Learn to script!

[Chompy]

Originally Posted by Devil_Lord2

Hey Chompy, on the Graal news / F1 page it says:

"If you wish to participate, simply click here to fill out the submission form. (Be sure to include your email for contact information.) "


And when I click the link, it takes me to a

"Page not found

The page you request is not available on GraalOnline. We take in note to try to correct the problem. Please, back to home page

(Click here if your browser does not automatically forward you)"

Page.


I don't know if it was linked bad, or not created yet, but I thought you should know..

I have nothing to do with that form

I add people who pm me here on the forums pretty fast, all depending on if I'm sleeping or not

[cbk1994]

Originally Posted by oo_jazz_oo

I dont see a huge problem in using one line codes without brackets for certain instances.

PHP Code:

function check(x, y) {
  if (x == y) return true;
} 


Like in that instance. Does it really make it any more readable...any more efficient...any more anything by adding the brackets?

Yes, it makes it more readable, and it makes it easier to expand upon, especially if some parts of the code aren't properly indented. There are tons of arguments for this on stackoverflow and other programming sites—check them out.

[salesman]

Originally Posted by oo_jazz_oo

I dont see a huge problem in using one line codes without brackets for certain instances.

PHP Code:

function check(x, y) {
  if (x == y) return true;
} 


Like in that instance. Does it really make it any more readable...any more efficient...any more anything by adding the brackets?

Bad example because if you're going to take shortcuts, take the best shortcut.

PHP Code:

function check(x, y) {
  return temp.x == temp.y;
} 


In general, I try to always include brackets for one-line statements. Consistency not only improves readability (imo), but it makes your code a lot less error-prone.

If you start saying "oh, well in this instance is it really a problem?" your styling is probably very confusing and inconsistent, and you're much more likely to **** up.

[Devil_Lord2]

Originally Posted by oo_jazz_oo

I dont see a huge problem in using one line codes without brackets for certain instances.

PHP Code:

function check(x, y) {
  if (x == y) return true;
} 


Like in that instance. Does it really make it any more readable...any more efficient...any more anything by adding the brackets?

On first site I would say it was a mistake, and fix it to have brackets..
I agree not to teach like this, but if you are the only one ever going to touch your scripts.. I suppose it doesn't matter if it works for you.. lol

But if someone in the future may have to go over it.. Again it could confuse them... I'm not totally experienced in programming, so I don't know, others may be able to pick it up what it means faster.. Even if I did pick it up, I'd take the time to fix it towards a common style for others and myself in case I look at it again in the future.

Originally Posted by salesman

PHP Code:

function check(x, y) {
  return temp.x == temp.y;
} 


This would return true if true? and if it isn't the same, it would still return false?


I'm only wondering because I would do:
this.variable = 0;
if (this.variable == 1){
dostuff();
}

I use 0 and 1.. and later on if I need to I can increase it if I want it to be 2, 3, or 4.. but even if it stays on and off, true or false, I still use 0 and 1.. should I start doing true and false for those special things that only use true or false?

[fowlplay4]

This is a good example of why it's bad:

PHP Code:

function whatever()
  for (a: allplayers)
    with (a)
      if (player.account == "wat")
       do(player); 


If you want to obscure your code and make it much harder for others to maintain then carry on with bad practices such as that.

[cbk1994]

Originally Posted by Devil_Lord2

On first site I would say it was a mistake, and fix it to have brackets..
I agree not to teach like this, but if you are the only one ever going to touch your scripts.. I suppose it doesn't matter if it works for you.. lol

But if someone in the future may have to go over it.. Again it could confuse them... I'm not totally experienced in programming, so I don't know, others may be able to pick it up what it means faster.. Even if I did pick it up, I'd take the time to fix it towards a common style for others and myself in case I look at it again in the future.

It is good practice to always format well, even if you're the only person who is going to see it. You will generally make less mistakes.

This would return true if true? and if it isn't the same, it would still return false?

It will return the result of the statement.

PHP Code:

echo(1 == 1); // echoes true
echo(1 == 0); // echoes false
echo("a" == "a"); // echoes true
echo((5 + 2) == 7); // echoes true 


[Devil_Lord2]

Originally Posted by cbk1994

It is good practice to always format well, even if you're the only person who is going to see it. You will generally make less mistakes.

I only meant if 'he' wanted to do it, and no one else would see it, he can go ahead.. Not saying everyone in general should do it lol.. I took the time in changing Stefans 2001 baddy script styling it correctly. D:

If I didn't I don't think I'd ever have figured out what it was doing..
But I agree.. It is kind of like doing a turn single at a turn or stop sign even if there is no one else there to see.. Still a good habit to keep/practice..

