Scripting FE

[imported_Kranar]

I've been wanting to make a real, full blown scripting FE for quite sometime now.

Not something like Wizbot, but something truly powerful with the expressiveness you would expect from a programming language like C.

I already made my own programming language called UltraTech that I use to program virtually everything in, so I would simply take that language and apply it to Gemstone. All I need now is to know what the GS escape codes are.

If anyone knows where I could find the GS escape codes, that would be very helpful in allowing me to start the FE portion of the program.

[gcstader]

Are you planning on making this FE public use?

[imported_Kranar]

Of course, it would be up on the PC the moment it's ready for testing.

[Hulkein]

I love you.

I will do some beta testing if ya plan on doing that too.

[Enchanter]

A friend of mine is working on a compiler for the Stormfront language. He's thinking Python.

[gcstader]

I hate VPython, had to use it for physics lab today. Doesn't seem like a very complicated programming language, it's easier to learn than java.

[imported_Kranar]

<< A friend of mine is working on a compiler for the Stormfront language. He's thinking Python. >>

Well the language itself is done, I use it right now just to program ordinary applications.

All I want to know is how the GS escape codes work so I can use this language for Gemstone scripting.

Here is how the language looks like for a MUD engine I made:



#include "Character\character.uvs"

void look(reference who, reference parameters) {

// no parameters specified indicates looking at the room
if(numberOfParameters(parameters) == 0) {
sendMsg(who, roomDescription(getRoom(who), who));
} else {

// find the specified target to look at
reference target = findRelativeToCharacter(who, getAllParameters(parameters));

if(target != null) {

if(target == who) {

// target is the character himself
sendMsg(who, "It might be helpful to use a mirror for that.\n");
} else if(isCharacter(target)) {

// target is another character
sendMsg(who, characterDescription(target));
} else if(isObject(target)) {

// target is another object
string desc = getDescription(target);
string output = "You take a look at " + getShortDescription(target, true) + ".\n";

if(isEmpty(desc)) {

// object has no special description
output = output + "There is nothing unusual about it.\n";
} else {
// object has a special description
output = output + desc;
}

sendMsg(who, output);
}
}
}
}


If that doesn't make much sense to you, then my scripting FE would be rather useless to you as well. But if it does make sense to you and you can see how useful a language like that would be in making GS scripts, then by all means, help me out with the GS codes.

[gcstader]

useful would be an understatment. having an object oriented programing language to build scripts with would be awesome

[Drew]

Kranar, I'm afraid I can't help you, but man that would be useful, writing really uber scripts would possible.

[Latrinsorm]

Originally posted by Kranar
But if it does make sense to you and you can see how useful a language like that would be in making GS scripts, then by all means, help me out with the GS codes. Ok!! :up:

...

How do I do that, though? :(

[imported_Kranar]

It's gotta be documented some where.

The escape codes are codes that signals that inform the WizardFE of things like how much mana and health you have, or what colour the text should be, or what directions you can head in. All those are sent through escape codes.

[fallenSaint]

Im a script addict and Kranar is my dealer!

I don't deal much with programming and whatnot but Im going to search through random forums and whatnot see if I can't find the info your looking for.

[Nieninque]

Wouldnt Jamus be able to help you with that?
Surely thats the info he uses for Psinet?

[Latrinsorm]

Ok, on an old version of Xygon's site I found a mention of ANSI something or other escape codes, but the thing they were used in doesn't seem to be present anymore. I don't know if that's because of the III/IV switch or what, but I think he's the guy to talk to.

[JamusPsi]

A publically released scripting engine would be even further detrimental to the game balance than other scripting already is.

I'll have to decline to share that information for the same reasons I don't release my scripting engine.

Jamus, Brian.

[Nieninque]

how is scripting detrimental to game balance Jamus?

[Wezas]

Originally posted by JamusPsi
A publically released scripting engine would be even further detrimental to the game balance than other scripting already is.

I'll have to decline to share that information for the same reasons I don't release my scripting engine.

Jamus, Brian.

