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Made a browser extension for boards

  • 28-04-2019 2:11pm
    #1
    s_mcloughlin
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭


    Have been working on a browser extension (chrome) for boards lately as a side project

    Main features are:
    Removal of empty space within posts (can be restored by clicking on post)
    Auto-load next page in thread - triggered when scrolled to bottom of page
    Header reduction on thread pages (search bar etc)

    It came about because I was originally frustrated at the amount of screen real estate that short posts take up, and then ended up adding some more features

    Link to extension in web store: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/boards-companion/jiihifgkaabfcfdnmjnedklalpgcmgke?hl=en

    Source code here: https://github.com/SeanMaclochlainn/Boards-Companion

    Depending on if there's any interest in it I can look into adding more features, support for firefox, etc.


Comments

  • #2
    d31b0y
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,028 ✭✭✭d31b0y


    Looks good but I have an issue. If I use the button to go to last read message, e.g. https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=110056287#post110056287 it always reloads the same page over and over. I guess it's something to do with the URL formatting.

    Using the dark theme in case that matters.


  • #3
    BrokenArrows
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,498 ✭✭✭BrokenArrows


    Nice, however i quite like the spacing as it is, but the auto load of the pages is cool.

    Could you add an option to enable/disable each of the features?


  • #4
    s_mcloughlin
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭s_mcloughlin


    d31b0y wrote: »
    Looks good but I have an issue. If I use the button to go to last read message, e.g. https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=110056287#post110056287 it always reloads the same page over and over. I guess it's something to do with the URL formatting.

    Using the dark theme in case that matters.

    Is this is when in the "Followed threads" page? It seems to be working ok for mine at the moment, but I'll look into it more this evening and see if I can recreate
    BrokenArrows wrote: »
    Nice, however i quite like the spacing as it is, but the auto load of the pages is cool.

    Could you add an option to enable/disable each of the features?

    I had in mind to add in something like that eventually, so yes I can prioritize that if its something that would be useful


    Thanks both of you for the feedback anyways :)


  • #5
    d31b0y
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,028 ✭✭✭d31b0y


    s_mcloughlin wrote: »
    Is this is when in the "Followed threads" page? It seems to be working ok for mine at the moment, but I'll look into it more this evening and see if I can recreate

    Exactly, followed threads:
    FHvGIdS.png

    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=2056983497
    Clicking the above link (the first time at least) brings me to page 208 and loops page 208 over and over again.

    I can't recreate it if I manually go to page 208, it works as it should. So, followed threads where the last read post is on the second last page.


  • #6
    The high horse brigade
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,456 ✭✭✭The high horse brigade


    I love it, there's so much wasted space in small posts


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  • #7
    s_mcloughlin
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭s_mcloughlin


    d31b0y wrote: »
    Exactly, followed threads:
    FHvGIdS.png

    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=2056983497
    Clicking the above link (the first time at least) brings me to page 208 and loops page 208 over and over again.

    I can't recreate it if I manually go to page 208, it works as it should. So, followed threads where the last read post is on the second last page.

    The problem that I found was that because the header section is reduced, it makes it look as though the page hasn't scrolled to the correct post

    Will include a fix for this in the next release

    The extension shouldn't interfere with page redirection, so I'm not sure why it kept bringing you to the same page. That URL redirects you to a different URL containing the first new post - that's functionality handled by boards.ie servers


  • #8
    S.M.B.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,383 ✭✭✭S.M.B.


    Just installed it and will let you know if I experience the same issue with the above issue.

    EDIT: I am seeing the same issue. Infinite scroll = actual infinite scroll as you end up forever loading in the same content. When accessing a page via a url with with something like 'p=X#postY' rather than 't=Z'


  • #9
    s_mcloughlin
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭s_mcloughlin


    S.M.B. wrote: »
    Just installed it and will let you know if I experience the same issue with the above issue.

    EDIT: I am seeing the same issue. Infinite scroll = actual infinite scroll as you end up forever loading in the same content. When accessing a page via a url with with something like 'p=X#postY' rather than 't=Z'

    Ok, the penny has dropped - I hadn't realised the issue was with the autoscrolling. I can recreate this now - this is the same thing that d31b0 had been talking about. It occurs when you get redirected to a page in the thread that isn't the last one (as previously mentioned)

    Should be fairly fixable - will include in the upcoming release


  • #10
    d31b0y
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,028 ✭✭✭d31b0y


    I can't believe I didn't mention auto-scrolling in either of my two posts... :(


  • #11
    S.M.B.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,383 ✭✭✭S.M.B.


