaking.

I’m also curious about whether an upgrade install via SimpleScripts from earlier versions of MODx is safe.

Another question is whether SimpleScripts could serve as our WTF? It supports email notification of updates and versioning.

As far as the 43 files bit, that is quite likely. The installation of MODx includes TinyMCE, which is a LOT of javascript. That probably accounts for the majority of the files right there.

Quote from: sottwell at Apr 09, 2008, 11:05 PM

As far as the 43 files bit, that is quite likely. The installation of MODx includes TinyMCE, which is a LOT of javascript. That probably accounts for the majority of the files right there.

The place I was going to install it was a non-MODx site with no javascript files at all. The only files I can imagine being overwritten there are the 6 ###.shtml files and index.php and .htaccess, but I think I might see what’s happening. Counting the directories, there are about 43 entries in the public_html directory, so maybe the install wipes everything out, although that seems kind of extreme.

I’m also curious about whether an upgrade install via SimpleScripts from earlier versions of MODx is safe.

I doubt it. I would not try it unless it was a test site but never on a live site. There are to many places where an automated script could screw you up. In any case I like to have full control of my MODx installations.

I don’t like these installers, although I have had some clients use the Fantastico to install blogs and galleries without a hitch...well until updating to a new version which killed the app by including non compatible features (took me a few hours to figure out the problem).

If you have access to this do some testing.

I’m still wondering who created the MODx SimpleScripts install script. I seriously doubt that it was my host . . . perhaps someone at Simple Scripts itself?

My real point was that someone here might want to get involved if we’re not already, because a bad install script could do a lot of harm to MODx’s reputation.