But you have said in the past that if they pwn you for PSInet that you'd release the scripting engine and let GS4 turn into total anarchy.

(maybe I added that last part)

[Trinitis]

They have not "pwned" him for Psinet.

[Wezas]

Originally posted by LordAdredrin
They have not "pwned" him for Psinet.


Originally posted by Wezas
But you have said in the past that if they pwn you for PSInet that you'd release the scripting engine and let GS4 turn into total anarchy.

[Mistomeer]

I used to have a list, and there used to be a page that had alot, I'll try and dig up what I had, if I still have it, and get it to you.

[Mistomeer]

Kranar, I sent you a list. If you can't read it in U2U let me know and I'll email it to you.

[imported_Kranar]

<< A publically released scripting engine would be even further detrimental to the game balance than other scripting already is.

I'll have to decline to share that information for the same reasons I don't release my scripting engine. >>

In my opinion this attitude is not only selfish, but rather hypocritical.

I'm not a fan of those who keep information to themselves as if it were some kind of holy and divine secret.

Mistomeer has sent me a list of all the GS escape codes I need.

The rest of you can expect an incredible, truly powerful, free and best of all, publically available with no strings attached scripting FE.

At first the FE will be incredibly ugly and its only purpose would be for scripting, but I can improve the look of the FE over time.

[Suppa Hobbit Mage]

Well if he shared it then how would he hold it over SIMU's head saying he'd release it to the public?

[Jonty]

:up: Thanks.

[imported_Kranar]

<< Well if he shared it then how would he hold it over SIMU's head saying he'd release it to the public? >>

Well so be it...

It reminds me of Pythagoras when he discovered the first irrational number. He only informed people within his inner circle about it and even drowned one of his own members for revealing it publically. Pythagoras felt it was some unholy secret that only the elite would be able to respect and that if word got out publically that all hell would reign loose.

Information eventually becomes public, and trying to keep it to yourself and to a small group of your elite folk... well... what can I say... I think it's sad.

But alas... I have the codes now and reading over them all I can say is... the potential to combine this with my language is truly incredible.

[Suppa Hobbit Mage]

Originally posted by JamusPsi
A publically released scripting engine would be even further detrimental to the game balance than other scripting already is.

I'll have to decline to share that information for the same reasons I don't release my scripting engine.

Jamus, Brian.

Brian, don't get me wrong, because I love PsiNet, but I find it kind of hypocritical that the person that brought global locate, default to on skill sharing, and OOC chat is worried about game balance.

[Wezas]

Originally posted by Suppa Hobbit Mage
Well if he shared it then how would he hold it over SIMU's head saying he'd release it to the public?

If Simu pwned his account (or him) for building/distributing PSInet, he would threaten to release the scripting program unless they refrain from pwning him.

[crazymage]

Kranar makes me feel funny in my pants.

[Nieninque]

there's a mental image I didnt want

[Suppa Hobbit Mage]

Originally posted by Wezas

Originally posted by Suppa Hobbit Mage
Well if he shared it then how would he hold it over SIMU's head saying he'd release it to the public?

If Simu pwned his account (or him) for building/distributing PSInet, he would threaten to release the scripting program unless they refrain from pwning him.

Yes, my point exactly. My sarcasm didn't make it through apparently.

[Wezas]

Originally posted by Suppa Hobbit Mage

Originally posted by Wezas

Originally posted by Suppa Hobbit Mage
Well if he shared it then how would he hold it over SIMU's head saying he'd release it to the public?

If Simu pwned his account (or him) for building/distributing PSInet, he would threaten to release the scripting program unless they refrain from pwning him.

Yes, my point exactly. My sarcasm didn't make it through apparently.

My appologies, I took your sarcasm as you being plain retarded.

Now I realize that both are true. :P

[Nakiro]

I emphesize with both points of view in this situtation.

[Mistomeer]

What's it matter? I sent him virtually every code he needs so the fact that Jamus is against it is irrelevant. At least, every code he needs provided they haven't changed. Jamus has done more for the game, for better or worse, than most any other player and if he wants to stop with what he's done, so be it, that's his decision. I don't have a problem with it as the current scripting engines in the FE's available make it powerful enough to AFK script hunt AT LEAST up to 70.