Originally Posted by cbk1994

It will return the result of the statement.

PHP Code:

echo(1 == 1); // echoes true
echo(1 == 0); // echoes false
echo("a" == "a"); // echoes true
echo((5 + 2) == 7); // echoes true 


Oh I see.. So would this be a good thing inside a class / function for ... w/e the function might do.. assuming the point is to be true or false... Also, can you return more then one thing, for instance maybe X and Y? or would you have to return X and Y in an array with X and Y in it?

I usually do this. variables so they work through the whole script D: and have not made any real functions that needed to be in classes and used everywhere, but I would like to make a bush system.. and other things..

One more thing... xD returns do not return temp. variables? I've had a problem with this and had to make the temp. a this. to pass it back x.x;

[cbk1994]

Originally Posted by Devil_Lord2

Oh I see.. So would this be a good thing inside a class / function for ... w/e the function might do.. assuming the point is to be true or false...

Not sure what you're asking.

Also, can you return more then one thing, for instance maybe X and Y? or would you have to return X and Y in an array with X and Y in it?

You can only return one value. Use arrays for returning multiple.

One more thing... xD returns do not return temp. variables? I've had a problem with this and had to make the temp. a this. to pass it back x.x;

Functions return values, not variables. You can assign them to whatever variable you want to.

[reyalS]

I see all these one line codes above me and I have no clue what they mean... SIGN ME UP!

[Devil_Lord2]

Originally Posted by cbk1994

Not sure what you're asking.

For instance, I guess function onPlayerGrabs(){ }
could be made a class that could return true and make the if statement work..

if (onPlayerGrabs()){} "I think could work assuming it is joined to the class"
could return true or false.. I don't know how it works really...

Originally Posted by cbk1994

You can only return one value. Use arrays for returning multiple.

Oh I see.. thanks ^.^;
In the future could they do it with commas to add more, or is there no point?

Originally Posted by cbk1994

Functions return values, not variables. You can assign them to whatever variable you want to.

I've had a function go through all players, and didn't accept externals.
I had it as:
variable
temp.count = 0;

a lot of script...

return temp.count
and
return count

which kept becoming 0 or null... in the end I set it to this.count = temp.count and it finally worked with:

return this.count

I couldn't get it to pass the temp. variable D:

[Tricxta]

Originally Posted by reyalS

I see all these one line codes above me and I have no clue what they mean... SIGN ME UP!

You should take a little time and just try put everything in context. No one taught me gs2 yet I seem to find it pretty easy when I do give it a crack every once in a while apart from the lack of documentation -_-

Hint: == is equals while = is assign

sooo if 1 equals 1 its true, pretty simple stuff lol. Also im not even sure if some of the commands in the above code are legitimate such as do(player) o.0 but oh well good luck.

[cbk1994]

Originally Posted by Devil_Lord2

For instance, I guess function onPlayerGrabs(){ }
could be made a class that could return true and make the if statement work..

if (onPlayerGrabs()){} "I think could work assuming it is joined to the class"
could return true or false.. I don't know how it works really...

That would be an event, not a statement. GS2 is event-based, so you do things after an event happens, unlike GS1 where you use if-statements for events, lol.

Oh I see.. thanks ^.^;
In the future could they do it with commas to add more, or is there no point?

There is no reason to, arrays make more sense.

I've had a function go through all players, and didn't accept externals.
I had it as:
variable
temp.count = 0;

a lot of script...

return temp.count
and
return count

which kept becoming 0 or null... in the end I set it to this.count = temp.count and it finally worked with:

return this.count

I couldn't get it to pass the temp. variable D:

Do you have the script? You must have been doing something else wrong.

[LUKEEE]

Sign me up, Scripting is the only thing holding behind my developing skills.

[Devil_Lord2]

Originally Posted by cbk1994

That would be an event, not a statement. GS2 is event-based, so you do things after an event happens, unlike GS1 where you use if-statements for events, lol.

I don't know D: It was an example I got a while ago from Thor, I was going to make a movement system like he did but I didn't quite understand it. I asked and he said functions can give true and false and be used in statements..

PHP Code:

if(movement.isAttemptingMove()){
  setani("walk");
  return;
} 


Originally Posted by cbk1994

Do you have the script? You must have been doing something else wrong.

