EasyDb for ETW - Units

[husserlTW]

EasyDb is a handy db editor for mod packs creation or/and editing. In this first beta release, EasyDb for ETW works with the units related tables. Using this tool beginners can easily create or/and edit unit packs while more experienced modders can save valuable time in mass new unit production. In the future more fields of db will be added like buildings, technology, effects, etc. Current version is in beta stage. If you find it useful, your feedback will be important for fixing or/and improving this tool. Next I will make the EasyDb for Napoleon. Meanwhile I’d like also to know your suggestions for the next most used group of db tables in your modifications to expand
EasyDb.

EasyDb can:

1. Edit vanilla unit settings
2. Edit units mod pack
3. Create new units
4. Create new units mod pack

EasyDb contains:

1. An updated PFM that can access all ETW tables.
2. The maim utility
3. Useful resources

EasyDb is based in TSV files manipulation. Its working routine is reading input TSV files, editing and exporting them back to add them in a new or an existing pack. It edits the 5 basic TSVs related with units: units.tsv, unit_stats_land.tsv, unit_stats_naval.tsv, building_units_allowed.tsv, units_to_exclusive_faction_permissions.tsv, unit_to_unit_abilities_junctions.tsv, (they are actually 6 but a unit can have either stats land or naval stat table) plus 5 more secondary that extend the unit modifications: units_to_gov_type_permissions.tsv, units_to_groupings_military_permissions.tsv, unit_required_technology_junctions.tsv, warscape_animated.tsv, warscape_animated_lod.tsv. The last 2 tables are needed for texture/model changes and they require some advanced modding skills. Have in mind that usually units do not have entries in all 10 tables but every unit needs at least the first 5 basic of them (units_to_exclusive_faction_permissions.tsv can be replaced by units_to_groupings_military_permissions.tsv).

The first obvious difference than the other db editors is that EasyDb is “unit-centric” than “table-centric”. In its main window you can see the entries of a unit (one at a time) in all 10 tables, than having one table at a time with all units. In this way you do not have to open and close several spreadsheets to make entries for each unit, or trying to find where is that damn mistake that spoiled your mod pack! All tables are updated with the latest csv released by CA. Moreover EasyDb contains preview pages where you can have all your edited units together in a more classic “table-centric” view. Preview pages are dynamic and you can continue editing if you like.



Except PFM there are some more resources available in EasyDb that will help you in modding units. There are blank TSVs that are used automatically to create new tables, and vanilla TSVs so you do not have to mess with vanilla packs. There is also a mod pack ready where you can import your modded TSVs and use it right away. In Resources menu you can find some important stuff that you might need for your changes like recruiting buildings, unit abilities, models, etc. In this way you can easily copying them in EasyDb tables than searching in other packs while you will avoid misspellings.

Installation:

Download attached beta EasyDb_ETW.7z and decompress wherever you like, it does not need installation. Use the EasyDb.exe to launch the utility.

Download Link: http://www.gamefront.com/files/21314455/EasyDb_ETW.7z
Download Link: http://www.mediafire.com/?jh5p9qp4v47495z

In Help menu you'll find detailed instructions.

Useful links:
How to create a custom unit - a complete guide
The great DB Manual