Drop-in Database Files

Drop-in database files extend downloader.ini by letting you add new databases in separate files, without editing the main configuration. Just copy a file to your SD card and the downloader picks it up automatically.

This is useful for database maintainers who want to distribute a ready-to-use file that users can just copy to their SD card.

How It Works

The downloader looks for additional INI files in two places:

Files named downloader_*.ini next to downloader.ini
Files inside the downloader/ folder next to downloader.ini

Both locations are checked automatically on every run. Files are loaded in alphabetical order, with downloader/ files processed before downloader_*.ini files.

Important: Drop-in files can only contain database sections. The [MiSTer] section (global settings) is not allowed. It must remain in the main downloader.ini.

For example, to add a wallpapers_db database, create /media/fat/downloader_wallpapers_db.ini (or /media/fat/downloader/wallpapers_db.ini).

File Format

Drop-in files use the exact same format as database sections in downloader.ini.

[database_id]
db_url = https://url.to/db.json.zip

Since it's the same format, you can also add other supported database options like filter, and the database_id must match the db_id inside the JSON file it points to. See Custom Databases for more details.

One Database per File

It is recommended to have one database per file, and to name the file after the database ID. For example, a database with ID wallpapers_db should go in downloader_wallpapers_db.ini (or downloader/wallpapers_db.ini).

Multiple databases in a single file are supported, but keeping one per file makes it easier to add or remove databases independently.

Rules and Restrictions

Global settings are not allowed

Drop-in files cannot contain a [MiSTer] section.

No duplicate database IDs

If a database ID already exists in downloader.ini or in an earlier drop-in file (alphabetical order), the duplicate is skipped with a warning. The first occurrence always wins.

Hidden files are ignored

Files starting with . (like .backup.ini) are skipped.

For Database Maintainers

If you maintain a custom database, you can distribute a drop-in file so your users don't have to manually edit their downloader.ini. Just provide a single .ini file with instructions to copy it to either:

/media/fat/ with a downloader_ prefix (simpler for users)
/media/fat/downloader/ (recommended for organized setups)

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