Version 2.3.4

Tickle, json persistence bug for cyclic structures

modules/cfxMX.lua

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 cfxMX = {}
-cfxMX.version = "2.1.0"
+cfxMX.version = "2.2.0"
 cfxMX.verbose = false 
 --[[--
  Mission data decoder. Access to ME-built mission structures
@@ -18,11 +18,13 @@ cfxMX.verbose = false
 		 - new isDynamicPlayer()
 		 - new isMEPlayer() 
 		 - new isMEPlayerGroup()
+   2.2.0 - new groupCatByName[]
    
 --]]--
 cfxMX.groupNamesByID = {}
 cfxMX.groupIDbyName = {}
 cfxMX.unitIDbyName = {}
+cfxMX.groupCatByName = {}
 cfxMX.groupDataByName = {}
 cfxMX.groupTypeByName = {} -- category of group: "helicopter", "plane", "ship"...
 cfxMX.groupCoalitionByName = {}
@@ -226,7 +228,6 @@ function cfxMX.createCrossReferences()
 											category = "train" 
 											obj_type_name = "train"
 										end 
-										
 										cfxMX.groupTypeByName[aName] = category
 										cfxMX.groupNamesByID[aID] = aName
 										cfxMX.groupIDbyName[aName] = aID
@@ -237,16 +238,22 @@ function cfxMX.createCrossReferences()
 										-- now make the type-specific xrefs
 										if obj_type_name == "helicopter" then 
 											cfxMX.allHeloByName[aName] = group_data 
+											cfxMX.groupCatByName[aName] = 1
 										elseif obj_type_name == "ship" then 
 											cfxMX.allSeaByName[aName] = group_data
+											cfxMX.groupCatByName[aName] = 3
 										elseif obj_type_name == "plane" then 
 											cfxMX.allFixedByName[aName] = group_data
+											cfxMX.groupCatByName[aName] = 0
 										elseif obj_type_name == "vehicle" then 
 											cfxMX.allGroundByName[aName] = group_data
+											cfxMX.groupCatByName[aName] = 2
 										elseif obj_type_name == "static" then 
 											cfxMX.allStaticByName[aName] = group_data
+--											cfxMX.groupCatByName[aName] = -1 -- not covered
 										elseif obj_type_name == "train" then 
 											cfxMX.allTrainsByName[aName] = group_data
+											cfxMX.groupCatByName[aName] = 4
 										else 
 											-- should be impossible, but still
 											trigger.action.outText("+++MX: <" .. obj_type_name .. "> unknown type for <" .. aName .. ">", 30)

modules/groundTroops.lua

@@ -953,6 +953,9 @@ function cfxGroundTroops.addGroundTroopsToPool(troops) -- troops MUST be a table
 	end
 	if not troops.orders then troops.orders = "guard" end 
 	troops.orders = troops.orders:lower()
+	
+	--trigger.action.outText("Enter adding group <" .. troops.name .. "> with orders=<" .. troops.orders .. "> to pool", 30)
+	
 	if not troops.moveFormation then troops.moveFormation = "Custom" end 
 	troops.reschedule = true -- in case we use scheduled update 
 	-- we now add to internal array. this is worked on by all 

modules/heloTroops.lua

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 cfxHeloTroops = {}
-cfxHeloTroops.version = "3.1.2"
+cfxHeloTroops.version = "3.1.3"
 cfxHeloTroops.verbose = false 
 cfxHeloTroops.autoDrop = true 
 cfxHeloTroops.autoPickup = false 
@@ -20,6 +20,10 @@ cfxHeloTroops.requestRange = 500 -- meters
  3.1.0 - compatible with DCS 2.9.6 dynamic spawning 
  3.1.1 - deployTroopsFromHelicopter() captureandhold 
  3.1.2 - doLoadGroup - test if group is still alive edge case handling 
+ 3.1.3 - decycled structures (destination zone) on save
+       - upcycled structures (destination) on load 
+	   - loadSound and disembarkSound 
+	   
 --]]--
 
 
@@ -658,7 +662,7 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.deployTroopsFromHelicopter(conf)
 	troop.destination = dest -- transfer target zone for attackzone oders
 	cfxGroundTroops.addGroundTroopsToPool(troop) -- will schedule move orders
 	trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.id, "<" .. theGroup:getName() .. "> have deployed to the ground with orders " .. orders .. "!", 30)
-	trigger.action.outSoundForGroup(conf.id, cfxHeloTroops.actionSound) 
+	trigger.action.outSoundForGroup(conf.id, cfxHeloTroops.disembarkSound) 
 	-- see if this is tracked by a tracker, and pass them back so 
 	-- they can un-limbo 
 	if groupTracker then 
@@ -747,7 +751,7 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.doLoadGroup(args)
 	
