Well i understand that template mods require code to go in a certain location, and that there is no way to tell the code where to go via XML file.

But wouldnt it be possible for the Jelsoft crew to code a system where it marks line numbers in the templates, and you could then tell the XML file to insert template mod code into x line number.


What would be the problems or advantages of such a system?

since not all users use the default skin bundled with the vb, i guess there wouldn't be much point for this, as each skin has different number of lines.
maybe if it had some search & replace system - it might have been better "global" way, but that isn't "bulletproof" either for some unique custom skins that may have completely new layout that doesn't match to anything from default...

People often tweak their templates which would throw the line numbers out of sync. One possible solution is a phpbb-easymod type one where a search and replace is done.
I think such a system was started for vB but never went anywhere.

One solution currently used is some mods (see Paul M's for example) do a str_replace on the template in the form if str_replace(someCommentInTheTemplate, thisHacksOutput, templateName);

Ah yes, and what Idan just said: custom skins would cause problems even with search replace.

Or if someone decided to move the string that the str replace looks for. IE. the shoutbox hack plus the on all pages addon means that if you remove the: "<!-- / navbar -->" then it will seize to show up.