[Bobmuhthol]

<<Brian, don't get me wrong, because I love PsiNet, but I find it kind of hypocritical that the person that brought global locate, default to on skill sharing, and OOC chat is worried about game balance.>>

What balance is disrupted by a communication tool?

[Bobmuhthol]

<<But you have said in the past that if they pwn you for PSInet that you'd release the scripting engine and let GS4 turn into total anarchy.>>

Who cares about a game they're banned from?

[imported_Kranar]

I'm just troubled by the hypocrisy, but there will always be those who think that they are better than others and thus will keep and make use of information all for their own benefit.

In the end, word always gets out, information becomes public, the world doesn't end or come crashing down, and those who strived so hard to keep the information secret usually end up looking like jerks.

[imported_Kranar]

We have take off folks.

At this point I have managed to strip down my language, UltraTech, to something that can be used to script in Gemstone.

Furthermore, the scripting engine will and does infact work with the WizardFE. The WizardFE connects to the scripting engine, the scripting engine then connects to Simutronics, and information is sent back and forth using the scripting engine as a proxy. This means you can still play Gemstone using the WizardFE and have the scripting engine run in the background.

What I need to do now is get the engine to understand the Gemstone escape codes that Mistomeer gave to me.

Once that's done, public testing will begin.

[Caiylania]

I've never script hunted. The temptation was there, but I like the fact that every exp point I earned my self. Script hunters have been in areas with me, and its really annoying. Even the non-poaching ones run through over and over and over. Makes it very tempting to report them though I don't.

But eh, I also never use cheats for other games either. Just isn't the same for me. I didn't earn it if I script or use codes. :shrug:

I <3 kranar

[imported_Kranar]

Right now the engine is connecting to Simutronics using the keycode found in the gse.~xt file.

Obviously the keycode changes every 2-3 hours, so I'm gonna have to get the script engine to login.

If anyone has information on how to connect to Simutronic's login server, let me know.

All I've gathered so far is that the login server is:

medusa.simutronics.com

It's either on port 5535 or port 7900, but I'm not sure which one and what information the server wants nor what format it wants it in.

You'll prolly get help on the Zmud boards

[imported_Kranar]

I think I got it.

I'm looking through the SGE in binary, it looks like it sends the command:

"A" followed by a tab, followed by the username, followed by a tab, followed by what I hope is the password.

If it is the password, then it's encrypted so I'm gonna have to figure out how it's encrypted. If it's not the password, then I'm gonna be spending a good part of the next of couple of hours having simply wasted my time, heh.

[Mistomeer]

Don't worry about the login stuff just yet. I'll get you some info on that so you don't have to reinvent the wheel, so to speak.

[Wezas]

If this works and some decent scripts are made, I may need to make another account to try it out.

I can be a dark elf wizard, I hear they're rare these days.

[JamusPsi]

Assume I quoted verious accusations of hypocrisy.

I don't think you quite understand the effect that truly powerful scripting engine would have when combined with a convenient interface like Wizard FE.

I would challenge anyone who would accuse me of being power-hungry. I've had my engine for five years. I'm not capped, I don't have millions upon millions of silvers, I -haven't- abused it. I am not HOARDING the engine, despite how you may feel.

Here's what I'm afraid of. You die in thraks, and five zombie clerics fog in and simultaneously ask you if you want a raise, then wait for any number of properly parsed responses from your body that are likely to be affirmatives. Or worse, they don't even ask, and your body is stolen from afk person to afk person five seconds after you are dead.

I'm afriad of the economy stretching so thin that it costs 300k for a single rub blue crystal. I'm afraid that nobody will ever hunt again, because the scripts will be powerful enough to modulize for any situation.

Just because it's so bad already doesn't mean you should make it worse. If zmud were as pretty and familiar and free as Wizard FE, we'd already have a problem.

How dare ANYBODY insinuate that I do this for ANY reason other than integrity of the game. I've put myself and my reputation on the line, endured years of time and months of criticism without asking anything in return, in the hopes that I could do something to make GS better.