 	-- say so 
 	trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.id, "Team '".. conf.troopsOnBoard.name .."' aboard, ready to go!", 30)
-	trigger.action.outSoundForGroup(conf.id, cfxHeloTroops.actionSound) --  "Quest Snare 3.wav")
+	trigger.action.outSoundForGroup(conf.id, cfxHeloTroops.loadSound) --  "Quest Snare 3.wav")
 
 	-- reset menu 
 	cfxHeloTroops.removeComms(conf.unit)
@@ -898,6 +902,8 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.readConfigZone()
 	cfxHeloTroops.combatDropScore = theZone:getNumberFromZoneProperty( "combatDropScore", 200)
 	
 	cfxHeloTroops.actionSound = theZone:getStringFromZoneProperty("actionSound", "Quest Snare 3.wav")
+	cfxHeloTroops.loadSound = theZone:getStringFromZoneProperty("loadSound", cfxHeloTroops.actionSound)
+	cfxHeloTroops.disembarkSound = theZone:getStringFromZoneProperty("disembarkSound", cfxHeloTroops.actionSound)
 	
 	cfxHeloTroops.requestRange = theZone:getNumberFromZoneProperty("requestRange", 500)
 	-- add own troop carriers 
@@ -920,6 +926,10 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.saveData()
 	for gName, gData in pairs(cfxHeloTroops.deployedTroops) do 
 		local sData = dcsCommon.clone(gData)
 		dcsCommon.synchGroupData(sData.groupData)
+		if sData.destination then 
+			net.log("cfxHeloTroops: decycling troop 'destination' for <" .. sData.destination:getName() .. ">")
+			sData.destination = sData.destination:getName()
+		end 
 		allTroopData[gName] = sData
 	end
 	theData.troops = allTroopData
@@ -947,6 +957,13 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.loadData()
 		local range = gdTroop.range
 		local cty = gData.cty 
 		local cat = gData.cat  
+		local dest = nil 
+		
+		-- synch destination from name to real zone 
+		if gdTroop.destination then 
+			dest = cfxZones.getZoneByName(gdTroop.destination)
+			net.log("cfxHeloTroops: attempting to restore troop destination zone <" .. gdTroop.destination .. ">")
+		end 
 		
 		-- now spawn, but first 
 		-- add to my own deployed queue so we can save later 
@@ -957,6 +974,7 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.loadData()
 
 		-- add to groundTroops 
 		local newTroops = cfxGroundTroops.createGroundTroops(theGroup, range, orders) 
+		newTroops.destination = dest 
 		cfxGroundTroops.addGroundTroopsToPool(newTroops)
 	end
 end

modules/impostors.lua

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 impostors={}
 
-impostors.version = "1.0.1"
+impostors.version = "1.1.0"
 impostors.verbose = false  
 impostors.ups = 1
 impostors.requiredLibs = {
@@ -18,7 +18,9 @@ impostors.uniqueCounter = 8200000 -- clones start at 9200000
 	Version History
 	1.0.0 - initial version
 	1.0.1 - added some verbosity 
-	
+	1.1.0 - filtered dead units during spawns 
+			cleanup
+			some performance boost for mx lookup 
 
   LIMITATIONS:
   must be on ground (or would be very silly
@@ -41,11 +43,9 @@ function impostors.getCloneZoneByName(aName)
 	if impostors.verbose then 
 		trigger.action.outText("+++ipst: no impostor with name <" .. aName ..">", 30)
 	end 
-	
 	return nil 
 end
 
-
 --
 -- spawn impostors from data 
 --
@@ -110,7 +110,9 @@ function impostors.getRawDataFromGroupNamed(gName)
 	local cat = theGroup:getCategory()
 	-- access mxdata for livery because getDesc does not return the livery 	
 	local liveries = {} 
-	local mxData = cfxMX.getGroupFromDCSbyName(gName)
+--	local mxData = cfxMX.getGroupFromDCSbyName(gName)
+	local mxData = cfxMX.groupDataByName[gName] -- performance 
+	if mxData then mxData = dcsCommon.clone(mxData) end 
 	for idx, theUnit in pairs (mxData.units) do 
 		liveries[theUnit.name] = theUnit.livery_id
 	end 
@@ -136,8 +138,9 @@ function impostors.getRawDataFromGroupNamed(gName)
 		ir.y = up.z -- !!! warning! 
 		-- see if any zones are linked to this unit 
 		ir.linkedZones = cfxZones.zonesLinkedToUnit(theUnit)
-		
+		if theUnit:getLife() > 1 then 
 			table.insert(rawUnits, ir)
+		end
 		ctry = theUnit:getCountry()
 	end
 	rawGroup.ctry = ctry 
@@ -161,21 +164,15 @@ function impostors.createImpostorWithZone(theZone) -- has "impostor?"
 		theZone.reanimateFlag = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "reanimate?", "*<none>")
 		theZone.lastReanimateValue = cfxZones.getFlagValue(theZone.reanimateFlag, theZone)
 	end 
-	
-	-- watchflag:
-	-- triggerMethod
 	theZone.impostorTriggerMethod = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "triggerMethod", "change")
-	
 	if cfxZones.hasProperty(theZone, "impostorTriggerMethod") then 
 		theZone.impostorTriggerMethod = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "impostorTriggerMethod", "change")
 	end
  
