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RGSS RGSS3 BASIC SYNTAX LIST & QUESTIONS
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JacobPerry
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CloseAlright, I feel like I keep asking questions on the forums that have already been answered, but I can't seem to find the answers anyway else, and you guys seem to be awesome at answering my questions! So thanks, now for my questions:
1.) What's the difference between RGSS and RGSS3? Or is there not one? I seem to keep seeing those as though they are both real, and different things. I figure it has to do with the different versions of RPG Maker.
2.) Does anyone know of a list that shows all the RGSS (RGSS3, like I said, I don't know) syntax? In other words, a list of all the commands that can be called/executed through the scripting system and there uses. (Most specifically commands/syntax exclusive to the RPG Maker scripting system) I know the basics of Ruby so I understand most of it's logic, but I don't know of it's applications, nor of it potential commands in the RPG Makers engines.
3.) Are the RPG Maker eventing and scripting systems interchangeable? In other words, can they both be used and mixed together in their uses? Or do you have to commit more to one or the other?
4.) Lastly, which would you suggest one focus on for more of the game's programming? (Assuming both can be used mutually)
1.) What's the difference between RGSS and RGSS3? Or is there not one? I seem to keep seeing those as though they are both real, and different things. I figure it has to do with the different versions of RPG Maker.
2.) Does anyone know of a list that shows all the RGSS (RGSS3, like I said, I don't know) syntax? In other words, a list of all the commands that can be called/executed through the scripting system and there uses. (Most specifically commands/syntax exclusive to the RPG Maker scripting system) I know the basics of Ruby so I understand most of it's logic, but I don't know of it's applications, nor of it potential commands in the RPG Makers engines.
3.) Are the RPG Maker eventing and scripting systems interchangeable? In other words, can they both be used and mixed together in their uses? Or do you have to commit more to one or the other?
4.) Lastly, which would you suggest one focus on for more of the game's programming? (Assuming both can be used mutually)
Hi again,
The difference between RGSS and RGSS3 is the RPG Maker program in which they were implemented. RPG Maker XP uses RGSS (Ruby Game Scripting System) and RPG Maker VX Ace uses RGSS3. I assume that RGSS2 arose in RPG Maker VX, now off the market.
In either RGSS, you can get a general idea of the syntax just by looking up Ruby commands online. Because it's standard Ruby, most commands you see online will work. Those that don't work are meant for a later edition of Ruby than that which appears in RPG Maker.
RGSS is versatile enough to incorporate with event commands, because all event commands are handled by Ruby script behind the scenes. They can be seen in the Script interface under the name "Interpreter".
Because of this, you can even create your own event commands. For example, under the Show Text command, you can modify the Show Text "method" (Ruby's equivalent of a "function") to do whatever you want based on what you type in the Show Text window.
Although it can be fun to play around with it, it's best to come up with a plan for what you need, if you truly intend to complete a game. By doing this, you can get the RPG Maker interface to work for you in the most efficient way possible, whether it's through event commands, customized event commands, Ruby script, or what-have-you.
The difference between RGSS and RGSS3 is the RPG Maker program in which they were implemented. RPG Maker XP uses RGSS (Ruby Game Scripting System) and RPG Maker VX Ace uses RGSS3. I assume that RGSS2 arose in RPG Maker VX, now off the market.
In either RGSS, you can get a general idea of the syntax just by looking up Ruby commands online. Because it's standard Ruby, most commands you see online will work. Those that don't work are meant for a later edition of Ruby than that which appears in RPG Maker.
RGSS is versatile enough to incorporate with event commands, because all event commands are handled by Ruby script behind the scenes. They can be seen in the Script interface under the name "Interpreter".
Because of this, you can even create your own event commands. For example, under the Show Text command, you can modify the Show Text "method" (Ruby's equivalent of a "function") to do whatever you want based on what you type in the Show Text window.
Although it can be fun to play around with it, it's best to come up with a plan for what you need, if you truly intend to complete a game. By doing this, you can get the RPG Maker interface to work for you in the most efficient way possible, whether it's through event commands, customized event commands, Ruby script, or what-have-you.
So you are saying that all the possible commands used in RGSS3 are included in the original Ruby? Surely there are syntax added for the engine. I mean, how would one say, manipulate a character's location using only original Ruby syntax? Ruby wasn't originally made solely for RPG Maker, so wouldn't there have to be added syntax?
In this case, what's required is simply to understand how the RPG Maker you are using interprets its information internally. This can be done by looking around in the "Interpreter" scripts, where the game developer would have originally interacted with the RPG Maker engine through event commands.
RGSS also contains a few built-in classes that make things easier, like the Sprite class. So, let's say that you wanted the game to display some kind of graphic. You would first create an object somewhere—the easiest way to do this would be to create a global object, which would be permanent. Defined by the dollar sign. "$this_is_my_sprite = Sprite.new". Now, "$this_is_my_sprite" is a sprite object. You can call the methods for each class in the usual way, by typing a period and then the name of the method. "$this_is_my_sprite.bitmap = RPG::Cache.picture('file name here')" would give the Sprite an image. "$this_is_my_sprite.x = 302" would put the sprite's x location at 302 pixels to the right of the upper-left corner of the screen.
