Spell Timer App

[salimoneus]

I'm looking to possibly write a spell timer app, which would be triggered off spell messages from reading the live log file. I wanted to get some feedback from people who may be using an existing app, or who have thoughts on how one might be created. I realize there are several out there already, so I'm also trying to figure out how most of those work and if it's even worth the trouble to write yet another one.

My main motivation for this is for use as a buff timer, but it would also be useful for things like mez and other debuffs or cc as well.

I'm thinking the obvious way to auto-start a timer for a particular spell would be to read the live log file. Is there any sort of database or list out there that has a breakdown of spell names and cast messages?

Regarding the expiring of timers, is it true that the logs can also be used to determine when a spell fades? It seems like this method may not be full proof though since it requires being in fairly close proximity to the player or mob, and maybe not all spells will give a fade message? And thinking on it a bit more, fade messages probably aren't ideal for buffs anyway because you normally want to refresh before a fade. It seems like just using fixed timers here would work better, although this may have some issues as well since some spell timers are level and stats based. I'm sure a standard minimum value could just be used to solve that though.

Hmm, I also just got the idea for this to be a learning app, where you cast a spell, it captures the cast message and adds that spell to the database. Spells could be added and configured while you are playing, not requiring any extra editing of a spell database file or having to know exact cast messages.

Any thoughts or comments are appreciated.