jbeam-edit considered features

[webdevred]

1. Summary

This report focuses on features that JBeam modders and the community are most likely to want. It prioritizes enhancements that improve workflow efficiency, reduce errors, and simplify modding of vehicles and other structures in BeamNG.drive.
Each feature includes a priority level and a short description to explain its value. Please make a comment if you in fact would value any of theese points, if I get comments suggesting a feature I will consider implementing it.

2. Priority 1 : Core improvements

1. Mass / Parameter editing

• Description: Allows batch editing of node mass, beam strength, damping, friction, etc. Would potentially be tracked in Transformation roadmap #69
• Why: Saves time and ensures consistency across large JBeam files.
• Priority: 1

2. Beam reference validation

• Description: Checks that all beams reference existing nodes.
• Why: Prevents common structural errors and game crashes.
• Priority: 1

3. Material validation

• Description: Warns about missing, unused, or duplicated material definitions.
• Why: Ensures consistency and prevents rendering or physics issues.
• Priority: 1

4. Auto-Fix for common structural errors

• Description: Automatically corrects bracket placement, missing commas, or other structural issues.
• Why: Reduces manual error correction and speeds up workflow.
• Priority: 1

3. Priority 2 : Workflow enhancements

5. Removal of unused elements

• Description: Identifies and removes orphaned nodes, beams, or unused materials.
• Why: Keeps JBeam files clean and reduces potential errors.
• Priority: 2

6. Auto-Sorting of sections

• Description: Orders nodes, beams, flexbodies, and materials in a logical or user-defined order.
• Why: Improves readability and makes files easier to navigate.
• Priority: 2

7. Generate symmetric opposite nodes

• Description: Creates mirrored nodes for symmetrical vehicle parts automatically. Would potentially be tracked in Transformation roadmap #69
• Why: Speeds up modeling of left/right structures and reduces manual duplication.
• Priority: 2

8. Template-Based geometry generation

• Description: Inserts pre-made node/beam patterns for suspension, frames, or other common structures. Would potentially be tracked in Transformation roadmap #69
• Why: Saves time and promotes consistency in complex models.
• Priority: 2

4. Priority 3 : Advanced features

9. 2D/3D Visualization

• Description: Displays nodes and beams in a 2D or 3D viewport for inspection. This would probably be a side project in c++.
• Why: Allows users to quickly identify structural problems and understand layout.
• Priority: 3

10. Structural analysis tools

• Description: Highlights weak beams, asymmetry, missing diagonals, or unusually long beams.
• Why: Helps modders identify potential physics or stability issues before testing.
• Priority: 3

11. Mesh-to-JBeam helper tools

• Description: Generates nodes and beams from a 3D mesh automatically.
• Why: Reduces manual labor when converting models to JBeam format. Unsure about this one, not sure what input format we would use.
• Priority: 3

12. Range-Based Renaming

• Description: Allows users to rename only a specific range of nodes, beams, or materials (e.g., bfl5 to bfl8) without affecting the rest. See issue Transformation roadmap #69
• Why: Provides fine-grained control for partial structures, making it easier to reorganize or standardize subsets of a vehicle without breaking references elsewhere.
• Priority: 3, will be implemented

[webdevred]

After internal discussion we have decided to focus on point 2, 4 and 12 right now until we get further feedback.