---	local localGroups = impostors.allGroupsInZoneByData(theZone)  
 	theZone.groupNames = cfxZones.allGroupNamesInZone(theZone)
 	theZone.impostor = false -- we have not yet turned units into impostors
 	theZone.myImpostors = {} 
 	theZone.origin = cfxZones.getPoint(theZone) -- save reference point for all groupVectors 
-
 	theZone.onStart = cfxZones.getBoolFromZoneProperty(theZone, "onStart", false) 
 	
 	-- blinking
@@ -207,7 +204,6 @@ function impostors.createImpostorWithZone(theZone) -- has "impostor?"
 	-- we end with group replaced by impostors 
 end
 
-
 -- 
 -- Spawning
 --
@@ -230,6 +226,9 @@ function impostors.turnGroupsIntoImpostors(theZone)
 		end 
 		local aGroup = Group.getByName(gName)
 		if aGroup and gName then 
+			if theZone.verbose then 
+				trigger.action.outText("impostoring group <" .. gName .. ">", 30)
+			end 
 			-- record unit data to create impostors
 			local rawData, cat, ctry = impostors.getRawDataFromGroupNamed(gName)
 			-- if we are tracking the group, remove it from tracker 
@@ -241,8 +240,6 @@ function impostors.turnGroupsIntoImpostors(theZone)
 			-- we may do some book-keeping first for the 
 			-- names. we'll see later 
 			Group.destroy(aGroup)
---			local rawData, cat, ctry = cfxMX.getGroupFromDCSbyName(gName)
---			local origID = rawData.groupId -- may be redundant 
 			-- now spawn impostors based on the rawData, 
 			-- and return impostorGroup
 			local impostorGroup = impostors.spawnImpostorsFromData(rawData, cat, ctry) 
@@ -303,12 +300,22 @@ function impostors.spawnGroupsFromImpostor(theZone)
 	for idx, groupName in pairs(theZone.groupNames) do 
 		-- get my group data from MX based on my name 
 		-- we get from MX so we get all path and order info 
-		local rawData, cat, ctry = cfxMX.getGroupFromDCSbyName(groupName)
+--		local rawData, cat, ctry = cfxMX.getGroupFromDCSbyName(groupName)
+		local rawData = cfxMX.groupDataByName[groupName]
+		if rawData then rawData = dcsCommon.clone(rawData) end 
+		local cat = cfxMX.groupCatByName[groupName]
+		local ctry = cfxMX.countryByName[groupName]
 		local impostorGroup = theZone.myImpostors[groupName]
 		local relinkZones = {}
 		-- now iterate all units in that group, and remove their impostors
 		for idy, theUnit in pairs(rawData.units) do 
+			if theUnit and theUnit.name then 
 				local impName = impostorGroup[theUnit.name]
+				if not impName then 
+					if theZone.verbose then 
+						trigger.action.outText("group <" .. groupName .. ">: no impostor for <" .. theUnit.name .. ">", 30)
+					end 
+				else 
 					local impStat = StaticObject.getByName(impName)
 					if impStat and impStat:isExist() and impStat:getLife() > 1 then 
 						-- still alive. read x, y and heading 
@@ -327,6 +334,8 @@ function impostors.spawnGroupsFromImpostor(theZone)
 						impStat:destroy()
 					end
 				end
+			end
+		end
 		
 		-- destroy impostor info 
 		theZone.myImpostors[groupName] = nil 
@@ -335,7 +344,8 @@ function impostors.spawnGroupsFromImpostor(theZone)
 		-- now create the group 
 		if theZone.blinkTime <= 0 then 
 			-- immediate spawn
-			local newGroup = coalition.addGroup(ctry, cfxMX.catText2ID(cat), rawData)
+			--local newGroup = coalition.addGroup(ctry, cfxMX.catText2ID(cat), rawData)
+			local newGroup = coalition.addGroup(ctry, cat, rawData)
 			impostors.relinkZonesForGroup(relinkZones, newGroup)
 			if theZone.trackWith and groupTracker.addGroupToTrackerNamed then 
 				-- add these groups to the group tracker 
@@ -349,7 +359,7 @@ function impostors.spawnGroupsFromImpostor(theZone)
 			theZone.blinkCount = theZone.blinkCount + 1 -- so healthcheck avoids false positives
 			local args = {}
 			args.ctry = ctry 
-			args.cat = cfxMX.catText2ID(cat)
+			args.cat = cat -- cfxMX.catText2ID(cat)
 			args.rawData = rawData
 			args.theZone = theZone 
 			args.relinkZones = relinkZones
@@ -384,12 +394,6 @@ function impostors.delayedSpawn(args)
 	local newGroup = coalition.addGroup(ctry, cat, rawData)
 	impostors.relinkZonesForGroup(relinkZones, newGroup)
 