I don't offhand but I think it was either on twinnys page or somewhere on the forum.. I think I can find it. I was having the problem with getting more playercount than there were on the actual server.. found something to overcome it, but it still listed RC's lol


-EDIT-
Nevermind, I'm still using it ^.^;

PHP Code:

function getPlayerCount(){
  temp.count = 0;
    for (temp.pl: allplayers ){
      temp.count += (! pl.isExternal );    
    }
 this.count = count;
 return this.count;
} 


if I did this.chat = count; or temp.count inside the function it would give back the correct number.

if I did this.chat = count; or temp.count outside the function it would give back the 0 or null. "I mean inside the same statement / function it is being called in"

Eventually I kept it and settled for this. but now that I think about it, this. isn't really returning because it's global in the script clientside, isn't it? lmao


>.> Further clarification..

PHP Code:

function onWa****(){
  getPlayerCount();
  for(i=0;i<allplayers.size();i++){
    triggeraction(x,y,"door",allplayers[i]);
    sleep(.1);
  }
}
function getPlayerCount(){
  temp.count = 0;
    for (temp.pl: allplayers ){
      temp.count += (! pl.isExternal );    
    }
 this.count = count;
 return this.count;
} 


[cbk1994]

Not going to quote your post since it's too long.

The problem is that functions return values, not variables. You have to assign that value to a variable.

PHP Code:

temp.count = this.getPlayerCount();

echo("count: " @ temp.count); 


[Twinny]

I had a style...then Stefan said I should use his style lest he style my code for me

so now

PHP Code:

function onCreated() {
  this.var = "blah";
  this.message = format("Hi there, %s", (player.ismale ? "sir!" : "ma'am!"));
  for (var : player.getvarnames())
    doNothing(var);
} 


I think he asked me to lose the braces if there was only one line in the block...either way I'm doing it now =]. I tend to go for the 'less lines the better' look =]

[cbk1994]

Originally Posted by Twinny

PHP Code:

function onCreated() {
  this.var = "blah";
  this.message = format("Hi there, %s", (player.ismale ? "sir!" : "ma'am!"));
  for (var : player.getvarnames())
    doNothing(var);
} 


Looks good to me, except no braces on the for statement. Nice work Stefan .

[Devil_Lord2]

Originally Posted by cbk1994

Not going to quote your post since it's too long.

The problem is that functions return values, not variables. You have to assign that value to a variable.

PHP Code:

temp.count = this.getPlayerCount();

echo("count: " @ temp.count); 


I don't get it...

[cbk1994]

Originally Posted by Devil_Lord2

I don't get it...

Imagine you're using a default function like degtorad(degrees). You use it like this:

PHP Code:

temp.radians = degtorad(180);
echo(temp.radians); 


The function degtorad returns the degrees given as a radian. You then have to assign it to a variable to use it elsewhere in the script. It works the same way when you create your own functions:

PHP Code:

function onCreated() {
  temp.playerCount = this.getPlayerCount();
}

function getPlayerCount() {
  temp.count = allplayers.size();
  return temp.count; // this statement controls what the function returns
} 


Another example of a function:

PHP Code:

function onCreated() {
  temp.mean = this.getMean(52, 83);
  echo("mean: " @ temp.mean);
}

function getMean(temp.n1, temp.n2) {
  return ((temp.n1 + temp.n2) / 2);
} 


You see here how you don't even have to assign the return value to a variable. Essentially, the interpreter reads that line of code, sees that it needs to use the getMean function, evaluates that function and places the return value in place of that statement.

If it helps, think of the function as a function in math.

[WhiteDragon]

Originally Posted by Devil_Lord2

I don't get it...

You should think in terms of expressions. When a script runs, it evaluates/reduces expressions.




Let's start with some hypothetical weapon script:

PHP Code:

function test(temp.x) {
  return temp.x+2;
}

function onWeaponFired() {
  temp.x = this.test(10);
  echo(temp.x);
} 


And now, say this weapon is fired. This means we will be running the code:

PHP Code:

  temp.x = this.test(10);
  echo(temp.x); 


Let's see what happens...

Step 1
On the first line, we need to call the test function with the value 10. When a function is run, we can replace the spot it was called at with the value it returns.

So, after test runs, this is what we have:

PHP Code:

  temp.x = 12;
  echo(temp.x); 


Step 2
And of course, this step is fairly simple...

So we get:

PHP Code:

  echo(12); 


Step 3
That code will be executed and will display 12 in the F2 console.



This method of evaluating scripts by hand can be very useful when trying to understand how one works (though it's normally done in your head).

[Devil_Lord2]

Originally Posted by WhiteDragon

Let's start with some hypothetical weapon script:

PHP Code:

function test(temp.x) {
  return temp.x+2;
}

function onWeaponFired() {
  temp.x = this.test(10);
  echo(temp.x);
} 


I get up to here so far, excluding why this. is in front of a function... probably because I've never seen it before.. I would understand it without this. in front. Can it use that?

