How do I install CastleDB on Windows?

Download the Windows x64 zip file from the CastleDB website, extract it, and run the executable. For the NWJS package, you need to download NWJS separately and place package.nw in the nwjs directory, as per the download instructions.

CastleDB vs Tiled for level editing: which is better?

CastleDB is better for structured data management with relational references and version control, while Tiled is specialized for tile-based map editing. Choose CastleDB if you need spreadsheet-like editing for game assets like items and monsters with validation.

Can I use CastleDB with Git for team collaboration?

Yes, CastleDB uses newline-formatted JSON files that are diff-friendly, making it easy to track changes and merge conflicts using Git. This allows local experiments before committing, as described in the collaboration section.

How to export data from CastleDB to use in my game?

CastleDB stores data directly in JSON format, so you can simply load the .json file from the storage location. No export step is needed; the file is ready to be parsed by any programming language with JSON support.

Is CastleDB suitable for managing item databases in RPG games?

Yes, CastleDB is ideal for RPG item databases due to its structured model, relational references, and validation features. It allows easy management of attributes like names, descriptions, and effects in a spreadsheet-like interface.

What programming languages can load CastleDB JSON files?

Since CastleDB outputs standard JSON files, any programming language with JSON parsing support can load the data, such as JavaScript, Python, Java, or C#. This makes it versatile for integration into various game engines or applications.

How to customize the data model in CastleDB?

In the editor, you can define sheets and columns with specific types and references through the GUI. The model is stored in the JSON file and can be edited directly for advanced customization, ensuring data validation and ease of use.

CastleDB — Structured Database & Level Editor

What is CastleDB?

CastleDB is a structured database and level editor that provides a local web application for editing static data, such as game assets like items and monsters. It replaces XML or JSON files by offering a spreadsheet-like interface with data validation and relational references, storing everything in an easily readable JSON format.

Target Audience

Game developers and teams needing to manage structured static data, such as item properties, monster attributes, or level designs, with an emphasis on collaboration and version control.

Value Proposition

Developers choose CastleDB for its combination of a familiar spreadsheet interface with robust data modeling, local editing capabilities, and seamless integration with version control systems for efficient collaboration.

A structured database with a local web service to edit it

Use Cases

Best For

Managing game assets like items, monsters, and their attributes in a structured way
Replacing XML or JSON files for static data storage with a visual editor
Collaborating on data editing with version control systems like Git or SVN
Validating and referencing relational data across different sheets
Experimenting with data changes locally before committing to a repository
Creating and editing level designs with structured data models

Not Ideal For

Projects requiring real-time collaborative editing with multiple concurrent users
Dynamic applications with frequent data updates needing live database connections
Large-scale systems requiring robust database features like transactions and scalability

Pros & Cons

Pros

Spreadsheet-like Interface

Provides a familiar spreadsheet editor with data validation, making it easy for users to input and manage structured data, as shown in the README screenshot and description.

Version Control Integration

Uses newline-formatted JSON to enable diffing and merging with Git or SVN, facilitating collaboration and local experimentation before committing changes, as highlighted in the collaboration section.

Local and Offline Capable

Changes are made locally, allowing for offline editing and controlled updates without relying on internet connectivity, unlike online spreadsheet editors that require constant access.

Relational Data References

Allows columns to reference rows from other sheets, simplifying data relationships and validation, as described in the data model section for easing user input.

Cons

Legacy Editor

The editor in this repository is legacy and has been rewritten for HIDE, meaning it may not receive future updates or support, as noted in the important note at the top of the README.

Complex Setup for Customization

Compiling from sources requires installing Haxe and dependencies, and running it needs NWJS, which adds overhead compared to simple binary downloads, making initial setup more involved.

Static Data Focus

Designed primarily for managing static data, so it lacks features for real-time data updates or dynamic database operations, limiting its use in live or transactional applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CastleDB?

Target Audience

Game developers and teams needing to manage structured static data, such as item properties, monster attributes, or level designs, with an emphasis on collaboration and version control.

Value Proposition

Use Cases

Best For

Managing game assets like items, monsters, and their attributes in a structured way
Replacing XML or JSON files for static data storage with a visual editor
Collaborating on data editing with version control systems like Git or SVN
Validating and referencing relational data across different sheets
Experimenting with data changes locally before committing to a repository
Creating and editing level designs with structured data models

Not Ideal For

Projects requiring real-time collaborative editing with multiple concurrent users
Dynamic applications with frequent data updates needing live database connections
Large-scale systems requiring robust database features like transactions and scalability

Pros & Cons

Pros

Spreadsheet-like Interface

Provides a familiar spreadsheet editor with data validation, making it easy for users to input and manage structured data, as shown in the README screenshot and description.

Version Control Integration

Uses newline-formatted JSON to enable diffing and merging with Git or SVN, facilitating collaboration and local experimentation before committing changes, as highlighted in the collaboration section.

Local and Offline Capable

Changes are made locally, allowing for offline editing and controlled updates without relying on internet connectivity, unlike online spreadsheet editors that require constant access.

Relational Data References

Allows columns to reference rows from other sheets, simplifying data relationships and validation, as described in the data model section for easing user input.

Cons

Legacy Editor

The editor in this repository is legacy and has been rewritten for HIDE, meaning it may not receive future updates or support, as noted in the important note at the top of the README.

Complex Setup for Customization

Compiling from sources requires installing Haxe and dependencies, and running it needs NWJS, which adds overhead compared to simple binary downloads, making initial setup more involved.

Static Data Focus

Designed primarily for managing static data, so it lacks features for real-time data updates or dynamic database operations, limiting its use in live or transactional applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

CastleDB

What is CastleDB?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?

CastleDB

What is CastleDB?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?