[Other] Do IPS file sizes ever change?

[Rockoria]

Hello!

I have a bit of an odd issue today. Basically, in order to create a more unique experience for my ROM hack, I'm making an automatic updater / launcher. And for the patch system, it will download an IPS patch. Problem is, in order to see if there's a new patch, it will scan for a size difference in the patch file. I don't think IPS patch sizes ever change, especially since it's just for FireRed. Any knowledge on this?

 

[PoK3Matr1x]

It really just depends on the amount of bytes you have changed, so if you do a minimal amount of hacking, there will be a smaller file because not as much data to replace, but say if you did a total redo of everything, chances are it will be 6-8mb (approx, i am just guessing.)

But where i know this from is this. I had an ancient rom hack i made on my pc, the changes were just music and the title screen, only 30kb ips. The newest version of the ROM hack i am currently working on with ALOT of features, like asm routines to fix the gamefreak presents glitch, a hacked bootscreen, a titlescreen (fully hacked), help system removed, HQ Instrument patch, some unova pokemon with full stats, movesets, spries, icons, cries, pokedex entries, trainer modifications (such as OP champion), music, etc. and i am not even done. I spent around 5-6 months on it so far (very on and off project) And the ips size is, 1.68mb.

 

[Rockoria]

It really just depends on the amount of bytes you have changed, so if you do a minimal amount of hacking, there will be a smaller file because not as much data to replace, but say if you did a total redo of everything, chances are it will be 6-8mb (approx, i am just guessing.)

But where i know this from is this. I had an ancient rom hack i made on my pc, the changes were just music and the title screen, only 30kb ips. The newest version of the ROM hack i am currently working on with ALOT of features, like asm routines to fix the gamefreak presents glitch, a hacked bootscreen, a titlescreen (fully hacked), help system removed, HQ Instrument patch, some unova pokemon with full stats, movesets, spries, icons, cries, pokedex entries, trainer modifications (such as OP champion), music, etc. and i am not even done. I spent around 5-6 months on it so far (very on and off project) And the ips size is, 1.68mb.

Oh, okay! Thank you :)

 

[Touched]

Hello!

I have a bit of an odd issue today. Basically, in order to create a more unique experience for my ROM hack, I'm making an automatic updater / launcher. And for the patch system, it will download an IPS patch. Problem is, in order to see if there's a new patch, it will scan for a size difference in the patch file. I don't think IPS patch sizes ever change, especially since it's just for FireRed. Any knowledge on this?

I assume you're downloading from a server somewhere that you own. HTTP has a number of great headers for cache control - including a Last-Modified. Why don't you just use that to check for the latest version? You could even write a small webpage with just the time of the last modification or a file hash (md5) and check that instead. File size will only work if you're changing areas that aren't already in the patch. If you change something in a one area and then modify that same area later on, chances are it won't change the file size.

 

[Rockoria]

I assume you're downloading from a server somewhere that you own. HTTP has a number of great headers for cache control - including a Last-Modified. Why don't you just use that to check for the latest version? You could even write a small webpage with just the time of the last modification or a file hash (md5) and check that instead. File size will only work if you're changing areas that aren't already in the patch. If you change something in a one area and then modify that same area later on, chances are it won't change the file size.

That's definitely a good idea, thanks.