Function Syntax

colandercolander Member Posts: 1,610
in Working with GS (Mac)
Is there a list of functions and their syntax somewhere?

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Best Answer

  • The_Gamesalad_GuruThe_Gamesalad_Guru Posts: 9,922
    Accepted Answer
    @BoomshackBarry he has actually defined it properly as syntax when talking about expressions. The expression editor actually uses the same syntax you would use in straight LUA coding. Like doing text mixed with attributes "text".. Or /n. this is LUA syntax. Some LUA syntax works in the expression editor some doesn't. It would be nice to know all the operators and syntax that can be used in the expression editor.

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Answers

  • BoomshackBarryBoomshackBarry Member Posts: 712
    I don't think syntax is the correct term really, Gamesalad is a drag-and-drop tool so syntax isn't really an issue like it is when coding. If you click 'Help' at the top of this website you can check out the cookbook and read through the manual to get a good idea of how things work.
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  • VolontaArtsVolontaArts Member Posts: 510
    the cook book only gives you definitions to some of the functions. It does not help at all. i am looking for something the same as you colander, something with examples on how to use each one and what you can use them for. but i have not yet found anything like this.
  • TheGabfatherTheGabfather Member Posts: 633
    @Mpaula620 I actually find the definitions from the CookBook plus the definitions within Creator, coupled with the fairly helpful and descriptive text labels beside the Input Fields within each Function sufficient to understand how that block works and how I should use it.

    Although I do agree and I think it would be better if GS introduced built-in albeit simple case examples within Creator beside the descriptions.

    You can always search for video tutorials regarding each function you are curious about on YouTube and in most cases you'll find a video that fits. Otherwise, utilise the Search function of the forums.
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  • BoomshackBarryBoomshackBarry Member Posts: 712
    Yeah the state of the documentation is seriously lacking in my opinion, but thousands of people have used it to learn GS so it is doable.

    On a side note I bought the unofficial GS book from @Photics a while back and it does a great job of explaining every action and behaviour in good detail. I know it's not a substitute for free up to date documentation from Gamesalad but it's a good option nonetheless:

    http://photics.com/books/gamesalad-textbook
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  • BoomshackBarryBoomshackBarry Member Posts: 712
    True I hadn't considered the expression editor - seeing as colander is a new member I jumped (maybe wrongly) to the conclusion that they were after explanations for the basic behaviours. Perhaps a wordier question might have helped!
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  • TheGabfatherTheGabfather Member Posts: 633
    Ohh, did he mean the mathematical functions you can use with the expression editor?
    I also missed that point.

    OP @colander just Go to this page of the Cookbook and use your browser's search function (command+f on Mac) with the query, "(function)". With every hit just click the title and it'll cascade the entry and you'll get an explanation of the function, a link to a Wikipedia page that explains the concept further, or a working example (or a combination of 2 or 3 of those). It should suffice :)
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  • colandercolander Member Posts: 1,610
    Thanks for the replies. Like Mpaula620 I am looking for something better than the Cookbook.

    BoomshackBarry I just bought a copy of that book. I am using the Windows version so hopefully it won't be too different.

    FryingBaconStudios my coding skills are limited but I googled LUA and got a wiki on it which will help me get some understanding of it.

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  • BoomshackBarryBoomshackBarry Member Posts: 712
    It is a good book, for $10 I found it really helpful - I'm pretty sure from memory it talks about what you can/can't enter in the expression editor too. I'm sure the theory is the same between windows and mac versions but the screenshots will look different. Good luck!
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  • PhoticsPhotics Member Posts: 4,172
    edited August 2013
    On a side note I bought the unofficial GS book from @Photics a while back and it does a great job of explaining every action and behaviour in good detail. I know it's not a substitute for free up to date documentation from Gamesalad but it's a good option nonetheless:

    http://photics.com/books/gamesalad-textbook
    Wow, it was nice to wake up and read this! So, I hit the like button on two of your posts!
  • BoomshackBarryBoomshackBarry Member Posts: 712
    On a side note I bought the unofficial GS book from @Photics a while back and it does a great job of explaining every action and behaviour in good detail. I know it's not a substitute for free up to date documentation from Gamesalad but it's a good option nonetheless:

    http://photics.com/books/gamesalad-textbook
    Wow, it was nice to wake up and read this! So, I hit the like button on two of your posts!
    And I just liked your post :)

    It is a handy guide book and I still keep it nearby in case I need to quickly remind myself about something I haven't used for a while. I think this is maybe the third time I've recommended it to someone too, perhaps I could start taking a commission!
    :))
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  • The_Gamesalad_GuruThe_Gamesalad_Guru Member Posts: 9,922
    I should note GS switched to LUAJIT so check that as some of the syntax is a bit different.

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  • PhoticsPhotics Member Posts: 4,172
    perhaps I could start taking a commission!
    Commissions aren't an option right now. It used to be possible when the book was on the iTunes App store. I made some decent money with LinkShare.
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