-	if newGroup then 
---		trigger.action.outText("+++ipst: SUCCESS!!! Spawned group <" .. newGroup:getName() .. "> for impostor <" .. rawData.name .. ">", 30)
-	else 
-		trigger.action.outText("+++ipst: failed to spawn group for impostor <" .. rawData.name .. ">", 30)
-	end
-
 	if theZone.trackWith and groupTracker.addGroupToTrackerNamed then 
 		-- add these groups to the group tracker 
 		if theZone.verbose or impostors.verbose then 
@@ -409,7 +413,6 @@ function impostors.delayedCleanup(deadUnits)
 		end 
 	end
 end
-
 -- 
 -- healthCheck
 --
@@ -502,8 +505,6 @@ function impostors.update()
 		end
 	end
 end
-
-
 --
 -- start 
 -- 

modules/persistence.lua

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 persistence = {}
-persistence.version = "3.0.1"
+persistence.version = "3.0.2"
 persistence.ups = 1 -- once every 1 seconds 
 persistence.verbose = false 
 persistence.active = false 
@@ -22,6 +22,8 @@ persistence.requiredLibs = {
 	        API cleanup 
 			shared text data "flase" typo corrected (no impact)
 			code cleanup 
+	3.0.2 - more logging 
+	        vardump to log possible 
 			
 	PROVIDES LOAD/SAVE ABILITY TO MODULES
 	PROVIDES STANDALONE/HOSTED SERVER COMPATIBILITY
@@ -165,12 +167,17 @@ function persistence.saveText(theString, fileName, shared, append)
 end
 
 function persistence.saveTable(theTable, fileName, shared, append)
+	net.log("persistence: enter saveTable")
+
 	if not persistence.active then return false end 
 	if not fileName then return false end
 	if not theTable then return false end 
 	if not shared then shared = false end 
 
+	net.log("persistence: before json conversion")
 	local theString = net.lua2json(theTable)
+	net.log("persistence: json conversion complete")
+
 	if not theString then theString = "" end 
 	local path = persistence.missionDir .. fileName
 	if shared then 
@@ -178,6 +185,7 @@ function persistence.saveTable(theTable, fileName, shared, append)
 		path = persistence.sharedDir .. fileName .. ".txt" 
 	end
 	
+	net.log("persistence: will now open file at path <" .. path .. ">")
 	local theFile = nil 
 	if append then 
 		theFile = io.open(path, "a")
@@ -187,8 +195,11 @@ function persistence.saveTable(theTable, fileName, shared, append)
 	if not theFile then 
 		return false 
 	end
+	net.log("persistence: will now write file")
 	theFile:write(theString)
+	net.log("persistence: will now close file")
 	theFile:close()
+	net.log("persistence: will now exit saveTable")
 	return true 
 end
 
@@ -310,6 +321,35 @@ function persistence.missionStartDataLoad()
 
 end
 
+--
+-- logging data
+--
+function persistence.logTable(key, value, prefix, inrecursion)
+	local comma = ""
+	if inrecursion then 
+		if tonumber(key) then key = '[' .. key .. ']' else key = '["' .. key .. '"]' end
+		comma = ","
+	end 
+	if not value then value = false end -- not NIL!
+	if not prefix then prefix = "" else prefix = "\t" .. prefix end
+	if type(value) == "table" then -- recursively write a table
+		net.log(prefix .. key .. " = \n" .. prefix .. "{\n")
+		for k,v in pairs (value) do -- iterate all kvp
+			persistence.logTable(k, v, prefix, true)
+		end
+		net.log(prefix .. "}" .. comma .. " -- end of " .. key .. "\n")
+	elseif type(value) == "boolean" then 
+		local b = "false"
+		if value then b = "true" end
+		net.log(prefix .. key .. " = " .. b .. comma .. "\n")
+	elseif type(value) == "string" then -- quoted string, WITH proccing
+		value = string.gsub(value, "\\", "\\\\") -- escape "\" to "\\", others ignored, possibly conflict with \n
+		value = string.gsub(value, string.char(10), "\\" .. string.char(10)) -- 0A --> "\"0A
+		net.log(prefix .. key .. ' = "' .. value .. '"' .. comma .. "\n")
+	else -- simple var, show contents, ends recursion
+		net.log(prefix .. key .. " = " .. value .. comma .. "\n")
+	end
+end
 --
 -- MAIN DATA WRITE
 --
@@ -342,9 +382,10 @@ function persistence.saveMissionData()
 		
