Dolphin, the GameCube and Wii emulator - Forums

Some points:
- Storing stuff in "My documents/Dolphin" is the wrong thing to do because it's non-standard. Application data should go to AppData instead.
- Thus, it's not the same as on Linux at all. On linux, I'm backing up all "hidden" folders in my home directory and expect my config to be fully backed up. I'd do the same thing in Windows with the AppData folder, but if this change takes affect, I'd lose my config if I blindly trusted applications to do the right thing.
- Because I'd rather not do things at all instead of doing them in a dumb way, I'm voting against this change.
- Because the OP isn't clear if the poll is only about having a global directory or if it's supposed to be the one mentioned in the OP, I'm voting against this change.

I generally think this isn't the right type of change suggestion to ask for end-user's opinion about. There's a technically well-defined answer to the question where applications should store their data, and that is the AppData folder on Windows systems. All issues that arise due to storing stuff there should be addressed as actual issues and not as reasons for not doing the right thing.

YAY. neo is on my side...w00t :p

neobrain: I don't have a strong opinion on AppData vs. My Documents, but remember that we unfortunately store more than config in User/. Stuff like Screenshots (afaik there is no way to go to the screenshots directory for a game without going to the User directory), vid/aud dumps (could probably be fixed when jchadwick works on it), logs, etc. If you want to expose all these features in the GUI, have fun, but I don't think this should be blocking this change (aka. I want this in 4.0).

For gameinis update, we already talked about that on IRC, the idea is to move gameinis to Sys and have User as an overlay.

Also, people who voted no: please explain why the proposal does not match what you need. I can't value anyone's opinion if they don't explain it. Actually I shouldn't have made this a poll, I'll just remove the poll altogether.

Quote:<@[SS]> Personally I like to have all of the files and folders of a particular build in that particular build folder.
<@delroth> why?
<@[SS]> I have several builds that I use and don't have a global config that is common with all of them. I don't even have a common memory card for all builds.

<pauldachz> [SS]: Normal users have only one User folder and don't want to have to manage more than one or drag their one folder from build to build. You're not a normal user, though.
<@[SS]> Yeah, maybe I'm in the minority, but I like to have everything contained within the build.

neobrain Wrote:- Storing stuff in "My documents/Dolphin" is the wrong thing to do because it's non-standard. Application data should go to AppData instead.

Plenty of applications and games store their stuff in My Documents. It's not like Dolphin is the only one that will do it.
I think, at least for Dolphin, it makes more sense to store it in My Documents since it'll have more than just the config in it.
It's easier to access too.

Starscream Wrote:<@[SS]> Personally I like to have all of the files and folders of a particular build in that particular build folder.

Then you can simply use a portable.txt file, what's the issue with that?

I am in the same boat as Starscream. I have a discrete memory card and everything for each game I play. Allows me the flexibility to customize any and all settings, mem cards, cheats, etc per game (per build). I have approx 20 or so different games I play, each with its own folder and install of Dolphin. Many are specific revisions that work better for some games while others have the standard 3.5. I still use 7719 for Skyward Sword. I know...I am "one of those guys", but it works flawlessly for me.

(07-31-2013, 06:35 AM)haddockd Wrote: [ -> ]I am in the same boat as Starscream. I have a discrete memory card and everything for each game I play. Allows me the flexibility to customize any and all settings, mem cards, cheats, etc per game (per build). I have approx 20 or so different games I play, each with its own folder and install of Dolphin. Many are specific revisions that work better for some games while others have the standard 3.5. I still use 7719 for Skyward Sword. I know...I am "one of those guys", but it works flawlessly for me.

I agree with neobrain, settings should be saved in appdata. Screenshots, video, etc can easily be saved elsewhere.

There also needs to be a way to force all instances of dolphin to always store user data in ./user, and then be able to override that locally.

Here's a patch i wrote a while ago to make video/audio dump locations configurable, might be useful now: http://pastie.org/private/yjs8xjltrvx62uafpk4h6w

@delroth
After thinking about it. I don't see why anyone would be against this. If they want to use the old user directory, they can just do what they've been doing before except they need to copy an extra txt file. I probably won't use a global profile personally, but this could be very useful for some people. Go for it delroth.

Also, don't listen to neobrain, My Documents would be preferable.

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(07-31-2013, 07:01 AM)RachelB Wrote: [ -> ]Here's a patch i wrote a while ago to make video/audio dump locations configurable, might be useful now: http://pastie.org/private/yjs8xjltrvx62uafpk4h6w

That would be very useful, especially if you have your ISOs on the same hdd as dolphin.

Quote:Also, don't listen to neobrain, My Documents would be preferable.

No it's not. Every other program saves settings to Appdata. Let's play by the same rules as everyone else. My Documents/My Games/Dolphin/ could be an acceptable alternative though i guess...