I thought

whatever = 6
return whatever

just returns 6 in whatever to the function that called it.. if it were a number, array, string, variable, or float, it would be inside whatever.. in this case 6..

-WILL EDIT-
Still trying to figure out the geometry/radians type post.. I haven't seen or used it at all.. If I read it a few times I might understand it :x


Okay, at first I wasn't reading "Degree to Radius" but I get it now..
I've taken Trig, Geometry, and Algebra 2 ... Can't say I remember any of it, and stating something math-wise confused the hell out of me and I was missing the point of the function lol

Yeah I get it now.. I love math, but it isn't my strong suit..
I got out of Computer Science because of my C Programming class..
My friend would find the scripts on the internet, and I'd change them towards what we needed... the final we had a third person trying to help and I missed a few classes and didn't understand it at all.. I passed but it wasn't enough for me to feel like I knew what I was doing really >.>

I'm more into art, but I'd still like to be able to know this.. seems easier to learn with the community here.

But yes I get you both.. I've always seen return ??? but never how it was used lol..
Thank you both!

[WhiteDragon]

Originally Posted by Devil_Lord2

I get up to here so far, excluding why this. is in front of a function... probably because I've never seen it before.. I would understand it without this. in front. Can it use that?

This this is slightly confusing to explain without a core understanding of how code evaluates. If you were to not write it, it would just be there implicitly, and sneak around in the background until it jumps out and confuses you. It's definitely important to learn about this (and the related concept of "objects") before you start seriously coding though.

Originally Posted by Devil_Lord2

I thought

whatever = 6
return whatever

just returns 6 in whatever to the function that called it.. if it were a number, array, string, variable, or float, it would be inside whatever.. in this case 6..

It's best to throw away this idea rather than try to patch it up to something correct. It's somewhat close, but far away enough that'd it be faster to ignore it.

Originally Posted by Devil_Lord2

Still trying to figure out the geometry/radians type post.. I haven't seen or used it at all.. If I read it a few times I might understand it :x

He was just giving examples rather than an explanation of how to think about each example. Look at Chris's post to try and learn by observation. Look at mine if you want a walkthrough.

Originally Posted by Devil_Lord2

But yes I get you both.. I've always seen return ??? but never how it was used lol..
Thank you both!

[cbk1994]

Please work on shortening your posts, it's tempting to just ignore them because they're so laborious to read.

The degree/radians conversion was just an example of a standard function built into the language.

The reason you prefix it with this is because it is a function of that object. When you use this as the prefix for a variable, it is set only for that object (that script). You don't have to use this as a prefix for variables, but you should since it clearly shows which object the function belongs to—it's only natural since variables require the prefix. As WhiteDragon said, don't worry about this yet. Focus on understanding variables and functions, then work on object orientation.

[Devil_Lord2]

I mean I understand 'this.' is for the npc's or as you say object's script. like this.number...
Which keeps everything in the npc.. so nothing outside can 'control' it.. possibly a class or something.. "slightly unsure what could change it but I get its for that npc"

but sticking this. on a function sounds absurd o.o;
I mean, you can't create a function this.dostuff(){} can you?

Originally Posted by WhiteDragon

It's best to throw away this idea rather than try to patch it up to something correct. It's somewhat close, but far away enough that'd it be faster to ignore it.

As for returning a number, I will forget it now that I know you can do
this.number = function();
where the return is in the function...
I don't quite know where I got return ??? only passes it to the statement calling it lol..

I'm learning a lot today.. Thor taught ... tried to teach me indexing, but he logged off before I could get the history.. xD

I'm almost done finishing two threads on the learning site. I'd like to do variables, arrays, prefixes, and symbol type things in part B.. Mind if I post both here and see what you guys think soon?

I'd like it to be like go through a series of example type things, and hopefully others would learn from them...



Why does this work?

PHP Code:

function onWeaponFired(){
  newFunction();
  player.chat = var2;
}
function newFunction(){
  temp.var2 = 4;
  return var2;
} 


I thought this was doing exactly what temp.count was not doing? D:
The more I try to figure it out, the more everything I was just told seems to not be what I thought..

[Devil_Lord2]

Unsure how the double posting "etiquette" that I have heard about a few times on her directed onto others, but I cannot edit my post.

I'm unsure why my testbed access now says on my RC

"Your IP is not listed in the ip ranges."

So I cannot actually do the assignments and test them until this is fixed.. I'm using the same wifi but for some reason my internet failed twice yesterday... could have something to do with it.. I'll message Chompy or Clockworks in hope to get this fixed.


The main reason that I am posting is to one: Restate the learning classes have already started and we are on assignment two, Zues is currently busy / not home right now from what I was told. He didn't mention when he would be back though..

