What do you prefer: scripts or applications?

[Asmor]

I'm thinking about writing a program to randomly generate a town, including a breakdown of all the NPCs by level.

Would you prefer a script (specifically, javascript/html) or an application (specifically, using the .Net framework)?

Script:
+Truly cross-platform, runs on anything with a web browser
+Easier to customize actual code
+No security concerns
-Somewhat limited
-More difficult to customize datasets

Application:
+Sexier (imho)
+Easier to customize datasets
+More features (saving, exporting, etc)
-Most likely only runs on windows
-Possible security concerns about running an executable from some sleazebag on the internet (i.e. me)
-Impossible to modify code

 

[dpmcalister]

I'd prefer a script because I could then put it onto my localhost server and run it from there (along with my HTML copy of the SRD)

 

[Mercule]

Applications. By a mile.

Plus, there's always Mono for cross-platform goodness.

 

[Asmor]

Applications. By a mile.

Plus, there's always Mono for cross-platform goodness.

May I ask why you prefer applications?

 

[Vascant]

Both, applications created with the ability to write scripts to extend them.

There are a few such applications already created that do this very thing, TableSmith comes to mind. NPC Designer can do exactly what you're talking about as well except not only can you give the NPC with a breakdown by level you could even include the entire stat block or even a completely unique stat block you have created just for your town generator.

 

[evildmguy]

Application with editable parameters, in XML or text or something similar.

I want an application because I think they look better. Further, I would like to be able to edit what the program uses as its input to suit my tastes better.

That's just me.

edg

 

[Edheldur]

Personally, I prefer scripts for random generation (and I've already written a number of them for my homebrew).

 

[DMFTodd]

I prefer Tablesmith which already does this.

 

[Nifft]

Use Python! Cross-platform yet easy to read.

Cheers, -- N

 

[Ilium]

Script please. Asmor is my JavaScript hero.