 	-- now handle flags 
 	myData["persistence.flagData"] = persistence.collectFlagData()
-	
+	net.log("persistence: --- START of module-individual save")
 	-- now handle all other modules 
 	for moduleName, callbacks in pairs(persistence.callbacks) do
+		net.log("persistence: invoking save for module " .. moduleName)
 		local moduleData, sharedName = callbacks.persistData()
 		if moduleData then 
 			if sharedName then -- save into shared bucket
@@ -358,18 +399,30 @@ function persistence.saveMissionData()
 			if persistence.verbose then 
 				trigger.action.outText("+++persistence: gathered data from <" .. moduleName .. ">", 30)
 			end
+			net.log("persistence: got data for module: " .. moduleName)
+			--persistence.logTable(moduleName, moduleData)
+			--net.log("persistence: performing json conversion test for myData")
+			--local theString = net.lua2json(myData)
+			--net.log("persistence: json conversion success!")
 		else 
 			if persistence.verbose then 
 				trigger.action.outText("+++persistence: NO DATA gathered data from <" .. moduleName .. ">, module returned NIL", 30)
 			end
 		end 
+		net.log("persistence: completed save for module " .. moduleName)
 	end
+	net.log("persistence: --- END of module-individual save")
 	
 	-- now save data to file 
+	net.log("persistence: will now invoke main saveTable")
 	persistence.saveTable(myData, persistence.saveFileName)
+	net.log("persistence: returned from main save table")
 
 	-- now save all shared name data as separate files 
+	net.log("persistence: will  now iterate shares")
 	for shareName, data in pairs (allSharedData) do 
+		net.log("persistence: share " .. shareName)
+
 		-- save into shared folder, by name that was returned from callback
 		-- read what was saved, and replace changed key/values from data
 		local shFile =  persistence.sharedDir .. shareName .. ".txt"
@@ -384,12 +437,15 @@ function persistence.saveMissionData()
 		
 		persistence.saveTable(theData, shareName, true) -- true --> shared
 	end 
+	net.log("persistence: done iterating shares")
+
 end
 
 --
 -- UPDATE 
 --
 function persistence.doSaveMission()
+	net.log("persistence: start doSaveMission")
 	-- main save entry, also from API 
 	if persistence.verbose then 
 		trigger.action.outText("+++persistence: starting save", 30)
@@ -407,6 +463,7 @@ function persistence.doSaveMission()
 	if persistence.saveNotification then 
 		trigger.action.outText("+++persistence: mission saved to\n" .. persistence.missionDir .. persistence.saveFileName, 30)
 	end
+	net.log("persistence: DONE doSaveMission")
 end
 
 function persistence.noteCleanRestart()

modules/playerScore.lua

@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ cfxPlayerScore.firstSave = true -- to force overwrite
 	3.3.0 - case INsensitivity for all typeScore objects 
 	3.3.1 - fixes for DCS oddity in events after update 
 		  - cleanup 
+		  
 	TODO: Kill event no longer invoked for map objetcs, attribute 
 	      to faction now, reverse invocation direction with PlayerScore 
 --]]--

modules/sweeper.lua

@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ function sweeper.readSweeperZone(theZone)
 end
 
 function sweeper.update()
+	net.log("sweeper: begin update") 
 	timer.scheduleFunction(sweeper.update, {}, timer.getTime() + sweeper.interval)
 	local toKill = {}
 	local newFlights = {}
@@ -105,6 +106,8 @@ function sweeper.update()
 	
 	-- remember new list, forget old 
 	sweeper.flights = newFlights
+	net.log("sweeper: end update") 
+
 end
 
 function sweeper.readConfig()

