What is
JASS?
-JASS is the programming language used by the Wc3
engine.
What is GUI?
-GUI stands for Graphic User
Interface. It is the default crap used by the trigger editor, made to
make triggering easier. Unfortunatly, Blizzard made it harder. GUI is
bad. It uses BJ's (which will be covered later on), inneficient code,
and is overall messy and limiting.
Why use JASS? Can't I
just use GUI?
-Sure, you can use GUI. It's not recomended
anymore, but it's not dead or nothing.
Here are the Pros of
JASS:
-Easier to write out
-Faster, more effecient, and no
leaks (when done properly that is)
-Breaks many restraints created
by GUI
-Doesn't use BJ's (which again is possible when done
correctly)
-Neater, easier on the eyes for longer triggers
-Easier
to copy/paste, and can be edited in a text editor or 3rd-party
editors (such as JASScraft)
-Generally faster to do when you get
the hang of it. Much less clicking around.
However, you must
be careful with JASS. As great as it is, it must be used correctly.
One single mis-type can screw up an entire trigger.
Will it
be hard to use?
-If you've programmed anything before, JASS
will be much easier. Even if you haven't, its still pretty easy.
It'll take some getting used to, and can be frustrating. You may even
feel like reverting back to GUI, but don't. This is worth it. Very
complex things will obviously be harder, but we're gonna start you
off easy.
How do I get JASS in my editor?
-Make a
trigger and name it. Then go to Edit -> Convert to Custom Text.
This cannot be reversed. Now edit away!
I'm having trouble
typing JASS in the WE!
-Use a 3rd party program for some help.
JASScraft and Silly JASS Utility are 2 I would suggest for anyone.
Both can be found on the site. JASScraft is perfect for editing your
new JASS, since it gives function names, native lists, and
Take/Return values, plus a good syntax checker, and more. Definatly a
must-have.
When I try to save or test, I get a ton of
errors!!
-You probably have a typo or two somewhere, or an
unexistant function. Check all your code and JASS is VERY case
sensitive. If you type an "A" where an "a" should
be, you will get an error. Also, check to make sure there aren't
other errors. JASScraft can assist you here. That's why we recommend
editing your codes in JASScraft. Much much much easier.
So
what's the first step to learning JASS?
-Forget everything you
know about GUI, except for globals. JASS is far different from GUI,
and trying to compare them is a bad idea. However, a good first step
is to make some triggers in GUI, then make them JASS. Throw them into
JASScraft and have a ball converting BJ's to natives and cleaning
leaks. You'll learn fast. It definatly helps the crossover from GUI
to JASS.
Ok, I know the basics. Now what?
-If you
want to learn more, read ahead to tutorial #2, by Wyrmlord. He'll
teach you the basics of functions. Or, you can go ahead and take it
alone from here. The choice is yours. Either way, I wish you good
luck!
~Darkwulfv