    I somehow knew exactly what you were talking about because I went and tested that exact scenario to confirm it was a bug as soon as I downloaded the extension. I knew I wouldn't be able to use it if what you said was true as it's the primary way I navigate boards.

    Also, on that note. It would be nice if there was an easy way of disabling the extension without having to go into the chrome extension store. I also the echo individual settings request. I quite like the white space but love the removal of the pagination.


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  • #12
    s_mcloughlin
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭s_mcloughlin


    d31b0y wrote: »
    I can't believe I didn't mention auto-scrolling in either of my two posts... :(

    No worries, its clearer now looking back!
    S.M.B. wrote: »
    I somehow knew exactly what you were talking about because I went and tested that exact scenario to confirm it was a bug as soon as I downloaded the extension. I knew I wouldn't be able to use it if what you said was true as it's the primary way I navigate boards.

    Also, on that note. It would be nice if there was an easy way of disabling the extension without having to go into the chrome extension store. I also the echo individual settings request. I quite like the white space but love the removal of the pagination.

    Right, I had never actually used that feature, but it does seem to be pretty useful

    I've made a fix for this issue in the meantime, which is now available on the webstore as v1.0.2. Your local version should auto-update after a while, however if you enable developer mode within chrome it will allow you to manually update it

    I take your point about enabling/disabling each or all features. Will be working on implementing something for this next


  • #13
    grindle
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,026 ✭✭✭grindle


    Cool plugin - not sure how difficult it would be to do, but tagging of users would be very helpful. Boards' only tag feature is basically the ignore button so I have people I like and loathe ignored just to see if I'm glossing over anything potentially good.


  • #14
    s_mcloughlin
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭s_mcloughlin


    grindle wrote: »
    Cool plugin - not sure how difficult it would be to do, but tagging of users would be very helpful. Boards' only tag feature is basically the ignore button so I have people I like and loathe ignored just to see if I'm glossing over anything potentially good.

    Thanks - that's a good idea. Its certainly possible, and I think would be pretty cool to have, however yes, there is a bit of meat to it in terms of effort required.

    Enabling/disabling each feature currently has priority, but once thats completed I'll probably start looking into adding this


  • #15
    grindle
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,026 ✭✭✭grindle


    s_mcloughlin wrote: »
    Thanks - that's a good idea. Its certainly possible, and I think would be pretty cool to have, however yes, there is a bit of meat to it in terms of effort required.

    Enabling/disabling each feature currently has priority, but once thats completed I'll probably start looking into adding this

    I'd figured it must be difficult for some reason - it's the best feature on any forum but the least deployed on most. Hang back and ignore if it's too idiotic.


  • #16
    s_mcloughlin
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭s_mcloughlin


    grindle wrote: »
    I'd figured it must be difficult for some reason - it's the best feature on any forum but the least deployed on most. Hang back and ignore if it's too idiotic.

    Thanks - I had a quick look at how its done on Reddit Enhancement Suite, and there is a storage API for chrome extensions that they use.

    I won't make any hard promises for now, but would be cool to have I think


  • #17
    S.M.B.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,383 ✭✭✭S.M.B.


    s_mcloughlin wrote: »
    Right, I had never actually used that feature, but it does seem to be pretty useful

    I've made a fix for this issue in the meantime, which is now available on the webstore as v1.0.2. Your local version should auto-update after a while, however if you enable developer mode within chrome it will allow you to manually update it

    I take your point about enabling/disabling each or all features. Will be working on implementing something for this next
    Thanks for the quick response. It's working perfectly now!


  • #18
    Krombopulos Michael
    Registered Users Posts: 1,088 ✭✭✭Krombopulos Michael


    Like the extension,

    For me, the navigation tree under the Boards logo seems to shift down and partially cover the other buttons.

    Without Extension
    before.jpg

    With Extension
    After.jpg

    Otherwise, great job.


  • #19
    d31b0y
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,028 ✭✭✭d31b0y


    Another feature to think about is being able to infinitely scroll backwards too. Not sure if it would work though, with the banner at the top only appearing once you scroll all the way up.


  • #20
    s_mcloughlin
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭s_mcloughlin


    Krombopulos Michael wrote: »
    Like the extension,

    For me, the navigation tree under the Boards logo seems to shift down and partially cover the other buttons.

    Without Extension
    before.jpg

    With Extension
    After.jpg

    Otherwise, great job.

    Ok, cheers. Would you mind giving some info on the device that you're using? There may be some minor differences in how it renders depending on whether its a laptop/desktop/macbook/etc.

    There is a hardcoded value for the height of the navigation tree that is probably the cause though.
    d31b0y wrote: »
    Another feature to think about is being able to infinitely scroll backwards too. Not sure if it would work though, with the banner at the top only appearing once you scroll all the way up.

