how can I make minibb to work without a mysql database-> so that it uses just plain files.

how much has to be changed in sourcecode?

I don't think this is possible without a serious update of the script.

guest
a lot :) but i think it's possible :) you need to rewrite function, which located in setup_mysql. in my opinion, someone not newbie in phph can do it easily

2ramil is right: you need to rewrite all functions in setup_mysql.php and make kind of separate module for flat files.

But I could say it's an idea without effect. WHY do you need flatfiles? Your hosting is not allowing to host mySQL? I would say this could be possible only on some kind of free hosting only. And if so, it will cost for you much more to program flatfiles addon else to pay $7-$10/month for the hosting which will allow to set up the forums in a minute...

It was the time when I am myself tried to implement flat-files module, but I stuck at such functions like search or various sorting options of the topics, latest threads for user's profile etc. - any words, anything which requires a specific database indexing. So programming flatfiles module is a very difficult thing I suppose. Basically it means you need to create sort of mini-database.

guest
But I could say it's an idea without effect. WHY do you need flatfiles? Your hosting is not allowing to host mySQL? I would say this could be possible only on some kind of free hosting only. And if so, it will cost for you much more to program flatfiles addon else to pay $7-$10/month for the hosting which will allow to set up the forums in a minute...
Paul's right. You could purchase a good hosting only for 1$ a month, like i did or use for example, http://good-host.net or http://alfaspace.net or http://bbplace.com (hosting for minibb forums)

It's not because of the host does not support mysql, it is supported.
but I want to have it in flat files not in a mysql database..
it's just that I don't want to backup the database seperate, I just want to have one directory which has all in it that is needed for the website.

It's not because of the host does not support mysql, it is supported.
but I want to have it in flat files not in a mysql database..
it's just that I don't want to backup the database seperate, I just want to have one directory which has all in it that is needed for the website.
If you plan to have a big forum, it will slow down the whole thing dramatically. And anyway, you need to backup only your database. You don't need to backup your forum script files too often. Nothing is changed in them. Just have a copy on your PC - that's all.

I agree, creating flat files is like re-inventing the wheel... if you are strong enough to do it, you're welcome, miniBB has necessary interface for that :-) But we're not strong at it at all.