Understanding compiling and upgrading servers?

[Seksy]

I am new to this and so far I cant find any posts detailing this information. Is there someone who is kind enough to chime in here and help understand.
Compiling seems pretty much straight forward but what if you wish to use features from say, 8.6 in an 8.7 server?
How does one go about upgrading?
or 8.7 features in a 9.X server?
Has the programming changed so much between versions it will be a monumental task?
in addition how does one go about adding in different protocol support for servers?

anyone willing to pick up any of these questions?

I dont know much but im willing to learn if someone will take me under their wing :S

 

[JoccE]

Change to another rev if you want to change protocol, no need to edit it yourself.

 

[Seksy]

Change to another rev if you want to change protocol, no need to edit it yourself.

Ok see thats where I am confused, if you do that, basically switching to a whole different server right? But then wont some of the code not work from your previous one? Im not dumb (dont think) but some of this confuses me, not quite sure what universally programmed and what isnt

 

[JoccE]

Nope you only switch the ".EXE" if you use the same version

there is 0.2 and 0.3 then there is a lot of different revs for each of them

 

[Seksy]

Nope you only switch the ".EXE" if you use the same version

there is 0.2 and 0.3 then there is a lot of different revs for each of them

Ahh ok but now I assume 0.2 and 0.3 revs wont interchange right?
So I could take my 8.7 exe and use it on the 8.60 and still be using my 8.60 data, sprites etc. Ok got that part
(I have an 8.60 with a lot of cool features but id like to have it in the 8.7 so I can use the clients I already have)

now my next geal, firure out how to take certain features and add them into a different server :S...man so much to learn :S

- - - Updated - - -

Id really like to have someone who is willing to tutor and help me understand all of this. Im sure i can pick this up fast, I usually learn stuff like this pretty quick

 

[JoccE]

Are you using a 0.2 or 0.3 server?

 

[Seksy]

Are you using a 0.2 or 0.3 server?

I have both, actually I have several servers, I have been testing to find just the right one, all seem either limited or osme bugged, having a hard time finding what I really want so I decided to look into understanding them more and perhaps learn to do all this myself