Configuring Shaun Inman's Mint · 323 words posted 09/05/2005 09:27 PM
At first, I was going to title this post “I Love You For the Little Things,” but if you’re a webmaster you’ll soon be drowning in enough cute references to Shuan Inman’s stats package Mint to make you puke your lungs out. (Tip: wait a few days and google mint ajaxy goodness.) Hence the boring title of this post.
But what little things! While installing Mint I encountered two details that should be a part of every app configuration process:
- First, Shaun provides a php file called mint_compatibility.php that you can run on your server to make sure Mint will work with your configuration. You don’t have to hunt for the file; it’s prominently featured on the requirements page. If your server is compatible, Mint lets you know. But if your server isn’t compatible, the file points out the specific problem and suggests that you contact your host if you are still interested in using Mint. I assume Shaun runs a one-man shop. Imagine the number of support emails he eliminates with this one user-friendly page.
- Second, Mint asks you to set the time when you first load the configuration page. I’ve always been baffled by the GMT-x format: why should I care what time it is in England? Instead, Mint simply asks you to select your time from a dropdown list (see screenshot). It’s a relatively common feature in desktop applications, but usually absent from php-based programs.
It’s small, telling details like easy installation and configuration that make an app a pleasure to work with. Great job Shaun. Now if I could just do something about my stats…
Update 09/07/2005: I had to tweak my settings a couple times before I could get the Local Searches working correctly. If you use a default installation of Textpattern set your local search path to ”/” (without the quotes) and set your query to “q” (again, without the quotes).
Update 10/27/05: See also mint ajax goodness.
* * *