You can start on the assignments here.
Scripting School
Just sign up, post your assignments on the forum, and ask for help if you need it!
Everyone is nice and willing! :] I'll also post the link to everyone who has said they'd like to join in previous posts on this thread.

And I have been working on some information that should help starting people in the Learning GS2 and would love critiques on it, how I can improve or what I should take off. I believe so far it has the common information new people should know.

I need to do some examples on B and C still. A and D should be done for the most part.
Learning GS2 Link

Please private message me here on the Graal forums and let me know what I should do, if there is anything I am missing, or anything needing change.

[Twilikari]

Is it to late to sign up? The link didn't work, but if it's NOT too late, I'd love to sign up!

[dJgYsI]

I would love to have RC on TESTBED, im new in gscript and the level editor suxx for script testing. Is it possible to get RC?
Also Im interested in this school project =)

[Devil_Lord2]

Sorry, the person who started it did not quite keep it going, players lost interest, and I tried to help but no one would fix my IP Adress for Graal. I've sent three messages but they were all ignored..

Too busy now, I wouldn't be able to help if I tried, and all my knowledge of GS2 went down the drain anyway. But, I could recommend the player who helped me the most if you'd like. I don't think you would find him on here though since he tends to stay away from forums, and others..

As for the school project, is is essentially dysfunctional if not dead, seeing as I was the last posts on it.. However some of the references I wrote could be helpful.. but without tutorials it won't get you very far without previous knowledge of programming. :[

Sorry..

[xXziroXx]

Originally Posted by dJgYsI

I would love to have RC on TESTBED, im new in gscript and the level editor suxx for script testing. Is it possible to get RC?
Also Im interested in this school project =)

First semi-related reply to this is 5 weeks after? Lol, Testbed is as actively managed as ever I see.

[fowlplay4]

Looks like this fell through!

Sounded like it was going to be a giant blind leading the blind ordeal anyway.

You can find a link to my guide here: fp4's scripting guide

[Devil_Lord2]

Well I don't have access to Testbed, no longer have access to ZeroG's server with an RC, no longer have much interests working with Graal lol.. I never played on the PC servers, only developed. If someone wants to finally fix my IP for Testbed, I might help out ZeroG or Ohkay. I hear he is doing something with pets, something that sparks my interests..

And yes you are right. Five weeks later as I have not been on for ... five weeks!
I said in another post I'd be back in a month or two.. just to the forums and I kept my word.

[fowlplay4]

Testbed is gone, Stefan fixed the Developer Subscription Timers.

Something should be done about that...

[Devil_Lord2]

Originally Posted by fowlplay4

Testbed is gone, Stefan fixed the Developer Subscription Timers.

Something should be done about that...

[Clockwork]

Originally Posted by fowlplay4

Testbed is gone, Stefan fixed the Developer Subscription Timers.

Something should be done about that...

I had a thread up for the majority of, I believe a month, asking for donations from people to keep it up. Only received one donation from a certain gentleman. After the billing date passed though, I returned the donation and let it die, was surprised it was still up, and has assumed stefan kept it up for everyone. Guess not. :o

Am in no position atm to renew it myself at all though.

[xXziroXx]

Originally Posted by Clockwork

Am in no position atm to renew it myself at all though.

And you shouldn't. Testbed was barely used by anyone for the longest amount of time.

[fowlplay4]

Someone could take on the daunting (and redundant) task of developing a GS2 Interpreter so players can test their scripts without actually needing level or NC access on a server.

Even if it only had the basic functionality to do "weapon" scripts like this:

PHP Code:

function onActionServerSide() {
  if (params[0] == "test") {
    echo("Hello world!");
  }
}

//#CLIENTSIDE
function onCreated() {
  triggerserver("gui", this.name, "test"); 
} 


or..

PHP Code:

//#CLIENTSIDE
function onCreated() {
  temp.math = 1+1+2;
  echo("The result is: " @ temp.math);
} 


It would lower the barrier of entry, and allow people to get their feet a little wet.

[Devil_Lord2]

I wish there were more testing classic servers, since I can no longer use RC elsewhere and have no desires or funds to renew a gold account. Oh well..

[furry_mougle]

Originally Posted by Devil_Lord2

I wish there were more testing classic servers, since I can no longer use RC elsewhere and have no desires or funds to renew a gold account. Oh well..

That's why Unixmad blessed us with Super Rewards!

[Rave_J]

ya quit being lazy and just get free grelats to get free gold every month to get rc on some nub server

[Devil_Lord2]

Don't know what the super rewards are, and with UMBC I don't have time to play.
But thank you though..