The games come with an extensive help file which will tell you the methods for every class. Using the internet to look up general Ruby commands, and then the RPG Maker help file to see how they're relevant to the game engine, you can do anything. The game also shows (minimally) descriptive errors when you make a mistake.
RGSS also contains a few built-in classes that make things easier, like the Sprite class. So, let's say that you wanted the game to display some kind of graphic. You would first create an object somewhere—the easiest way to do this would be to create a global object, which would be permanent. Defined by the dollar sign. "$this_is_my_sprite = Sprite.new". Now, "$this_is_my_sprite" is a sprite object. You can call the methods for each class in the usual way, by typing a period and then the name of the method. "$this_is_my_sprite.bitmap = RPG::Cache.picture('file name here')" would give the Sprite an image. "$this_is_my_sprite.x = 302" would put the sprite's x location at 302 pixels to the right of the upper-left corner of the screen.
The games come with an extensive help file which will tell you the methods for every class. Using the internet to look up general Ruby commands, and then the RPG Maker help file to see how they're relevant to the game engine, you can do anything. The game also shows (minimally) descriptive errors when you make a mistake.
Like Zachary mentioned, VX Ace comes with a very extensive and useful help file, but it's also helpful to check out the online documentation of Ruby for questions you have. As it is with all programming languages, Google is your best friend!
I will say though, Ruby IS up a programming language. If you have no experience in programming, you'll find it sort of difficult. It's not impossible to learn (very possible, actually), but you might want to take a primer on object-oriented programming before trying to dive-in head first into RGSS3. As far as languages go, though, Ruby is a pretty easy language to learn.
Don't be afraid to still do things with however you're familiar doing them. You can use scripts and event commands interchangeably. Sometimes you'll find it's easier to do something one way or another. For example, making an IF statement that depends on 5 or 6 variables can be done in a single line of Ruby code, but doing the same thing with Events will be that many nested conditional branches (and god forbid you need an Else IF case). VX Ace even comes with the ability to use a script as a condition for its conditional branches, so mixing events and scripting are actually encouraged by the software.
If you really want to get your hands dirty and mess with the game, you'll want to learn how to do some scripting, otherwise you'll end up with obtuse work-arounds that will cost you much time and many headaches in the future.
Also, don't be afraid to download scripts you are curious about and start tinkering with them to see how they work. As long as you don't distribute them afterwards, no one can stop you from getting under the hood and changing things around if you feel the need. There are also lots of great tutorials out there! RGSS3 is pretty daunting at first, but just keep working through your own questions and you'll eventually figure things out.
I will say though, Ruby IS up a programming language. If you have no experience in programming, you'll find it sort of difficult. It's not impossible to learn (very possible, actually), but you might want to take a primer on object-oriented programming before trying to dive-in head first into RGSS3. As far as languages go, though, Ruby is a pretty easy language to learn.
Don't be afraid to still do things with however you're familiar doing them. You can use scripts and event commands interchangeably. Sometimes you'll find it's easier to do something one way or another. For example, making an IF statement that depends on 5 or 6 variables can be done in a single line of Ruby code, but doing the same thing with Events will be that many nested conditional branches (and god forbid you need an Else IF case). VX Ace even comes with the ability to use a script as a condition for its conditional branches, so mixing events and scripting are actually encouraged by the software.
If you really want to get your hands dirty and mess with the game, you'll want to learn how to do some scripting, otherwise you'll end up with obtuse work-arounds that will cost you much time and many headaches in the future.
Also, don't be afraid to download scripts you are curious about and start tinkering with them to see how they work. As long as you don't distribute them afterwards, no one can stop you from getting under the hood and changing things around if you feel the need. There are also lots of great tutorials out there! RGSS3 is pretty daunting at first, but just keep working through your own questions and you'll eventually figure things out.
I see,I'm having an easy time finding tutorials, but I can't really seem to find the right kinds. I'm very comfortable with RPG Maker 2003's eventing system, which as far as I can tell, is quite similar to the new one's and I'm quite experienced with other forms of programming similar to Ruby (mostly JavaScript). I'm almost done with Ruby's Codecademy, so I can't seem to find any RGSS tutorials that fit my experience. Are there any tutorials for people comfortable with Ruby, but starting with RGSS? I really feel like XP is the option I'm going to go with. I just can't pass up that mapping. Every time I Google a syntax list or anything like that for RGSS, it brings me back to this forum.
edit: Is there really no list (often called cheat sheet for other programming languages) of commands or syntax?
edit: Is there really no list (often called cheat sheet for other programming languages) of commands or syntax?
Hmm... would something like the contents of the following image be what you are looking for?
This is a snapshot of the "RGSS" section in RPG Maker XP's help file.
This is a snapshot of the "RGSS" section in RPG Maker XP's help file.
Try and open this: http://www.nofna.com/ca/RPGXP.chm
I think help files are able to be read stand-alone.
That section there is the "RGSS Reference Manual". I found it by searching for "syntax", which also brought up a handful of other helpful sections.
I think help files are able to be read stand-alone.
That section there is the "RGSS Reference Manual". I found it by searching for "syntax", which also brought up a handful of other helpful sections.
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