Investigating New Stuff

[algerdes]

I have seen several references as to having all the files for a sequence in the same sub-directory under the show folder.  I've got a few questions, hopefully to aid in avoiding any "gotchas".

First, what I do know...

* Having the video, .xsq, and any graphics in the folder seems to work just fine.
* Backing up the show (using F10) seems to work as well.  (I backup to a NAS drive on my local network.)

What I am not sure of...
1.  Should shaders be brought into this sub directory as well?  Any other files?
2.  When moving the files to say, another computer, it should be as simple as grabbing the sub-directory and copying it.  Is there any other actions required?
3.  Are there ANY tidbits that I should know?

Thanks for your time in training this older blinky-head.

[algerdes]

The advice passed here to put all the needed files into a subdirectory for each of the sequences is working out well.  I am finding it easier to manage all the sequences, especially those that we have two people working on different versions.

I believe it was Gil who originally passed this on with others agreeing with him.

THANK YOU.  Good idea.

[algerdes]

As I have received zero (0) responses, let me explain what we are doing and perhaps you have an opinion or two.

Currently the standard is to put the sequence file (.xsq) in the root of the show directory, then put the audio/music in one sub-directory (music?), any videos in another sub-directory (video), and any images in still another sub-directory (images). 

What we are experimenting with is putting everything belonging to a sequence, including the sequence itself in a sub-directory and working from there.

For example:

Show directory/seq/Wizards (contains Wizards.xml, all images related to the sequence, the music file, etc.)
Show directory/seq/WinterWonderland (contains WinterWonderland.xml, WinterWonderland.mp3, images, etc.)
Show directory/seq/MyTwoFrontTeeth (contains AllIWantForChristmas.xml, AllIWantForChristmas.mp3, etc.)

This keeps all items associated with a sequence together instead of scattering the files among multiple subdirectories. 

The reason is so that if we remove a sequence from the mix then it is a simple matter of cutting out the directory.  All files associated go with it.  As it is now, you have to hunt down all the associated parts.

This also comes in handy if you are adding a new sequence to a show.  Copy one directory from your storage area and you are done. 

What I am looking for is those of you who are doing something similar and your opinion(s) as to any problems this type of organization may cause with xLights.

Note that so far this is working, but we have not gone through the whole process - including uploads of .fseq files.  We will have physical setup in a couple of weeks and will be able to test this.  Until then ...

Thanks for any wisdom you can send this way.
 

[Gilrock]

When you posted on the 3rd it looked like you were using the idea and it was working so I didn't feel the need to reply.  I like everything for a sequence in one subdirectory.  I typically will have a subdirectory below the sequence directory called "media" where all the music and images live since I don't want to clutter up the folder with the sequence file.  Hard drive space is cheap no reason to try to put media in common folders.

[algerdes]

Thanks Gil.  It is good to know that this works for you. 

Yes- I've so far found things working just fine in this organization.
 
Unfortunately I haven't tried all the "functions" within xLights against this organization.  One thing in particular that has not been tried yet, but interests me is the function to "Clean Up File Locations" located under Tools.
I've never used this and wonder what its purpose is.  Even more important to my experiments in organization is does it put things back into "ordinary" order?  I'll try to find out, probably later today.

[aknflyer]

I use seperate media and picture folders. I keep all the current years sequences in the main folder. But after the sequence is finalized I create a folder like 2021 to keep older versions, although I have never had to go back to those as of yet.
At least this way all the links to the picture files and media do not change.

[algerdes]

A compromise has been reached, (sort of.)

For the active season:
All sequencing files are to be kept in a subdirectory off of the show folder. In our case, it will be "seq".  (showfolder\seq).
All media files will be kept in a subdirectory off the show folder called "media".  (showfolder\media)
All shaders, etc. will be kept in a subdirectory off the show folder called "shaders".  (showfolder\shaders)

When a sequence is finished:
A storage  location will receive a copy of the sequence which will be put into its own subdirectory.  storage_folder\name_of_sequence.
All support files for the sequence will be put into a subdirectory under the storage_folder\name_of_sequence\media.

Reasons given are simple:
1.  Keeping the show folder cleaned up and using a subdirectory for the sequences is very manageable.  Also very quick to find sequences if changes are needed.
2.  Keeping a common location for media makes it easy to reuse images and music without having to remember which sequence so-and-so-image was used in last.
3.  Same as number 2 for support files such as special shaders.

This was decided when the other sequencing adult in the household wanted to use a specific Christmas tree that had been used earlier, but couldn't find it.  Same went for a shader.  So...

A compromise has been made.  Life is good. I'm not sleeping on the front porch.

[Gilrock]

The nice thing about having the media in subdirectories with the sequence is even though you move the sequence directory to a new base path xLights still automatically resolves the pathnames.  So claiming that a common location prevents file paths from needing to change is not really a benefit.  What we see most often is someone picks a common media location and then the base drive letter changes and messes everything up everywhere.

[algerdes]

Agreed Gil.  During my tests we experienced the "all messed up" first hand. (Thankfully on a test/backup system.)
The separate sub-directory with everything in it will be used in our storage organization. I'm sold on it.
It will also be used in next year's show as I have proven that it works.
Just have to get through the oh so common "resistance to change".