Hey everyone,
This time I’ve got something a bit different: a tool to visualize the contents of the downloader databases used by your updaters.
Why would you want that? It can be useful for a lot of things:
See exactly what you are installing
Apply, test, and experiment with download filters without running the updaters
Browse all available filter terms and tags
Search specific files instantly
Download files or open them in your browser
See how much space everything takes on your SD card
Review downloader.ini files to inspect the databases and filters they use
Share and install unofficial databases
Double-check files that are not downloading on your device
Understand the metadata behind each file
Debug issues in a database you are building
If that sounds useful, here is the link:
https://theypsilon.github.io/DB-Inspector_MiSTer
Note: Desktop (PC/Mac) is recommended over mobile.The easiest way to get started is by clicking the "Browse catalog" button at the top and selecting a database:
I think this will be especially useful for users who like to customize their setups with download filters, and for database creators.
Over the years, the community of database creators has grown significantly — I know of more than 25 — so I hope this tool makes their job a bit easier.
If you are a creator trying to share your database, you now have a better option than telling people to edit .ini files manually. You can share a DB Inspector install link instead. Just open DB Inspector, load your database, click the INSTALL button, and copy the address to your clipboard.
And if you just want a static link to share, and you are using DB Template, I’ve added automatic generation of drop-in databases there too. You will find them in the db branch of your repository, following this pattern:
https://raw.githubusercontent.com///db/downloader_.zip
That’s it for now. I know this one will be especially useful to database creators and users who like to customize their setups, but if that’s not your thing, don’t worry. I’ll have more updates to share soon.
See you!