MyBulletinBoard
(Redirected from MyBB)
MyBB is a free bulletin board system software package developed by the MyBB Group. It is written in PHP and licensed as free software under the GNU General Public License.
History
Years ago, Chris Boulton, web34rk and b0ndman started developing XMB. After some time, web34rk and b0ndman left the team and Chris became lead developer of a team with two other developers. Over time, staff shifted again and several developers didn’t like the way things were heading. Together, they forked XMB and created DevBB. DevBB was the predecessor to MyBB, a temporary solution for people to use whilst MyBB was being developed. Development teams changed frequently, but MyBB is still here with Chris Boulton as Product Manager since 2002.
Early MyBB was developed under own proprietary license, but on 12 September 2008 it was moved to GPL v3 license for its code.
Versioning System
Starting from version 1.2.0 MyBB uses a 3-number versioning system x.y.z where x is the major version number, y is the minor version number, and z is the bug fix number.
The major version number is incremented when there is a major change in MyBB, such as a major rewrite of the core.
The minor version number indicates two things. Even numbers (ie. 2, 4, 6, etc) indicate public releases. Odd numbers (ie. 1, 3, 5, etc) indicate that the version is a development (non-public) version.
The bug fix version is incremented every time a security or bugfix patch is released. These patches usually will not contain new major features, but are usually crucial to the security or functionality of your forum.
The version numbers above may overflow from one digit into two digits. For example, after 1.2.9, the next maintenance/security release is 1.2.10.
Whatever the version number is, MyBB will always urge you to upgrade to the latest version (although it is not immediately necessary, you should upgrade within one or two weeks of the release). The main reason for this is for the security of your board. Even the small-looking patches that seem insignificant may save you from having to recover from being attacked by a known security vulnerability.
Release Cycle
Major Releases
Major releases are the ones that increment the major or minor version number (see versioning system above). Usually these will have new features and changes to the database schema, and therefore may break existing customizations on your forum (modifications, plugins, themes, etc). Major releases may also contain security vulnerability patches and bug fixes.
The MyBB Group tries to produce a major release approximately every 6 months, but this cannot be guaranteed due to varying circumstances.
Major releases usually end with a 0 (zero) in the version number (eg. x.y.0 or x.0.0) and usually mark the start of a new “series.”
Minor Releases
Minor releases are produced as necessary in between major releases. They fall into two categories, but may be combined in a release. Customizations (ie. modifications, plugins, themes, etc) generally should be compatible across releases in one series.
Security Vulnerability Patches These are released as often as necessary to fix any known security holes. It is important that these patches be applied to your forum as soon as possible, or your forum’s security may be compromised.
Bug Fix / Maintenance Releases These fix bugs and small errors in the software. These need not be applied as promptly as the security vulnerability patches, but it is recommended and encouraged that you apply these releases once it is convenient.
Features
General Features
Unlimited number of members, forums, posts, threads, attachments, etc.MySQL Fulltext search capabilities (MySQL 4.1+).Customizable via a templates and theme system.Available in multiple languages.Developed in PHP, compatible with MySQL, PostgreSQL and SQLite database servers.
Member Features
User control panel.Custom profiles and settings per user.Custom profile fields.Private messaging system with tracking and multiple folders.Reputation system.Signatures, avatars, buddy and ignore lists and forum subscriptions.
Posting Features
Attach multiple files to a single post.Automatic thumbnail generation for attached images.Clickable smilies and BB Code.Quick moderation options for moderators.Email notification of new posts.Create polls with multiple options and attach them to threads.Multi-quote (quote multiple posts in one reply).
Thread Display Features
Threaded or linear viewing modes.View a printable version of any thread.Subscribe to threads or add them to a favorite threads list.Send threads to others via email.Quick reply.Report posts to moderators.
Moderation Features
Management of moderator’s permissions.Logging of all moderation activities.Open, close, stick and unstick threads.Move, copy merge or split threads.Inline moderation.Customizable moderation options.
Administration Features
Manage forum announcements.Manage permissions (Usergroups, forums, administrators and moderators).Manage smilies, custom BB code, post icons, bad word filters etc.User management.User Banning (IP address, email address, username or timed).Maintenance tasks.
Miscellaneous
Who’s online list.Event based calendar with private and public events.Customizable F.A.Q.Members listing and member profile views.List of the forum moderation staff.Forum statistics page.