server modules/tcliGUI.lua

@@ -0,0 +1,355 @@
+tcli = {}
+tcli.version = "1.1.0"
+
+--[[--
+	Tickle - a tiny DCS admin CLI (c) 2024 by Christian "CFrag" Franz 
+	
+	Version History
+	1.1.0 	- endTime init to very, very late 
+			- more mission begin load logging 
+			- stronger guards for onXXX
+			- "-shuffle" and "-sequence" commands 
+			- better -? response
+			- drove sample time up to 50 seconds between scans
+			- "-cycle" command
+--]]--
+
+tcli.myConfig = lfs.writedir() .. "Missions\\" .. "tcli.config"
+tcli.serverCfgPath = lfs.writedir() .. "Config\\" .. "serverSettings.lua"
+tcli.lastTime = -1 
+local config = {}
+config.mark = "-"
+config.admins = {} -- who is allowed to command
+config.cycleTime = -1 -- no cycles, auto miz change off 
+table.insert(config.admins, "xk76hkl@01") -- some silly user names.  
+table.insert(config.admins, "%tgJsgRG1<") -- change to your own in the config file that is created in Missions AFTER DCS starts up
+tcli.config = config
+	
+-- utils
+function tcli.hasFile(path) --check if file exists at path
+    local attr = lfs.attributes(path) 
+	if attr then return true, attr.mode	end 	
+	return false
+end
+
+function tcli.loadFile(path)
+	if not path then return nil end
+	local theFile = io.open(path, "r") 
+	if not theFile then return nil end
+	local t = theFile:read("*a")
+	theFile:close()
+	return t 
+end 
+
+function tcli.loadData(path) -- load file as lua table, full path in fileName
+	local t = tcli.loadFile(path)
+	if not t then return nil end 
+	local d = net.json2lua(t)
+	return d
+end
+
+function tcli.saveData(path, theData) -- save theData (table) as json text file
+	if not theData then return false end 
+	local theString = net.lua2json(theData)
+	if not theString then theString = "" end 	
+	local theFile = nil 
+	theFile = io.open(path, "w") -- overwrite 
+	if not theFile then return false end
+	theFile:write(theString)
+	theFile:close()
+	return true 
+end
+
+function tcli.nameInTable(name, T)
+	for idx, aName in pairs(T) do 
+		if name == aName then return true end
+	end
+	return false 
+end
+
+-- save a lua table to file 
+function tcli.saveLuaTable(path, theTable, theName)
+	local theFile = nil 
+	theFile = io.open(path, "w") -- overwrite
+	tcli.writeTable(theFile, theName, theTable)
+	theFile:write("\n-- tickled by tcli")
+	theFile:close()
+end
+
+function tcli.writeTable(theFile, key, value, prefix, inrecursion)
+	local comma = ""
+	if inrecursion then 
+		if tonumber(key) then key = '[' .. key .. ']' else key = '["' .. key .. '"]' end
+		comma = ","
+	end 
+	if not value then value = false end -- not NIL!
+	if not prefix then prefix = "" else prefix = "\t" .. prefix end
+	if type(value) == "table" then -- recursively write a table
+		theFile:write(prefix .. key .. " = \n" .. prefix .. "{\n")
+		for k,v in pairs (value) do -- iterate all kvp
+			tcli.writeTable(theFile, k, v, prefix, true)
+		end
+		theFile:write(prefix .. "}" .. comma .. " -- end of " .. key .. "\n")
+	elseif type(value) == "boolean" then 
+		local b = "false"
+		if value then b = "true" end
+		theFile:write(prefix .. key .. " = " .. b .. comma .. "\n")
+	elseif type(value) == "string" then -- quoted string, WITH proccing
+		value = string.gsub(value, "\\", "\\\\") -- escape "\" to "\\", others ignored, possibly conflict with \n
+		value = string.gsub(value, string.char(10), "\\" .. string.char(10)) -- 0A --> "\"0A
+		theFile:write(prefix .. key .. ' = "' .. value .. '"' .. comma .. "\n")
+	else -- simple var, show contents, ends recursion
+		theFile:write(prefix .. key .. " = " .. value .. comma .. "\n")
+	end
+end
+	
+-- CLI for admins --
+function tcli.adminCall(playerID, line) -- returns string
+	-- break line into space-delimited commands 
+	local cmd = {}
+	local sep = " "
+    for str in string.gmatch(line, "([^"..sep.."]+)") do
+		table.insert(cmd, str)
+    end
+	if #cmd < 1 then return "adm: input error" end 
+	local c = cmd[1]
+	if c then c = string.upper(c) end 
+	if c == "?" then return tcli.help() end 
+	if c == "NEXT" then return tcli.nextMission() end 
+	if c == "PREV" or c == "PREVIOUS" then return tcli.previousMission() end
