Learning To Script? Look No Further! BI Wiki Can Help You!

[Lystic]

Note: Definitions are Italicized

 

This section covers what a script is and different ways to execute it with and without cheats.

 

Script -- Covered on quiz
Syntax -- Covered on quiz
SQF
Script Execution -- Covered on quiz

---

What is a Script? When programmers refer to a script in the ArmA realm they are referring to a .sqf file. A Script is a plain text file that can be edited using a program like notepad. SQF is another, more definite, term for a Script. Every script follows the same Syntax. A Syntax is the grammar for a programming language. If a script is not following the correct Syntax then the code will create an error in game (Note: Errors can be viewed with the -ShowScriptErrors parameter in game).

 

/* Hello World Script
   Created By Lystic
   On September 17th 
   2014
*/
hint 'Hello World';

 

/* Kill player script
   Created By Lystic
   On September 17th 
   2014
*/
player setDamage 1;

How are Scripts Executed? Scripts can be executed through: Mission files, Script Executers, PBOs, In Game Debug Monitors, and Other Scripts. A Script Executer is an external program that executes a selected script in game. Script Executers are generally perceived as Hacks or Cheats, but in some cases these can be used to improve security and/or test new features in game.

 

This section covers the basics to programming in the scripting language

 

Block -- Covered on quiz
Statement -- Covered on Quiz
Variable -- Covered on quiz
Command -- Covered on Quiz
Control Structure -- Covered on Quiz
Value Assignment -- Covered on Quiz
Data Type -- Covered on Quiz

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This section covers the basics to programming including how to make your own hello world script, different data types, functions, parameters, and operators.

What is a datatype? DataTypes are different kinds of values such as: NUMBER, STRING, BOOLEAN(true/false).

What are Variables? Variables are Name placeholders for DataTypes.
What is a LOCAL Variable? These variables are LOCAL to the block. Check the example to learn more!
What is a GLOBAL Variable (use these if you are new to scripting)? These variables are GLOBAL to every block. Check example to learn more!
What is a Block? A block is a chunk of scripting code grouped together. (Starts and Ends with {}).

 

_variable = 2;

 

//Local Variable (this code gives an error)
_function = {
   _localVariable = 2; //creates a local variable within the function block
};
call _function; //executes the function block
hint str _localVariable; //error _localVariable is not defined in this block!

 

//Global Variable Example
_function = {
    globalVariable = 2;
};
call _function;
hint str globalVariable; //no error. Outputs '2'

Scripts are executed one Statement at a time. A Statement is either a Value Assignment, Control Structure or Command. What is a value assignment? a Value Assignment is when a Variable is given a value. A Control Structure is either an If-Statement, While-Loop, Switch-Statement, ForEach-Loop, or For-Loop. Loops are Control Structures that repeat the code within their block until their conditional statement is false. A Command is a word that represents some kind of functionality in game.

 

//Loop Example
while{true} do {
    hint 'Infinite Loop';
};

 

//If Example
_value = 2;
if(_value == 2) then {
    hint '_value is 2';
};

 

//Switch Statement
_value = 4;
switch(_value) do {
    case 1: {hint 'Value is 1';};
    case 4: {hint 'Value is 4';};
};

 

//For Loop
for "_i" from 1 to 4 do {
    hint 'I am repeating 4 times!';
};

 

//ForEach Loop
_array = [1,2,3];
{
    hint str(_x);
} forEach _array;

Coding on your own: Now I want to see you create a script on your own. This script is supposed to output the words 'Hello World' onto screen (in any fashion).

 

//these are only a few of the ways
hint 'hello world';
cutText 'hello world';
titleText 'hello world';
systemChat 'hello world';

Coding on your own: Expand this script to heal the player and tell the user that they have been healed.

//Check https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/setDamage for setDamage info
player setDamage 1;

 

//this is only one example (there are more ways to do this!)
player setDamage 0;
hint 'you have been healed!';

Coding on your own: Make the player fly into the sky and notify the users that they are now a rocket ship.

 

1) use setVelocity (look at BIWiki)

 

//makes player launch into sky
player setVelocity [0,0,100];

After these two sections, if you can create those basic scripts on your own (section 2) then you are on your path to becoming a scripter!

(if im not allowed to use this quiz link could a mod remove it and not the post plz?)
https://www.onlineexambuilder.com/bas...quiz/exam-8503 (click play without account plz)

I Recommend Looking At The Following Links for More Information

The Information was derived from these links:
https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/...n_to_Scripting
https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Script_(File)
https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/SQF_syntax
https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Data_Types
https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Block
https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Control_Structures
https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Variables
https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Magic_Variables
https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Operators
https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Exception_handling
https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Function
https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Statement
https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Parameter
https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Argument
https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/...ommands_Arma_3

[extasy hosting]

Good stuff for beginners to learn !

[EazzyKilla]

Hey can you add me on skype? I need some help :c

[[MPGH]Jim Morrison]

Maybe you should make a full fledged tutorial.
/Stickied

[Lystic]

Maybe you should make a full fledged tutorial.
/Stickied

Thought of it, don't really have time, maybe ill expand this later, BI Wiki is a really good resource though

[EazzyKilla]

Thought of it, don't really have time, maybe ill expand this later, BI Wiki is a really good resource though

Do you think you can help me more?? can add me on skype pl0x i need chu ;-;

[LBP1906]

Very good tutorial!

[135058israel]

i need some help plz add me on skype so we can speak about it skype is jigglypanda13