restrictions for username selection

crazycells

is it possible to restrict username selection for new users easily?

let's say someone is registering as Michael, then nodebb assigns Michael 0 , Michael 1 , Michael 2 etc. to the following users with the same name...

But, I prefer if NodeBB asks (forces) them to pick another username, so each person will have more unique usernames...

Additionally, I think there should be a restriction to pick usernames with numbers only, such as "11111"... In the real world, no one has numerical names except Elon Musk's son "X Æ A-12 Musk". So, it would be better if more people are selecting more natural usernames...

Of course, I understand, people will always find another way... But for example, I would be ok with someone picking "Michael1980", but I am just trying to limit the number of "unwanted" usernames.

Is there any easy way to implement these restrictions?

<baris>

I think the easiest solution is to use filter:register.check and throw an error if the username exists already or if it is invalid (like only numbers).

So a plugin that only listens to that hook like this.

myPlugin.filterRegisterCheck = async (hookData) {
	// dont allow username 0,1,2,3
	const exists = await meta.userOrGroupExists(hookData.username);
	if (exists) {
		throw new Error('[[error:username-taken]]');
	}
	// add your own checks & rules if you want
	if (hookData.userData.username.startsWith('_')) {
		throw new Error('[[error:invalid-username]]');
	}
		
	return hookData;
};

The above would show an error if the username is already taken and prevent any usernames that start with _ you can extend it to add more rules like preventing all number usernames.

crazycells

@baris this would only affect the registration process, right?

I mean, activating this kind of plugin would not create any error with already registered users who are using the forum?

<baris>

Nope the hook filter:register.check only fires when users are registering, it won't affect users already registered.