+	if c == "RANDOM" then return tcli.randomMission() end 
+	if c == "RESTART" then return tcli.restartMission() end 
+	if c == "PAUSE" then return tcli.pauseMission(true) end 
+	if c == "PLAY" then return tcli.pauseMission(false) end 
+	if c == "CYCLETIME" then return tcli.cycleTime(cmd[2]) end 
+	if c == "SHUFFLE" then return tcli.shuffle() end 
+	if c == "SEQ" or c == "SEQUENCE" then return tcli.unshuffle() end 
+	if c == "CYCLE" then return tcli.cycleNow() end  
+	return "cli: unknown command <" .. c .. ">"
+end
+
+function tcli.help()
+	local cycleStatus = "Disabled automatic mission change"
+	if not tcli.config.cycleTime then tcli.config.cycleTime = -1 end 
+	if	tcli.config.cycleTime >= 1 then
+		local now = DCS.getModelTime()
+		if not tcli.endTime then tcli.endTime = 99999999 end 
+		local remains = tcli.endTime - now  	
+		cycleStatus = "AUTOMATIC MISSION CHANGE EVERY " .. tcli.config.cycleTime .. " MINUTES, " .. tcli.num2ms(remains) .. " MMM:SS remaining"		
+	end 
+	if tcli.cfg.listShuffle then cycleStatus = cycleStatus .. ", shuffle ON" else cycleStatus = cycleStatus .. ", NO shuffle" end 
+	local s = "CLI v" .. tcli.version .. ": -? (help), -next, -previous, -restart, -random, -cycle, -pause, -play, -cycleTime, -shuffle, -sequence"
+	s = s .. "                                                       " .. cycleStatus
+	return s
+end
+
+function tcli.getMsnIndex()
+	local curr = DCS.getMissionFilename( ) -- gets full path
+	for x, msn in pairs(tcli.cfg.missionList) do 
+		if msn == curr then return x end
+	end
+	return 1
+end
+
+function tcli.nextMission() -- automatically loops if on last 
+	if #tcli.cfg.missionList < 2 then 
+		return xli.restartMission() 
+	end
+	local idx = tcli.getMsnIndex() + 1 
+	if idx > #tcli.cfg.missionList then idx = 1 end 
+	local new = tcli.cfg.missionList[idx]
+	tcli.cfg.listStartIndex = idx
+	tcli.cfg.lastSelectedMission = new
+	tcli.saveLuaTable(tcli.serverCfgPath, tcli.cfg, "cfg")
+	net.log("tcli: Starting next mission in sequence: <" .. new .. ">.")
+	net.load_mission(new)
+	return "Loading next mission (" .. new .. ")."
+end 
+
+function tcli.previousMission() -- automatically loops if on first 
+	if #tcli.cfg.missionList < 2 then 
+		return xli.restartMission() 
+	end
+	local idx = tcli.getMsnIndex() - 1 
+	if idx < 1 then idx = #tcli.cfg.missionList end 
+	local new = tcli.cfg.missionList[idx]
+	tcli.cfg.listStartIndex = idx
+	tcli.cfg.lastSelectedMission = new
+	tcli.saveLuaTable(tcli.serverCfgPath, tcli.cfg, "cfg")
+	net.log("tcli: Starting previous mission in sequence: <" .. new .. ">.")
+	net.load_mission(new)
+	return "Loading previous mission (" .. new .. ")."
+end 
+
+function tcli.restartMission()
+	local curr = DCS.getMissionFilename()
+	net.load_mission(curr)
+	return "re-starting mission (" .. curr .. ")"
+end
+
+function tcli.randomMission()
+	if #tcli.cfg.missionList < 2 then return xli.restartMission() end
+	local curr = DCS.getMissionFilename() -- gets full path
+	local count = 0 
+	local new 
+	local pick 
+	repeat
+		pick = math.random(1, #tcli.cfg.missionList)
+		new = tcli.cfg.missionList[pick]
+		count = count + 1
+	until (count > 20) or (new ~= curr)
+	if count > 20 then return "mission picker error" end 
+	tcli.cfg.listStartIndex = pick
+	tcli.cfg.lastSelectedMission = new
+	tcli.saveLuaTable(tcli.serverCfgPath, tcli.cfg, "cfg")
+	net.log("tcli: Starting random mission: <" .. new .. ">.")
+	net.load_mission(new)
+	return "Starting random mission: " .. new 
+end
+
+function tcli.pauseMission(doPause) 
+	DCS.setPause(doPause)
+	if doPause then return "Pausing Mission" end 
+	return "Mission continues" 
+end
+
+function tcli.num2ms(num)
+	mins = math.floor(num / 60)
+	sec = math.floor(num%60) 
+	return string.format("%03d", mins) .. ":" .. string.format("%02d", sec)
+end
+
+function tcli.cycleTime(param)
+	if not param then 
+		if tcli.config.cycleTime and tcli.config.cycleTime >= 1 then 
+			local now = DCS.getModelTime()
+		    local remains = tcli.endTime - now 
+			return "AUTOMATIC MISSION CHANGE AFTER " .. tcli.config.cycleTime .. " MINUTES -- now scheduled in " .. tcli.num2ms(remains) .. " MMM:SS" 
+		end
+		return "DIASBLED automatic mission change"
