Global Vars - How do they work?

[Tormentor667]

I have a few questions concerning global variables. Here an example:

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global int 2:STR02; 

What is the "int 2" part all about?

[Ryan Cordell]

It's just the second global integer. Calm down. =P

[Tormentor667]

So if I use more than one global integer, I need also a unique number for each? Beyond, if these global integers are defined in more than one map, do the numbers have to be the same? For example:

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global int 2:STR02;

in MAP01 and

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global int 2:STR02;

in MAP02?

[HotWax]

So if I use more than one global integer, I need also a unique number for each?

Yes. Since global integers have to remain persistent from one script to another, the ACS system doesn't remember the variable name -- instead, it remembers a number. Therefore, each global integer needs its own unique number to represent it.

Beyond, if these global integers are defined in more than one map, do the numbers have to be the same?

Yes. Again, this is how ACS keeps track of which global variable is which. The numbers must be consistent for it to work properly.

In fact, technically speaking the name doesn't matter at all (except within the current script). You could have "int 1:MyVar" in one script and "int 1:YourVar" in another and they would both represent the same variable. For consistency's sake, it's probably better to use the same name though...

[randi]

To emphasize HotWax's point, if you have a script like this:

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global int 1:ThisIsGlobal;
global int 1:ThisIsGlobal2;

script 1 open
{
    ThisIsGlobal = 1;
    ThisIsGlobal2 = 2;
    printbold(s:"ThisIsGlobal = ", i:ThisIsGlobal);
}    

(Disclaimer: I have not tried this. The compiler might prevent you from defining multiple global variables with the same number.)

This script will output the number 2, not 1, because ThisIsGlobal and ThisIsGlobal2 are the same variable. The "name" of a global variable is actually the number, but you attach a more human-readable name to it to make it easier to work with.

[Tormentor667]

Thx for the explanation, now I got the point Though, I'd suggest someone puts this in the wiki, it's quite helpful for ACS noobs like me and I am sure something like this can'T be found there yet

[HotWax]

I'd suggest someone puts this in the wiki, it's quite helpful for ACS noobs like me and I am sure something like this can'T be found there yet

Wow, you're right. You'd think such basic information would already be there in some form or another...

Anyway, I added a description to the [wiki]Scope[/wiki] (Badly named?) wiki page. Hopefully that's enough to avoid further confusion.

[Project Shadowcat]

I'd suggest someone puts this in the wiki, it's quite helpful for ACS noobs like me and I am sure something like this can'T be found there yet

Wow, you're right. You'd think such basic information would already be there in some form or another...

Anyway, I added a description to the [wiki]Scope[/wiki] (Badly named?) wiki page. Hopefully that's enough to avoid further confusion.

I had to read the older ACS Primer from a totally different source to actually get the information earlier. It really wasn't available before in the Wiki. Thanks a bunch, HotWax.