BIC files turned into legible structured .txt files

[Alanus]

We have a lot of tools to edit the BIC files, starting with the regular editor shipped with the game, the hacked version of it, and the Civ3MultiTool by Gramphos, and others.

BUT, I haven't seen a tool able to turn a BIC file into a structured text file and vice versa. Dealing with text file is often easier for copy/paste and quick modifications of large sections.

The format of the BIC file is available, but as my programming abilities / knowledge is this area are limited, what is to be done to read such a file ? Is BIC a special format from Firaxis or a standard one known by all (decent) programmers ?

Thanks for redirecting me to the appropriate tools if any.

[Gramphos]

I have been thinkng about adding sush feature to the MultiTool, but I've not had time to work out a good text format.

[zulu9812]

I find editing the bic mch easier than editing a huge txt file - the civlopedia, for example. I wish that was in bic form

[Giovanni Wine]

The Civilopedia is not bad if you are using Gramphos multitool!
I find the diplomacy one a real pain in the neck

All those tutarial up there, explain well, how to change it, but it's still a huge work to do!

Saluti

[Alanus]

Originally posted by Gramphos
I have been thinkng about adding sush feature to the MultiTool, but I've not had time to work out a good text format.

What did you use to design your MultiTool : VC++, VB, others ?

If you circulate the source portion that parses the BIC file, maybe it would be a good start for others (maybe me) to put together other tools like the one I suggested.

[Gramphos]

It's written in VB, but It's not an example of good programming, as it's built up step by step as more info is found out.

[Alanus]

I'm not expecting professional programming, but all things that have been done and produce the right result deserve consideration.

I'll be interested by the related portion of your source codeanyway, if you agree to share with others, of course.