I wrote my engine with the INTENTION of releasing it. It was only when I saw how capable it was that I realized it could be the finishing blow to the already-dying atmosphere that was Gemstone.

Just think about what GS will be like.

Jamus, Brian

[Soulpieced]

I won't be using it for hunting because OTF is so complex, but my automated healer script, as well as singing to gems will be ridiculous in an OO environment.

[Soulpieced]

Regarding the healer script, I could theoretically have it recognize anyone in Gemstone to heal. The thought of that makes me drool. No more match table.

[Pallon]

A new Wizard FE in development by one of the GMs has support for plugin custom scripting engines; ergo, they don't care

[Chadj]

<<Brian, don't get me wrong, because I love PsiNet, but I find it kind of hypocritical that the person that brought global locate, default to on skill sharing, and OOC chat is worried about game balance.>>


Global locate: Bardishmaster: Hey, where are you?
Frienddude: I'm over there

OH NOEZ! NOW IT'S SLIGHTLY EASIER.

Skills.. Meh. So many people have put default skills (My characters are level 1337) That it's hard to tell whose who now. Meh. And anyone that takes this OOC should have themselves warned immediately by a GM.

Communication? Thats what AIM is for. OMG IS AIM DISRUPTING THE BALANCE????? No. It isn't.

So wtf are you talking about?

[Edited on 8-27-2004 by Chadj]

[Jonty]

Originally posted by JamusPsi
Here's what I'm afraid of. You die in thraks, and five zombie clerics fog in and simultaneously ask you if you want a raise, then wait for any number of properly parsed responses from your body that are likely to be affirmatives. Or worse, they don't even ask, and your body is stolen from afk person to afk person five seconds after you are dead.

group close

unlink confirm

[JamusPsi]

Is there anybody on my side?

[Trinitis]

Pesonally, I think you underestimate the people of GS Jamus. Just because there are ways to uber script, does not mean everyone and their brother will be doing so. There has been ways for people to power script for years now, yet I bet only 20% of the game population actually does it.

I don't want to power hunt myself. I just want scripts that work with a if/then statement damnit! Well, and one that can pull info from the game and use it in the script (something like the uber healing script Soulpie was talking about).

99.99% of my scripts are completely harmless. ::shrug::

[Edited on 8-27-2004 by LordAdredrin]

[HarmNone]

I hear what you're saying loud and clear, Jamus. Personally, I would like to see all AFK scripting gone from GS. However, that is not what Simutronics seems to want. They seem to have accepted the inevitablity of AFK scripting and appear to be making it easier and easier for people to do.

I fear you're fighting a losing battle, hon. The old atmosphere is gone, and will not return. So, while I understand where you're coming from, I also understand where Kranar is coming from. If it's okay with Simutronics, why should I stand in defiance of it? It is their game, not mine. :)

HarmNone has already mourned the passing of the true roleplaying game

[Taylir]

Originally posted by JamusPsi
Is there anybody on my side?

I already told ya how I feel about it, but that's a whole different story there.

[Jonty]

Is there anybody on my side?

I'd love to use this scripting engine. Not because I want to AFK script and/or script hunt, but because it would make a lot of things I currently script so much easier. I've never script hunted, and I never will(I like to make all the decisions while hunting). But I will(and do) script things like attacking, skinning, searching, healing, answering stock question, guild tasks, switching weapons, getting through certain puzzles, casting spells, and of course, movement.

A scripting engine like this would give me more options(picking up many items while searching as for example), less scroll(looking for wounds on others or yourself to heal for example), greater logic(very usefull in catching errors) , and probably more that I can't think of right now.

As LordAdredri has stated, I really don't see everyone going script crazy and destroying the game. Your example seem very exaggerated.

[Latrinsorm]

Originally posted by Caiylania
The temptation was there, but I like the fact that every exp point I earned my self.If I make the script myself, how am I not earning the exp? Doesn't that strike you like saying you don't feel like a house is yours if you don't use a hammer to put the nails in?

