29 replies to this topic

[DT]

Coded this in one afternoon, could be buggy. Consider this public beta # 1.

Download [235KB] - Dynamic Lookup.zip

What is it?
This is just an extension for Game Maker that incorporate DSR's quick-lookup functionality in GM's editor by adding a small edit box into the toolbar. Although not as robust or as tightly integrated as it was in DSR, I still think it's better than firing up the manual every time you need to lookup a function because forget exactly what it does.

Screenshot


Usage
The startup is not quite user-friendly but it isn't that bad either.
- start GM
- start an "execute script" action anywhere (you only need to do this once)
- start my program
- right click on my program's tray icon and select "Attach!"

That's all; now for the remainder of your work session the quick-lookup edit box will stay readily available. To lookup a function, simple type its name into the edit box and hit Enter.

Notes
- currently, this only works for the "execute script" editor (action through objects )
- the hint box will close if the edit box is blank or after 15 seconds, whichever comes first
- remember to terminate the plugin when you don't use GM anymore (close action in tray), for now there is no auto-close yet
- this works with both and , but please note that many functions are not applicable to
==================================================

If there's an interest in this kind of thing, I will improve it further with more features coolness.

Who knows, maybe you'll see some form of DSR integrated into GM some day...

Feedback/Suggestion?

Edited by DT, 17 November 2004 - 05:10 AM.

[PromaneX]

cool, im downloading it now

[shad0w]

very useful- this will definetly save lots of time

[Soten355]

good job, does this work for versions 5 and 6?

[PromaneX]

it told me mommys missing, cannot find game maker , im going to run away now

[DT]

good job, does this work for versions 5 and 6?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Absolutely! However, please note that this was designed for GM6 so many functions are not applicable to GM5.

it told me mommys missing, cannot find game maker , im going to run away now

PromaneX, make sure you start at least once the "execute a piece of code" action. I used the "Asteroid" example to test; all I had to do was go to an object that has this action and double click, attach the extension and everything should fit right in for the remainder of your working session.

Edited by DT, 17 November 2004 - 05:12 AM.

[anothersomething]

I get "Mommy's missing" whenever I try to use it with a script. Using it with the execute code action works perfectly though.

Nice job.

[DT]

I get "Mommy's missing" whenever I try to use it with a script. Using it with the execute code action works perfectly though.

Nice job.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes, as stated, at the time it doesn't work with both yet because technically, they're different mommies....hehehe

[GmDude66]

Good Job, DT.

[DT]

Even though there's a lack of interest I will still release an update in the near future. I'm hoping to include the following:

- compatibility with script editing as well as execute action
- auto-detect and attach (if this option isn't available, it will attach to the GM toolbar first as a place holder)
- auto-detect and close (in case the user forget to terminate it after closing GM)
- hint box auto-adjust size
- other subtle fixes

[Tarik]

Wicked, I'm at my dad now though but I'll install it tomorrow

[BlackLableSk8er]

Just use the list on the bottom of the gm editor no need for this or just open up "fnames" in the game maker folder and load it into your own text box programs and hook it to the gm window!

[Spikehead777]

Edited out...

EDIT: New suggestion: The message boxes that I mentioned above should be able to be placed anywhere, defined by the user.

EDIT: Never mind the first suggestion. Didn't see that hint box part.

Edited by Spikehead777, 18 November 2004 - 04:46 AM.

[DT]

Just use the list on the bottom of the gm editor no need for this or just open up "fnames" in the game maker folder and load it into your own text box programs and hook it to the gm window!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You didn't even try out the extension; quick to judge, quick to be judged.

It doesn't simply load th "fnames" in the GM folder.
Constructive criticism I'd appreciate but uncorroborated statement I do not.

Edited by DT, 18 November 2004 - 07:00 AM.

[Skilzat99x]

Isnt this kinda like the built in code finder?

Either way, I find that knowing my code is good.

Great programming though

[DT]

I've taken a screenshot that hopefully will illustrate the whole thing:

...I still think it's better than firing up the manual every time you need to lookup a function because forget exactly what it does.

[maxnova87]

But, is it legal to modify any part of Game Maker?
Here is a part of the GM License:

2.3 Proprietary Notices. You may not remove, disable,
modify, add to or tamper with any program code or data,
copyright, trademark or other proprietary notices and
legends contained within the object (compiled) code
of the Software. You are not allowed to reverse
engineer, decompile, or disassemble the program.

But I think Mark won't mind because it's benefits the community after all.

Edited by maxnova87, 19 November 2004 - 10:23 AM.

[tpvgames]

But, is it legal to modify any part of Game Maker?
Here is a part of the GM License:

2.3 Proprietary Notices. You may not remove, disable,
modify, add to or tamper with any program code or data,
copyright, trademark or other proprietary notices and
legends contained within the object (compiled) code
of the Software. You are not allowed to reverse
engineer, decompile, or disassemble the program.

But I think Mark won't mind because it's benefits the community after all.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No this attaches itself to the GM Editor, it's not modifying it in any way .

Oh this is so cool, I'm downloading it know

Edited by tpvgames, 19 November 2004 - 11:57 AM.

[maxnova87]

It is not very useful because it is the same with the GM code editor's lookup system at the bottom of the code window.For those who don't know ,you can enable the lookup system by ticking the "Show help on function and variable names" option in the Scripts and Code Tab of Game Maker Preference.So what's the difference between this and the original one? More over it blocks the "applies to " part of the code editor.And also it is located at the top left hand side which is quite inconvenience because it is far away. I like the lookup system in GM5 because it shows all the functions and variables instead of a small group of them in GM6 because it saves me more time.

My suggestion is you make something to replace that of GM6 so it won't look so boring with the gray interface and make it like gm5's system. Or may be you can make it the lookup system pop-up just at the location where the text is typed so it will be easier and nearer to click.

[tommiev]

Maxnova87, did you try clicking the about button?
Though, I think your suggestions are good.