    Yea definitely something to consider alright. If I get as far as toggling each feature, then it could be added in an experimental way at first, which could be useful for checking how it integrates with the banner etc.

    I had also thought adding autoscrolling for forum homepages could be useful too


  • #21
    Krombopulos Michael
    Registered Users Posts: 1,088 ✭✭✭Krombopulos Michael


    s_mcloughlin wrote: »
    Ok, cheers. Would you mind giving some info on the device that you're using? There may be some minor differences in how it renders depending on whether its a laptop/desktop/macbook/etc.

    There is a hardcoded value for the height of the navigation tree that is probably the cause though.


    Windows 10 Lenovo Laptop running latest version of Chrome.


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  • #22
    s_mcloughlin
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭s_mcloughlin


    Hey guys, just letting you know that a new version has since been released within which you can enable/disable each feature. Once updated (v1.0.3), click on the extension icon to see the new options.

    To manually update go to chrome://extensions, enable developer mode and click "update"

    Krombopulos Michael wrote: »
    Windows 10 Lenovo Laptop running latest version of Chrome.

    Cheers - you can now untick the "reduce header" option, and this shouldn't occur any more. Still haven't recreated it - if I can manage to I should be able to fix the underlying issue


  • #23
    Krombopulos Michael
    Registered Users Posts: 1,088 ✭✭✭Krombopulos Michael


    s_mcloughlin wrote: »

    Cheers - you can now untick the "reduce header" option, and this shouldn't occur any more. Still haven't recreated it - if I can manage to I should be able to fix the underlying issue

    Yes this seems to have worked unchecking that reduce header option.


  • #24
    S.M.B.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,383 ✭✭✭S.M.B.


    Auto updated for me and works really well.


  • #25
    d31b0y
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,028 ✭✭✭d31b0y


    Yep, working great here too.
    Definitely the extension I didn't know I needed. Deserves more exposure.


  • #26
    s_mcloughlin
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭s_mcloughlin


    S.M.B. wrote: »
    Auto updated for me and works really well.
    d31b0y wrote: »
    Yep, working great here too.
    Definitely the extension I didn't know I needed. Deserves more exposure.

    Thanks for the kind words guys, delighted you're finding it useful!

    There's still one or two issues outstanding, and I'm also experimenting with new features - e.g. autoscrolling upwards. Will update the thread for any substantial releases

    If anyone wants to contribute, pull requests are welcome too.


  • #27
    SuprSi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,949 ✭✭✭SuprSi


    I like it, looks great but it removes the pictures and details below the users name on the left, which I miss. Also, would it be possible for the little icon in Chrome to show a number for the amount of unread posts or PM's you have? That'd be cool - you wouldn't need to visit the site to see if you've anything to catch up on.


  • #28
    s_mcloughlin
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭s_mcloughlin


    SuprSi wrote: »
    I like it, looks great but it removes the pictures and details below the users name on the left, which I miss. Also, would it be possible for the little icon in Chrome to show a number for the amount of unread posts or PM's you have? That'd be cool - you wouldn't need to visit the site to see if you've anything to catch up on.

    Thanks - if you untick the "Hide Post Whitespace" option it should display these, however I've just realized that this only works for the first page.

    Have started using Github to track issues, and there is now an entry for this here. Should get fixing this soon.

    For your second point, it seems like a good idea alright. Its should be possible to do by polling boards.ie every few minutes or so, which looks to be feasible with an extension. It could be more complicated than it looks however, so will investigate it further and see


  • #29
    s_mcloughlin
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭s_mcloughlin


    s_mcloughlin wrote: »
    Thanks - if you untick the "Hide Post Whitespace" option it should display these, however I've just realized that this only works for the first page.

    Have started using Github to track issues, and there is now an entry for this here. Should get fixing this soon.

    Have just released a new version (1.0.4) that includes a fix for this now


  • #30
    iLikeWaffles
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,325 ✭✭✭iLikeWaffles


    d31b0y wrote: »
    Another feature to think about is being able to infinitely scroll backwards too. Not sure if it would work though, with the banner at the top only appearing once you scroll all the way up.

    There is a setting in your appearance settings for sticky header.


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  • #31
    s_mcloughlin
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭s_mcloughlin


    Hey guys,

    Just a quick update - over the last while there were two features that have been released:
    • Autoscrolling to previous pages
    • Header toggling improvements - it now disappears completely and reappears when you hover over that area
    There were also some bugs that have been fixed too

    The latest version (1.1.0) contains all of the above

    If you've any feedback on this feel free to let me know

    I've a few more things that I'd like to experiment with over the next while too (mainly autoscrolling forum homepages and tagging users), so there may be more in the pipeline


  • #32
    d31b0y
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,028 ✭✭✭d31b0y


    New update includes auto-scrolling to the next page of threads?
    Very nice but you are killing my productivity. I've no reason to stop after the first page now.