Though my curiousity pulls me towards Kranar's side, I feel where Jamus is coming from. Going to the UltraTech (lol, best name ever) engine is going to be like going from a flintlock to an AK-47, so I can understand why Jamus would be hesitant to release a similar engine.

[Toxicvixen]

I am Joe-smo of the Gemstone playing comunity. I have scripts made by Adredrin and Lombrosis to make sure I don't get lost. I have found the infamous scripts to help you lvl 0-70, but that doesn't mean I have ever used them. No matter what happens with or without this scripting engine, its not going to effect me or possible many others like me. I don't know very many uber scripters, you guys are rare or well hidden. There are a lot of us out here who script occasionally but enjoy doing lots of things by hand. Why make a game play for you? How is that a game? If I wanted a game that played for me I would go to http://www.progressquest.com .

[Edited on 8-27-2004 by Toxicvixen]

[Jonty]

Originally posted by Caiylania
The temptation was there, but I like the fact that every exp point I earned my self.

If you made the script yourself, and are at the keyboard, you think you're not earnign the experience yourself because you're not typing "stance off, att rat, stance defense, search rat" 500 times?

[Bobmuhthol]

<<Regarding the healer script, I could theoretically have it recognize anyone in Gemstone to heal.>>

You could realistically camp in a secluded area and have it automatically heal anyone that walks in.

[JamusPsi]

#healall
reside
loop:
matchbool ok $person$ just arrived.
matchpause 300
if(%ok)
echo Queuing "%person% to be healed.
spawnquiet healdown.cmd %person%
else
put exp
endif
goto loop

[imported_Kranar]

My version of heal all would be...



void healDown() {
/*
insert whatever is nessecary to
heal yourself down as an empath
*/
}

void healAll() {

while(true) {
waitFor("just arrived.");
string name = leftOfSentence(buffer,
" just arrived.");

while(!find(buffer, "Nothing happens."))
sendRT("heal " + name);
}

healDown();
flush(buffer);
}
}

[Trinitis]

Originally posted by Bobmuhthol
<<Regarding the healer script, I could theoretically have it recognize anyone in Gemstone to heal.>>

You could realistically camp in a secluded area and have it automatically heal anyone that walks in.

Yep, right up till they crushed your skull for healing them without asking or anything.

[Parkbandit]

I like Kranar's version better.. because he uses smiley faces and it makes me happy.

:)

[Bobmuhthol]

<<Yep, right up till they crushed your skull for healing them without asking or anything.>>

By secluded area, I meant a room that you tell people to go to if they want to be healed that nobody would normally go to.

[Caiylania]

Originally posted by JamusPsi
Is there anybody on my side?

Yes. I don't think anyone intends for stuff like this to get out of hand. But I believe it will.

[Caiylania]

I don't mean scripting AT THE keyboard. I mean afk scripting 24/7. Where is the pride in accomplishment? Hell, I use scripts for things.

[JamusPsi]

Excepts.

LordKranar: Well to be honest, the balance of the game isn't my concern either.
JamusPsi: Ah.
LordKranar: If anything, I have always been one to unbalance the game, from day 1.
LordKranar: Finding ways to give me a HUGE advantage.

JamusPsi: I don't want to hurt the game for anyone that doesn't use my software.
LordKranar: Well I don't fear these things.
LordKranar: I don't fear that game balance will be ruined.
LordKranar: I don't fear that Gemstone will go to hell by sharing information.
JamusPsi: You're twisting my position. I'm not against sharing information.
LordKranar: You are.
LordKranar: You have this engine all to yourself.
JamusPsi: That's not information.
LordKranar: Threatening only to give it if you are "pwned"
JamusPsi: Again, that's not really the case.
JamusPsi: It's not a threat, and it's not blackmail.
JamusPsi: I wrote the engine with the intent to release it. It was only afterwad, when I realized the impact it could have, that I didn't.
LordKranar: Game balance, to me, is the responsibility of the GMs, my responsibility is to unbalance the game.
JamusPsi: That's SO irresponsible.
LordKranar: If that's your opinion, then so be it.

