iclassengine???

[JWB +]

I just noticed through Eric's twitter profile that he has developed a new classified script called iclassengine.

So the natural questions are:

1) Why, when you already have the 68?
2) Is it a good idea to split up development time for the same cause = a classfied script?
3) What is the main differences between iclassengine and 68?
4) What will be the future of 68 (in case iclassengine "takes over").

I hope it is possible to become clarified on one or more of these questions :-)

[Lhotch +]

Originally Posted by JWB

I just noticed through Eric's twitter profile that he has developed a new classified script called iclassengine.

So the natural questions are:

1) Why, when you already have the 68?

iclassengine offers a more modular approach, one that caters to php savy individuals looking to perform extensive modifications than 68C. 68C still has some logic tied into the templates and relys on hooks to tie into and do extra things. iclassengine has that and more relying on php classes and extensibility giving the developer more power and flexibility.

Originally Posted by JWB

2) Is it a good idea to split up development time for the same cause = a classfied script?

Maybe not for you but for them it likely is. Ever week we see people looking for a script that will do something 68c cant. People are looking for more flexibility, unfortunately those looking for it generally lack skills to implement it in any environment, but that a whole different issue. Right now many client desires for 68C are at odd with each other, you can add this without breaking that etc. Spending time on one coding projects often has value to all of your others as you learn and see things from potentially different angles.

Originally Posted by JWB

3) What is the main differences between iclassengine and 68?

Iclass is based on code igniter framework, no templates. Its more bare bones and modular allowing people to just buy the features they want or code in more themselves.

Originally Posted by JWB

4) What will be the future of 68 (in case iclassengine "takes over").

I hope it is possible to become clarified on one or more of these questions :-)

I dont believe Iclass is meant to take over, its another option for those that are more code savy and want a core system that is a lot more customizable than 68C.

[Eric Barnes +]

I also tried to outline everything in my announcement here:
Announcing iClassEngine | Eric Barnes
and differences here:
68 Classified Differences | iClassEngine Wiki

Everything Larry said is pretty much spot on and I would also like to say that it was originally going to be 68 Classifieds v5 but because of so many drastic differences we felt it would require to many changes for our current customers that it wouldn't make sense to push it on them. Probably 80-90% of customers are happy with the way 68 Classifieds works and operates.

[JWB +]

Thank you for the fast answers. Two more please:

5) In case one prefer the iclassengine script above 68, would it the be possible to transfer user accounts, passwords etc. from 68 to iclassengine?

6) Under the Feature request forum - several features are planned for the 68. Has anything changed here?

I'm especially looking forward to this one: Change Extra Fields System

[Eric Barnes +]

JWB if you wouldn't mind will you post your questions on the forums of iClassEngine?

[JWB +]

5) I will do that right away.

re. 6) This question was for the 68 and I think it is very fair and important to know whether some thing that was announced as planned still is. Please answer this as it is much easier to plan ahead...

Hi JWB,

I have been wondering a few of these things myself, but obviously I am not as yet a customer. I actually took a look at all the planned works yesterday and many of these span back many many many months. Especially one that apparently was said to be a very easy alteration which was not however rolled out with the 4.1.10 release (last entry was 10 months ago).

Just reading the other responses, it is made to sound as if 68c is not very flexible in terms of modifications or integrating with anything else other than itself, where as iclass is being designed to be easier to integrate.

Did I understand this correctly? I know it was said iclass is for the more code savvy, but I would say that this is irrelevant because if 68c is not as flexible someone using 68c and hiring a developer may be told its a no go where as with iclass it could easily be done. This would technically mean (and I am sorry I dont want to put dampers on anything, I just want a clearer understanding for my own peace of mind) that 68c has reached a point where it is no longer capable of withstanding improvements easily and so has become all it could be. Would this be correct?

Anyway as I say I dont intend to put dampers on anything I just need to know for my peace of mind, as I intend to hire a developer to do some work for me, but if 68c is that inflexible then I might opt for iclass instead? I dont know it is hard to say without being able to see or provide the code to someone for analysis.

Many thanks,

Interested John.

[Lhotch +]

Originally Posted by Interested John

Did I understand this correctly? I know it was said iclass is for the more code savvy, but I would say that this is irrelevant because if 68c is not as flexible someone using 68c and hiring a developer may be told its a no go where as with iclass it could easily be done. This would technically mean (and I am sorry I dont want to put dampers on anything, I just want a clearer understanding for my own peace of mind) that 68c has reached a point where it is no longer capable of withstanding improvements easily and so has become all it could be. Would this be correct?

Interested John.

This is not an accurate assessment at all but honestly its nearly impossible to explain with any accuracy because the terms and concepts used to differentiate the two products are not understood by you.

In as simple terms as I can state it, 68C has a more rigid structure than iclass. This makes 68C a better choice for those with little or no coding experience and it comes with more functionality right out of the box. Iclass has a "looser" structure making it a bit more open to modify the core code. Note I did not say easier, just more open. In the world of coding "ease" is a relative term.

68C is a long way from withstanding further improvements but as I said above, its hard to create a 1 size fits all product. The addition of one feature may make the implementation of another difficult and when that happens which should development pursue if at all?

68C is still going to be a general purpose full featured product. It may serve as a perfect base for a more function site. However if much of the built in functionality of 68C is not needed or desired and someone wants a lot of customization they may be better served going with iclass.

[Eric Barnes +]

Just to add and to hopefully not ad more confusion.

68 Classifieds is our base product that we have developed and loved since it was first created. We plan to keep it going and to continue to release updates on it. That is not changing. Granted updates may be slower with two scripts but it is a give and take. People complained when we made new releases to often and then they complain when they are not released soon enough. Even though we really try it is very hard to make everybody happy all the time.

[seymourjames +]

Just a quick point and that is about templates and modules. Clearly it is going to take quite a long time before you can make a meaningful comparison in terms of a customer building a site with the breadth of functionality that 68c can offer when you include all the 3rd party offerings - especially if you want your solution out of the box and you want it today. I see iclassengine like a 68C developer ++ solution.