What is ZDLSharp
From ZDLSharp
ZDLSharp is a free Doom launcher for all C#/Mono platforms. It's aimed towards ZDoom features, but is flexible to function as a launcher for other Source Ports.
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[edit] ZDL
[edit] Original ZDL
ZDLSharp is inspired by the original ZDL program written by BioHazard. Because it was written in C, and to reduce any licensing issues that may arise, they are no common code or code derivatives. Being written in C, it had some advantages of being lightweight and small. ZDL went through 3 versions before BioHazard dropped the project. Currently the userbase is largely unknown, but it seems to be popular with many ZDoom users.
[edit] Bridging the Gap
Before long, it was obvious that a cross platform solution was required. Work began on a WxWidgets version, however, there has been no code released. Several others have commented that they may work on their own version of ZDL, but so far none have been publicly released.
[edit] C#
QBasicer decided that it would be a good idea to try and write ZDL in C#, being somewhat cross platform and quick. Because he knew that the Mono project existed, he figured it was a viable solution. Within a short amount of time, he has a working prototype. There was a large gap in which no progress was made on ZDLSharp, but then in the summer of '07, it was revived.
[edit] Move to Qt and C++
Starting on February 23rd, 2008, a Qt/C++ version has been in the works, but has not been released to the public. For more information, see 3.0.5.3q.
[edit] Present Day ZDL
ZDLSharp tries to imitate the orginal ZDL interface, and be completely backwards compatible with it's configuration files. ZDLSharp currently supports the entire feature set of ZDL minus file associations. ZDLSharp also has an Update Manager, which notifies the user if any new updates are available.
[edit] ZDLFuture
For the future of ZDLSharp, please visit the Roadmap page
[edit] ZDLSharp Features
ZDLSharp features:
- Update Checking
- Bug fixes over ZDL (Including PWAD and Skill saving)
- DMFlag Picker
- Compatibility with ZDL config files (ZDLSharp config files work in ZDL, and vice versa)
- Advanced Multiplayer Options; support for uncommon network settings.
- A graphical interface for selecting DMFlags.
[edit] Obtaining ZDLSharp
Please visit the ZDLSharp Releases page for current releases, or skip to the Update Server or SourceForge download pages. (Note that the SourceForge versions may be out of date).
