* Trevor Parscal tparscal@wikimedia.org [Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:16:27 -0800]:
Well, we basically just need a template parser. Michael has one that seems to be working for him, but it would need to be cleaned up and integrated, as it's currently spread across multiple files and
methods.
Do you like writing parsers?
Maybe my knowledge of MediaWiki is not good enough, but aren't the local messages only provide the basic syntax features like {{PLURAL:||}}, not a full Parser with template calls and substitutions? I never tried to put real template calls into messages. Rewriting the whole Parser in Javascript would be a lot of work. Many people have already failed to make alternative parsers fully compatible. And how would one call the server-side templates, via AJAX calls? That would be inefficient.
I am currently trying to improve my Extension:WikiSync, also I have plans to make my another extensions ResourceLoader compatible.
You know, my country is a kind of third world country (also I am living in not the most developed local area), so I am not rich, so I mostly code for customers, who use MediaWiki at their sites. They are kind enough to allow me to publish my extensions for free (GPL) at MediaWiki site and repository so these might be useful to someone else (I hope so).
I cannot afford to make _a_lot_ of free work (I'll run out of money). I realize that there are free volunteers at Wikimedia, some are really skillful. However, most of these come from more successful places, I think.
However, if the most of work has already been done, I can take a look, but I don't have the links to look at (branches, patches). I just don't know how much time would it take. Sorry. Dmitriy