Anyone have any info on creating DAT files?

[Dazz]

With so many themes coming out I think it might be a good idea if we create a RomCenter or CMP dat. I don't think we can use a normal tracking system like .zip dats since HyperSpin themes are multiple files. We could probably get it to track a single file. The best file for it to track is probably the theme text files. I'm not sure how to go about doing it, but I was thinking of having the dat check the theme directory for theme files and use the CRC of the text file for that theme.

Does anyone know if this is possible or have any other suggestions for doing this?

[joebells]

well clrmamepro should be able to check for all the files really. It checks for multiple files for a single game. I'll have to look at how the mame dat files are composed. you could also ask at the clrmamepro forums. The no-intro guys worked with him and got somrthing worked up for parent clone relationships.

I don't know if a dat is the right idea though. Maybe it is.

[Ego-X]

There in an XML type format so you can just open one up in say notepad++ and take a look.

[cnm]

Maybe the dat file should be set to check the files in their original archives (.zip or .rars)? That way, a user can check their theme release collection against the dat whether or not they are currently utilizing the theme. And since all the files comprising the theme are contained within the same archive, it would be easy to incorporate the normal tracking system.

[Dariusz]

You can ask for the best technique to acheave you goal at the Logiqx forum at Logiqx.com.

Dariusz