+	end
+	local num = tonumber(param)
+	if not num then num = -1 end 
+	tcli.config.cycleTime = num
+	tcli.saveData(tcli.myConfig, tcli.config)
+	if num >= 1 then tcli.endTime = tcli.config.cycleTime * 60
+	else tcli.endTime = 0 end 
+	if num >= 1 then return "ENABLED automatic mission change after " .. tcli.config.cycleTime .. " minutes" end 
+	return "Turned OFF automatic mission change"
+end
+
+function tcli.shuffle()
+	tcli.cfg.listShuffle = true 
+	tcli.saveLuaTable(tcli.serverCfgPath, tcli.cfg, "cfg")
+	return "Mission order is now randomized (shuffled)"
+end	
+
+function tcli.unshuffle()
+	tcli.cfg.listShuffle = false 
+	tcli.saveLuaTable(tcli.serverCfgPath, tcli.cfg, "cfg")
+	return "Missions now play in sequence"
+end
+
+function tcli.cycleNow()
+	if tcli.cfg.listShuffle then -- randomized playlist 
+		tcli.randomMission()
+		return "Immediately cyling to random mission."
+	end  -- next, will loop 
+	tcli.nextMission()
+	return "Immediately cycling to next mission."
+end 
+--
+-- CLI MAIN ENTRY, command in message 
+--
+function tcli.onPlayerTrySendChat(playerID, message, all )
+	if not DCS.isServer() then return end 
+	if not DCS.isMultiplayer() then return end 
+	local name = net.get_player_info(playerID, 'name')
+	-- check to see if message starts with cli mark 
+	local i, j = string.find(message, tcli.config.mark, 1, true)
+	if i == 1 then -- line starts with cli prompt
+		if tcli.nameInTable(name, tcli.config.admins) then
+			message = message:sub(1 + #tcli.config.mark)
+			local msg = tcli.adminCall(playerID, message)
+			net.send_chat_to(msg, playerID) -- player only 
+			return "" -- while line output 
+		end 
+	end 
+end 
+
+function tcli.getServerConfig()
+	-- load/update server config into cfg 
+	local s = tcli.loadFile(tcli.serverCfgPath)
+	net.log("tcli: loaded server config file: " .. s)
+	cfg = nil -- nil before loadString 
+	f = loadstring(s)
+	f() -- define conf so we have access to serverconfig 
+	if cfg then tcli.cfg = cfg end 
+end
+
+function tcli.onMissionLoadBegin() -- reload to avoid DCS restart
+	if not DCS.isServer() then return end 
+	if not DCS.isMultiplayer() then return end 
+	tcli.getServerConfig() -- update current list of missions 
+	tcli.lastTime = 0
+	tcli.hasWarned5 = false 
+	tcli.hasWarned1 = false 
+	tcli.endTime = 99999999 -- very, very late 
+	local d  = tcli.loadData(tcli.myConfig) -- update config 
+	if d then tcli.config = d end
+	if tcli.config.cycleTime and tcli.config.cycleTime >= 1 then
+		tcli.endTime = tcli.config.cycleTime * 60 -- in minutes!
+	end 
+	net.log("tcli: Mission <" ..  DCS.getMissionName() .. ">: Mission Load Begin - Inited tcli.endTime to <" .. tcli.endTime .. ">.")
+end
+
+function tcli.update()
+	local now = DCS.getModelTime()
+	-- if cycle time is enabled, we check if we need to advance the Mission
+	if tcli.config.cycleTime and tcli.config.cycleTime >= 1 then 
+		local remains = tcli.endTime - now 
+		-- warning broadcasts
+		if not tcli.hasWarned5 and remains < 5 * 60 then 
+			net.send_chat("THIS MISSION ENDS IN 5 MINUTES", true)
+			tcli.hasWarned5 = true 
+		end
+		if not tcli.hasWarned1 and remains < 60 then 
+			net.send_chat("THIS MISSION ENDS IN 1 MINUTE", true)
+			tcli.hasWarned1 = true 
+		end
+		if remains < 0 then 
+			if tcli.cfg.listShuffle then -- randomized playlist 
+				tcli.randomMission()
+			else  -- next, will loop 
+				tcli.nextMission()
+			end 
+		end
+	end
+end
+
+function tcli.onSimulationFrame()
+	if not DCS.isServer() then return end 
+	if not DCS.isMultiplayer() then return end 
+	-- every 50 seconds we do an update. not during pause!
+	if tcli.lastTime + 50 < DCS.getModelTime() then
+		tcli.update()
+		tcli.lastTime = DCS.getModelTime()
+	end
+end 
+
+-- start up 
+if tcli.hasFile(tcli.myConfig) then 
+	local d  = tcli.loadData(tcli.myConfig)
+	if d then 
+		tcli.config = d
+		net.log("tcli: successfuly read existing config file") 
+	else 
+		net.log("tcli: ERROR LOADING CONFIG FILE. DELETE AND TRY AGAIN.")
+	end 
+else 
+	tcli.saveData(tcli.myConfig, tcli.config)
+	net.log("tcli: created new tcli config file.")
+end 
+
+-- hook into dcs server 
+DCS.setUserCallbacks(tcli)