xdelta UI

Version 1.0
KaioShin 19.02.09
Introduction
------------
xdelta is a binary patching program written by Josh McDonald, implementing the
VCDIFF delta compression standard. This little front-end was written in order
to make xdelta more foolproof to use for users who dislike to or don't know how
to
use the command-line. This front-end was primarily written to be used by the
romhacking community to apply translations and other hacks to ROMs or other
binary files. xdelta itself can be used for tons of applications of course and
so should be this front-end. I did only test it with romhacking related tasks
though.
Requirements
------------
The program was written in C#, and therefore needs the .NET framework to functio
n.
Google for it if you don't have it already. To be more specific it was compiled
with the .NET 2.0 framework.
Why xdelta?
-----------
The romhacking community has been struggling with the need for a suitable
next-generation patching format for years now. One of the possible alternatives
for a widely accepted standard is xdelta. It has many unique features that make
it superior to formats like PPF or UPS.
Reasons to use xdelta:
- No filesize limitations
- Efficient handling of rebuilt filesystems and relocated data structures
(This causes MASSIVE patch sizes on formats such as IPS or UPS)
- Protection against patching the wrong files
xdelta is currently the only patching standard that can handle rebuilt filesyste
ms!
How to Use
----------
The GUI should be pretty self-explanatory. If xdelta throws an error it'll be di
splayed to
you. Refer to the xdelta documentation at http://xdelta.org/ for possible soluti
ons in case
the error message isn't making sense to you. The most likely cause in the event
of an error
is that you picked a wrong file. Note that you have to patch the same file with
which the
patch creator created his patch from. Refer to the patch documentation to find o
ut what
file that is.
The distribution package comes bundled with xdelta version 3.0u (Windows 32bit).
If there is a new release of xdelta just replace xdelta.exe with a binary of the
new version and it should be fine.
Note for Vista users: When you first use the front-end Vista will throw a warnin
g asking you
to confirm that the front-end may launch xdelta. This is a protection so that no
harmful
programs can call malware behind your back. You can safely accept the message an
d tell Vista
not to bother you again about it in the future.
Acknowledgement and Contact
---------------------------
Don't forget that xdelta itself was written by Josh McDonald. I (KaioShin) just
wrote a GUI
to make it easier to use. All credits for the program should go to the original
author.
I didn't ask for explicit permission to bundle a binary of xdelta with this fron
t-end,
I assume it falls under fair-use. I'm not making any money of this program and I
don't take
any kind of donations for it. If anyone who is directly involved with xdelta has
a problem
with this please contact me and I'll distribute the front-end seperately.
If you find an error in the GUI (and not in xdelta itself!) you can contact me a
bout it and
I'll try and fix it. You can reach me through a private message on the message b
oard on
www.romhacking.net.
Changelog
---------
19.02.09 Initial Release