Create a Functions Folder for Global Functions

GregoryAM

I like the idea of creating custom UDF's, but the execution of creating these functions is a bit rough.

I understand that we go-to Game Configuration -> Global Function (Tab) then define them and then they generate their own .function file.

However, I feel like if we were able to create these Global Functions from within the Game Explorer, similar to how we create Scripts, it would be just a bit quicker. Especially when searching for a UDF we would like to modify.

Imagine having multiple UDF's and seeing all of them laid out like the Scripts. I believe this would be easier to locate and modify instead of going into the Game Configuration screen and having to scroll through possibly dozen of UDF's to find the right function and then modify it, close the window, see if it works, then if it doesn't, we have to repeat to locate the function again.

GregoryAM

GregoryAM I should also mention that this folder should / would be called "Global Function" or something relative to that. Since that's what they would be.

Sherri

I'd like this too. More support around reusable code would really bring some sanity to more complex games.

Would also like to include a script from within another script. Again to reduce code duplication.

GregoryAM

Hey, @Justin! Sorry for the ping here.
But I was wondering if you had the chance to take a look at this post and your thoughts on this.

I understand that Global Functions are not really a front-facing feature in RPG in a Box, but I believe it should be.
I was talking with @Slayer in the Discord and he mentioned that the ability to define functions are tucked away and they (users) would have to be comfortable scripting to even know what they are for and how to use them.

I agree with him. The only way to also get someone to know what they are for and how to use them is to place the feature in front of the users. Get them (the user) familiar with functions, let them know they are just as powerful as scripts, and they can be used globally inside of your project's scripts.

A "Function Editor", similar to the Script Editor would be an awesome feature, making it more accessible to everyone.
Basically, just the "Script Editor" but it's the "Expanded Script Editor" with the Script Tools. Since I know the Bauxite code can be used within a function and the drag-and-drop feature would be awesome!

The option to define Global Functions is not documented. Users who do rely on the docs might not know it exists.
I personally didn't know it was possible, until I was clicking around the UI and found it the day I made this original post back on Nov 1st, 2024.

My original comment about the Global Functions was about being able to save the Global Functions even when empty. But after talking with Slayer about it, I think to shift the focus on getting Global Functions a spot in the front-end like Scripts.

Hoping this is planned for a future release, or even maybe just an upcoming release.

Edit: Similar to how Sherri mentioned above. it would help with reducing code duplication.
Before I started using Global Functions, I would define the same code in 2 to 3 scripts, which made it a hassle to update them all. Mentioned in Sherri at the end.

Sincerely,
@GregoryAM

Sherri

So my son has a game that's getting quite complicated (tower defense game) with lots of layers of logic.

The more I watch him try to wrangle the code he's got ... the more convinced I am that we need a bit more code-management tools beyond just global functions. Being able to include scripts inside of other scripts at run-time would be awesome. It's also not obvious how to do a search across ALL your scripts.

Sherri

Seconded. I think this is a desperately needed feature for people coming in who already have some programming experience. Practically everything I do in RPGIABox is extending or working around the base feature set in some way and I end up with reams and reams of code in the Global Functions box. I end up opening it in my code editor (VS Code) to work on it, then paste it back in there when I'm done. But popping over to your widget or map editor or something to check on something or grab the ID of an entity then going back into the Global functions - and the fact that you can't close it with some invalid WIP code in there, is painful. So you have to comment out your half done code, save and close the window... go check the map for your entity ID or what have you, then go back into the Global Functions... etc.

This kind of feature would really attract more advanced users and developers.

Sherri

Also can we get comment blocks while we're at it. So I don't have to comment each line of a huge block of text. 🙏

GregoryAM

Sherri I agree!
I also might take from you and start using vscode to edit my functions until something new is implemented