  • #33
    s_mcloughlin
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭s_mcloughlin


    d31b0y wrote: »
    New update includes auto-scrolling to the next page of threads?
    Very nice but you are killing my productivity. I've no reason to stop after the first page now.

    Yes, thats correct :) I guess thats not the worst problem to have, I'm probably going to make it a configurable option anyways so you needn't worry!


  • #34
    chrislad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,324 ✭✭✭chrislad


    Just came across this, really nice work. Thank you! Does it work on mobile chrome?

    Edit: NVM, Chrome mobile doesn't support extensions. Boourns.


  • #35
    s_mcloughlin
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭s_mcloughlin


    chrislad wrote: »
    Just came across this, really nice work. Thank you! Does it work on mobile chrome?

    Edit: NVM, Chrome mobile doesn't support extensions. Boourns.

    Cheers!


  • #36
    s_mcloughlin
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭s_mcloughlin


    Hi guys, have released a new version (v1.3.0) containing a new feature to tag users.

    Click on the tag icon near the username to open the dialog, and then enter text/colour.

    Feedback and suggestions welcome!


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  • #37
    d31b0y
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,028 ✭✭✭d31b0y


    Maybe beside that tag, you could have quicker access to the quote, multi-quote, quick reply and thank buttons.


  • #38
    s_mcloughlin
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭s_mcloughlin


    d31b0y wrote: »
    Maybe beside that tag, you could have quicker access to the quote, multi-quote, quick reply and thank buttons.

    Thanks for the suggestion. I'm not sure that it would be straightforward, some of those buttons have event listeners on them, which may make them difficult to move.

    What would be possible would be to un-hide them and perhaps make them smaller. I might take a look into this - it does require an extra click to thank/quote a post at the moment


  • #39
    d31b0y
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,028 ✭✭✭d31b0y


    Another suggestion if you are still working on this.
    I'm forever scrolling to the top or bottom and cause the page to reload instead of what I want to do which is click on a page number and go to a specific page. Is there a way you could keep the page numbers in place?


  • #40
    s_mcloughlin
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭s_mcloughlin


    d31b0y wrote: »
    Another suggestion if you are still working on this.
    I'm forever scrolling to the top or bottom and cause the page to reload instead of what I want to do which is click on a page number and go to a specific page. Is there a way you could keep the page numbers in place?

    I had considered letting the page numbers float on the corner of the screen at one point, but it didn't really work out in the end. This might be a better solution - it would be possible to leave them in place before/after the page break

    I'll have a look anyways - I'm still doing some work here and there on this, just at a more reduced pace, but in the next few weeks I'll do a release - all going well I may include this functionality

    Thanks for the suggestion anyways


  • #41
    s_mcloughlin
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭s_mcloughlin


    d31b0y wrote: »
    Another suggestion if you are still working on this.
    I'm forever scrolling to the top or bottom and cause the page to reload instead of what I want to do which is click on a page number and go to a specific page. Is there a way you could keep the page numbers in place?

    I've implemented functionality to keep the page numbers in place in the latest version (v1.4.3). Should now be easier to navigate to a specific page

    Unrelatedly, I've also changed the "Hide Post Whitespace" to be off by default - I thought it might be a bit intrusive initially. It may need to be re-enabled for some users


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  • #42
    d31b0y
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,028 ✭✭✭d31b0y


    Still loving this addon. Wanted to come back and say that it seems to work perfectly with the new Edge browser as it's Chromium based.


  • #43
    s_mcloughlin
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭s_mcloughlin


    d31b0y wrote: »
    Still loving this addon. Wanted to come back and say that it seems to work perfectly with the new Edge browser as it's Chromium based.


    Thats great to hear :) interesting - I hadn't considered using it with Edge, and it would be worthwhile to do so - I'll take a look into deploying it to the MS extension store


  • #44
    s_mcloughlin
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭s_mcloughlin


    Hey all, after 4 years since the last post here, an update is overdue

    The extension is still being actively developed, and has a small but steady user base. There were some issues a while back after the boards.ie site migration, but gradually the previous functionality has been restored.

    See the extension listing for the current features (still mostly the same) and up to date screenshots: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/boards-companion/jiihifgkaabfcfdnmjnedklalpgcmgke

    A feature to filter by thanked posts has also recently been added.

    One note to mention: user tagging was removed post migration. Personally I didn't use this much, however it might be something to consider bringing back in the future



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