LordKranar: And to be equally honest, the reason I ever got involved in scripting is simple...
LordKranar: Gemstone The Fallen.
JamusPsi: It doesn't exist.
LordKranar: And if you want to know one of my hopes with my scripting engine... it's that my engine speeds it up.
JamusPsi: Although, at the rate we're going,w erre just about there.
LordKranar: It doesn't, but the CEO said it will be out.
LordKranar: And it will be a scripters paradise.
LordKranar: Where people like me can leave the normal Elanthia and just have fun making scripts.
JamusPsi: Your utility won't leave.
LordKranar: But most who enjoy scripting nonstop will go to the Fallen.

LordKranar: Yes, and that's why I'm in the business of scripting, because of the announcement of the Fallen. But since it's taking so damn long for it to come out, I have no choice but to practice it in normal Elanthia.
LordKranar: Hopefully the GMs will realize that this game should be out, now.
JamusPsi: That's so naive! You're NEVER going to pressure the GMs into anything.
LordKranar: I don't mean to pressure them.
JamusPsi: And the effect you're going to have on GS Prime is the problem.

LordKranar: I'm not in charge of the decisions people make.
LordKranar: But I will not deny them that choice to make either.
JamusPsi: No, but the consequences of your actions are your responsibility.
LordKranar: It's not my responsibility how people use my software.
LordKranar: Just like it's not the GMs responsibility for how people abuse scripting as it exists already.

[Mistomeer]

Originally posted by JamusPsi
Is there anybody on my side?

I'm on your side in the sense that I don't think you owe anyone anything. I can see the hypocrisy point of view coming from those who think that Psinet is already bad for the game. I don't believe scripting to be that much of a problem. One can easily AFK script hunt from 0-70, yet the majority of the game is under 50. If it were that rampant of a problem, I think that we'd see characters that are alot older. I'm all for it, not really so that I can AFK script hunt, which I can already do, but because I'd like a more feature-rich scripting engine.

I think its the gm's job to keep their own game balanced and they shouldn't rely on the altruistic nature of its customers to do it themselves. Maybe if they actually did some work they wouldn't have to worry about it.

[JamusPsi]

I think its the gm's job to keep their own game balanced and they shouldn't rely on the altruistic nature of its customers to do it themselves. Maybe if they actually did some work they wouldn't have to worry about it.
But does that mean we shouldn't?

[Trinitis]

I think we as paying customers should do what we find enjoyable as long as it don't disrupt other players. If Kranar likes to script 24/7, 365, and his script don't poach my kills, then I have no problems with it. Its what he likes to do.

In the same effect, if someone else likes to be at the keyboard every moment they are in GS, and they don't poach my kills, more power to them :P

[Chadj]

<<Is there anybody on my side?>>

Yes.

But does that mean we shouldn't?

Its a game, what does it matter.

[Artha]

Its a game, what does it matter.

It's supposed to be fun. If the only way you can keep up is to have and run anything besides the FE and/or script 24/7 that's not really fun.

[Soulpieced]

Also, you're assuming that everyone in Gemstone is a Java programmer. Not everyone is going to be able to look at what Kranar posted and have any idea what the fuck he's talking about. However, those that do will have the power at their hands to get by stupid things that aren't available in GS scripting like if/then statements and dealing with the 32 item match table.

If the only way you can keep up is to have and run anything besides the FE and/or script 24/7 that's not really fun.

Who are you to tell me whats fun?

[Artha]

However, those that do will have the power at their hands to get by stupid things that aren't available in GS scripting like if/then statements and dealing with the 32 item match table.

Of course, these scripts will probably be made available to the public within a relatively short time period.

[Trinitis]

Who says you gotta keep up with the scripters to enjoy the game? :) I have 10x more fun in the levels 1-20 then 20+

[Edited on 8-27-2004 by LordAdredrin]

[Soulpieced]

I'm sure the better coders will keep their code to themselves and close friends rather than toss around codes that took many hours to make.

[gcstader]

Any ETA on when you can have this out Kranar?

