I've put in enough work now to start distributing the EA version of DarkScript 1.0. Below you'll find all the information you'd need about this release.
If you'd like to skip all the reading on this forum and head right over to the product page,
click here.
What is DarkScript?
DarkScript is a scripting engine plugin that uses the power of GameMonkey Script at its core. The GameMonkey core has been successfully compiled and used on platforms such as; Windows®, Mac®, Microsoft XBox®, Playstation 2®, and Nintendo GameCube®. The actual engine borrows concepts from LUA and improves upon them, thus creating a more powerful solution for game programmers.
What are the key features of the GameMonkey core?
- Small code base. Compiled script code will use 50Kb or less of RAM.
- Real-time source compiling, or loading of precompiled script libraries.
- Natively supports multithreading and the concept of states.
- Soft real-time incremental garbage collection.
- C style syntax.
- Competitive performance with speed of execution and memory usage when compared to other scripting engines.
What are the key features of the DarkScript plugin?
- Runtime debugging error protection using two layers; syntax parsing (during loading), and also runtime code level with debug reporting.
- Advanced arrays with easy to use script commands.
- System, file IO, string, math, and vector script commands.
-
Ability to use your DarkBASIC Professional functions as script commands!
- DarkScript has its own plugin framework to extend the scripting language!
- Read and write variables from DarkBASIC Professional that are contained within your script(s).
- Return various data types from DarkScript to DarkBASIC Professional.
- Keyword list with help files for each command.
- Documentation for script syntax and commands.
- Tutorials for using DarkScript with DarkBASIC Professional.
What does DarkScript look like?
Here is an example script that demonstrates a door trigger used to open a door when the player is near it.
global OnDoorTriggerEnter = function(door, objEntering)
{
if ( objEntering == player && !door.IsOpen())
{
door.Open();
return true;
}
return false;
};
Once your script has been created and you’re ready to give it a try use the command LOAD SCRIPT in DarkBASIC Pro. This plugin was designed with advanced error control for any problems that your script may have and it will report back to you with detailed information if any errors are detected. That information includes an error message, script file name, line number, and the script command with the error!
There are 16 more easy to use DarkBASIC Pro commands, be sure to check the command list.
What comes with the EA version?
The EA version stands for "Early Adopter" which is an early release for users. Early Adopter users can purchase DarkScript at a cheaper price and will have full benefits and all the updates, including the full version. With this release you find:
- A complete set of dbpro command help files with examples for each command.
- An introduction help file to get new users familiar with the scripting language.
- A scripting reference help file containing valuable information about the script commands, syntax, and logical symbols.
- Plugins specifically made for DarkScript, currently uploaded ones are Text-to-Speech, SQLite, and a simple Message Box plugin example. Each of these come with the plugin, and example source files.
- Three extra example projects (more to come very soon) that display various DarkScript features. Check out the pictures below, you'll see these examples there.
Users that purchase DarkScript will be given access to a server that will contain all the content mentioned above, and all the new content as it becomes available.
Demonstration Screenshots
The above image comes from the Dwarf example project. With scripts it demonstrates how to set boundries, handle animation and character behavior, and interact with the player in an RPG style.
This is an example project used to demonstrate using DarkScript with DarkBASIC Pro without any scripts, and also shows off some file handling commands that allow for quick and easy retexturing of the fighter plane.
Another example project, although simple in nature the source code shows how to set waypoints, and animate objects to follow them.
This screen shot is from an example that hasn't been finished yet (not currently uploaded), the idea behind this one will be to demonstrate enemy AI movement around a map with the use of DarkScript.
This image shows the IDE that can be used for working with your GM scripts. Before I upload this IDE to the server I am planning to tweak the IDE a little more.
To place your order, follow the link below to the shopping cart:
http://darkbasicpro.blackgate.us/cart/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=3
Currently only paypal is accepted, but in the near future may change completely.
Orders will be processed manually so that I can send out the required login details and serial number information.
