Learn to script!

[LUKEEE]

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

[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...

[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]

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.

[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 =)

[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.

[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..

[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..