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How Ascendara Works

tago edited this page Sep 2, 2024 · 2 revisions

Overview

Ascendara is designed to simplify the process of downloading and managing games on Windows PCs, particularly for users who are new to the platform. By organizing everything neatly and automating complex steps, Ascendara removes the hassle from game installations.

Architecture and Components

Ascendara is built using a combination of JavaScript, Python, Electron, React, and Next.js. The architecture consists of several key components:

  • Frontend: The React-based UI provides a minimalistic and intuitive interface for users to interact with the application.
  • Backend: Python scripts handle the heavy lifting, such as downloading and installing games. These scripts are compiled into .exe files, which the frontend communicates with.
  • API: Ascendara uses a private API, hosted on a Raspberry Pi, to manage game data. This API is custom-built and handles tasks like fetching game updates and indexing.

Game Installation Process

When a user selects a game to install, Ascendara triggers a Python script that handles the download and installation process. The script automates tasks like extraction and file placement, ensuring that everything is set up correctly with minimal user intervention.

Web Scraper and Game Sources

Ascendara sources its games from a specific provider, with updates and indexing occurring every few weeks. The custom-coded web scraper pulls data from this source, ensuring that users always have access to the latest titles. In the future, there are plans to include more sources in Ascendara.

User Interface

The UI is designed to be simple and user-friendly, allowing even novice users to navigate the application with ease. Users can manage their game library, install new games, and report any issues they encounter via the interface.

Error Handling and Reporting

Ascendara includes built-in mechanisms for error handling. Users can report game issues directly from popups or report bugs through the settings menu, making it easy to communicate problems to the development team.

Future Improvements

As Ascendara continues to grow, there are plans to expand its functionality and add new features. These may include additional game sources, improved UI components, and enhanced backend capabilities. A full development roadmap can be found here