[imported_Kranar]

<< Any ETA on when you can have this out Kranar? >>

The core should be done Monday, possibly Tuesday, this Monday that is. On that day I will make available the Alpha engine. It will simply include the virtual machine that will have built in interrupts that keep track of mana, health, and all the information that is sent via the GS escape codes, it will come with a native UltraTech compiler, it will come with some of the more minor features such as getting rid of, once and for all, the type ahead issue to allow for infinitely many type aheads (so all those who wasted a year of premium to get a type ahead may be pissed). I actually managed to get a heck of a lot more done than I thought I would last night.

Some documentation detailing the built in functions will be released on Wednesday or Thursday, but right now documentation isn't such a big priority for me; maybe a sample rat hunting script with comments on how it works.

Then as the days go by, as I get feedback, as bugs are discovered and fixed, I will add more features to the engine. Within maybe 2-3 weeks a beta will be available.

I will also release a generic library that will have functions that do just simple things like cast spells without blowing your nerves, spell you up, return how much silver you have, return how many critters are in a room (say for example your script is programed to use cone of lightning if more than 4 critters are in the room).

The biggest feature, which will likely take a month to program, is a truly universal movement algorithm, and mark my words this is the main reason why I want to make this engine so it will get done one way or another. By this I mean the engine will always keep track of where you are and simply by typing a command such a "@MOVE MARKER1" will take you from your current location to where ever you set MARKER1 to be using a basic path finding algorithm. Typically MARKER1 would either be the place you get healed, or the place where you rest, but that's up to you to pick.

As Soulpieced said, however, there is little chance many people will know how the heck to use the language itself. The language is NOTHING like the WizardFE scripting or StormFront or whatnot. I am making it mostly in anticipation for Gemstone The Fallen, it's the only reason I ever got involved in scripting to begin with. I will create a sub-forum to answer questions people may have, I'll try and write some helpful examples or documentation, but mostly this is a language most people will just have to take time to learn. This will NOT simplify scripting by any means, it just opens up more possibilities and allows for more flexibility.

This is an actual language, the fact that it interfaces with Gemstone is just a feature, but the language itself can be used to program anything, heck you can use it to program a calculator if you want or a spreadsheet or a chess game or something totally unrelated to Gemstone. You won't be restricted to running just one program, you can run 50 different programs at the same time, one that keeps track of how much silver you stole and from whom, one that hunts for you, one that plays tic-tac-toe against the computer while you're resting. That's the advantage to having an actual programming language at your disposal than just having scripting commands, you're free to be as creative as you want.

[Artha]

I'm going to be able to use this with SF, right?

[imported_Kranar]

<< I'm going to be able to use this with SF, right? >>

WizardFE only at this time.

I don't use StormFront, never have. I don't even know what it looks like.

That's not to say I won't make it work with StormFront in the future, but at this time my focus is getting it to work with the WizardFE.

[Artha]

:'(

[Latrinsorm]

Originally posted by Artha
:'( Go back to the mid-90's, you said.

Say hi to Vanilla ice, you said.

[imported_Kranar]

<< I'm sure the better coders will keep their code to themselves and close friends rather than toss around codes that took many hours to make. >>

Just as a note...

The language is a compiled language. The compiler compiles UltraTech to the virtual machines bytecode. So it would be possible to distribute a hunting program without actually distributing the source code to it.

[StrayRogue]

Originally posted by RangerD1
I think its the gm's job to keep their own game balanced and they shouldn't rely on the altruistic nature of its customers to do it themselves. Maybe if they actually did some work they wouldn't have to worry about it.

Spot on. Just because the engine is there doesn't mean everyone or even the majority will use it. Zmud, for example is an incredibly powerful scripting tool, yet few people use that for Gemstone. I suspect with Kranar's engine, it will be the same.

[StrayRogue]

PS: Kranar, fix my script! ;)

[Soulpieced]

Oh come on Kranar, I have a decompiler. Bytecode shmitecode.

[imported_Kranar]

<< Oh come on Kranar, I have a decompiler. Bytecode shmitecode. >>

Not for my VM you don't. There isn't one.