How to Use the Command 'Flips' (with Examples)

Flips is a powerful utility used to create and apply patches for IPS and BPS file formats, which are commonly used in ROM hacking. This tool is especially popular among game modding communities, as it allows users to modify original ROM files, adding new features or correcting issues. By utilizing Flips, users can create differential patches that allow others to apply the same modifications to their ROMs without distributing the entire modified ROM, thereby respecting copyright laws. Below are detailed explanations and examples of Flips’ functionality.

Use case 1: Start Flips to Create and Apply Patches Interactively

Code:

flips

Motivation:

Invoking Flips without any arguments opens up an interactive mode, which is suitable for users who prefer a more guided experience. This mode is particularly helpful for beginners who are not yet familiar with command-line interfaces or for users who are unsure of the exact parameters to provide for patch creation or application. Running Flips interactively allows users to follow on-screen prompts to enter the necessary inputs for creating or applying a patch, reducing the risk of errors.

Explanation:

• flips: This command by itself launches Flips in an interactive mode, prompting users for input through a graphical or text-based interface instead of requiring all parameters upfront.

Example Output:

Upon executing, the user will see interactive prompts, such as:

• “Welcome to Flips! Do you want to apply a patch or create one?”
• “Please enter the source file name…”
• The tool will guide through file selection dialogs or texts in the terminal, depending on the environment.

Use case 2: Apply a Patch and Create a New ROM File

Code:

flips --apply patch.bps rom.smc hack.smc

Motivation:

The purpose of this command is to apply an existing patch file to a ROM file, resulting in a newly modified ROM. This is ideal for users who want to experience modifications or enhancements made to a game without manually altering the ROM themselves. Applying a patch allows users to convert the original ROM (rom.smc) into a hacked or improved version (hack.smc) using the differences described in the patch (patch.bps).

Explanation:

• --apply: This flag specifies that a patch is to be applied.
• patch.bps: This is the patch file containing the changes to be applied to the ROM. BPS is a binary patching format that conserves space and is used widely due to its accuracy and efficiency.
• rom.smc: This represents the original ROM file. The .smc extension is typically associated with Super Nintendo ROM files.
• hack.smc: The output file name where Flips will save the patched ROM. This file is the modified version of rom.smc with changes from patch.bps.

Example Output:

The command will output a confirmation message similar to:

• “Successfully applied patch.bps to rom.smc, creating hack.smc.”

Use case 3: Create a Patch from Two ROMs

Code:

flips --create rom.smc hack.smc patch.bps

Motivation:

Creating a patch file is essential when you have successfully modified a game ROM file and want to share your changes legally without distributing the entire ROM. This command allows the original ROM (rom.smc) and its modified form (hack.smc) to be compared, with the resulting differences being saved in a patch file (patch.bps). Sharing this patch file instead of the whole hacked ROM respects copyright laws and is more bandwidth-efficient.

Explanation:

• --create: This option tells Flips to generate a patch file instead of applying one.
• rom.smc: The original, unmodified ROM file serving as the base for comparison.
• hack.smc: The modified ROM file containing the new changes or additions.
• patch.bps: The output file where the patch differences will be stored in Binary Patching Scheme (BPS) format. This file can then be used to apply similar modifications to other copies of rom.smc.

Example Output:

The command results in a success message, such as:

• “Patch created successfully: patch.bps. Use this patch file to replicate your hack on identical ROM files.”

Conclusion:

Flips provides a convenient way of managing ROM modifications through patches, whether applying existing changes or creating new ones. Each of these use cases demonstrates the versatility of Flips, catering to both experienced modders and newcomers alike through easy-to-use commands and interactive support. The ability to distribute patches separates the effort of creating from distributing, making game modding safer and more accessible.