You Wanna Learn How to Script?

So, you want to learn how to script? Awesome! You'll probably get a lot farther then I did. Luckily, I do still have a lot of material and can point you guys in the right direction...sort of . Just a heads up that the Arma 2 Scripting Language's intended usage was for mission editing. Because of this, there is an infinite amount of resources and help out there. Though, be aware that if you go around asking how to make remote executions so you can h4x on DayZ, Arma 2 mission making veterans will probably tell you to fuck off. Usually, it's good to learn a more simple language before moving on to a more complex one. From my observations, SQF doesn't seem daunting enough to recommend that but Python and VB.NET are both pretty easy and will allow you to get a little coding experience. I'd also like to throw it out there that I've been working on an SQF IDE...

Step 1: Familiarize yourself with/learn the language.

Introduction to Arma 2 scripting
What is a Script?
What are variables?
What are control structures?
What are arrays?
How do I run SQF scripts?
List of scripting functions
setDamage
attachObject

I could go on and on with these. You guys get the point. The Bistudio Wiki is your friend. Read up as much as you can. For those of you with a coding background, variable, arrays, etc. won't be as foreign to those without one.

"You're not expected to understand these articles the first time you read them. So read them again. And again. Learn to teach yourself. Ignore all the stuff about SQS and focus on SQF. Do not stop if you don't understand something but read on. If you're stuck come back and ask.

Once you've grasped the basics, read as much code as possible. There are tons of scripts on OFPEC. Start with small scripts and analyze them until you understand every single line. Try to find the answers to your questions on your own. Your most important tool will be the BIKI's search function. The list of scripting commands will come handy, too.

Write small scripts that accomplish simple tasks and find out why they don't works as intended (you will make many errors but that's fine because you gain experience this way). Realize that writing code can (and will) be frustrating sometimes. Realize that writing code can (and will) be rewarding once that damn script is finally working!

Did I mention that you should learn to teach yourself and to find answers on your own? Just in case I did not: learn to teach yourself and try to find answers on your own. Both are skills. The more you practice the better you get. Nobody who knows how to code will teach you because they're all busy coding.

The whole 'learn how to code' thing boils down to:

• becoming an autodidact
• being patient
• reading code written by others
• writing code yourself
• making lots of errors"

Step 2: Use the Mission Editor!

I've attached an SQF Guide that goes over mission editing.

Mission Editor

Unfortunately, I never got this far so there's not a whole lot I can do in terms of support. All I can say is practice, practice and practice. You won't retain much if all you do is read. You need to apply your knowledge . I can guarantee if you run into a problem, it will already be on the Bistudio forums.


Step 3: Analyze Other People's Code

I'm sort of bridging into Menus now but a great way to learn is to look at other people's work. It's amazing how much insight you'll gain from this. But of course, if all you do is copy and paste, you won't learn much of anything.

Step 4: Ask for Help

I can say that without a doubt we have 3 or 4 of the best scripters in the DayZ Community who are on the forums frequently so don't be afraid to ask. If you guys are serious about learning and actually put some effort into it, people are more than willing to help you. Sadly, I was indecisive on what programming languages to learn and I just ended up not taking the time learning how to script. Not saying that was a mistake or anything. I do feel bad because I don't think very many people have made full on guides before.. inb4 a million of full on guides posted. The DayZ Section in MPGH is known for its leeches. Hopefully this will encourage more people to learn.

Helpful Resources:

DayZ Script Filters

Arma 2 SQF Plugins for Notepad++

Bistudio Wiki

Bistudio Forums

An Older Tutorial I found

ArmaHolic Forums

OFPEC



Feel free to let me know if anything should be added.

Virus Scan 1: https://www.virustotal.com/en/file/2...is/1369363336/

Virus Scan 2: SQFScriptingGuide_by_Taurus.v.3.2(1).zip - Jotti's malware scan

@Flengo @Hero @Jim Morrison @Nico

Yeah... no thanks, too much to read and do and... fuck it I'm just too lazy, much better to throw money at screen and pay Hangender millions of dollars to supply me with skriptz.

Finally some inspiration for people

thanks man, needed it and is Active Perl a good language to code in? i heard it was Great for beginners! ~Thanks

This will help many new users, thanks for posting

Very nice work chicken, also, good luck on minion!

This deserves a sticky
Nice tut, keep it up.