dealing with dll type files for modules & plugins

[gypsysnail]

Hi, this may be a noob question but I saw Plugin Manager on ags editor but it is greyed out, no option to upload a .dll file (I think) to it - how do I activate this and also is this the right place for .dll files as the module manager only accepts .scm files....?

another question relating to modules - if I am right, I must draw the animates/sprites to fit in with a module. For e.g. candlelight module would need a candle sprite with its big light glow around it right? Or add candle to character sprite and make a 'lighting' area as a seprate sprite to 'follow character' and then execute the module? I am learning about how to use modules at this stage in preparation for my actual game. Many thanks to those who can help me here

[Gilbert]

Modules and plugins are two different things.

Plugins are precompiled dll programme files to add new features to teh engine, the drawback is that plugins are specific to the system tehy're compiled for, and won't work for another system (e.g. Linux) if there's no equivalent compiled stuff. To use a plugin, just drop the dll file into your AGS folder and you can select it in the plugin manager (no leed to install/upload/whatever).

Modules are actually just AGS script codes separated from your main game script (so they'll work regardless of platforms). I can't help much in using a specific module, as it depends on how it's written, so you may consult its documents and maybe ask the author of it.

[gypsysnail]

Ok thanks for clarifying it for me Gilbot . I guess in that case I won't take chances on using any plugins for the game as I want everyone to be able to play the game. Now this will leave me wondering how I will work the candlelight one as it is a plug in type module. If someone can help me with this part, help me get started on how I could implement candlelight to follow through the darkness please that would be great!

Also while on this issue, a campfire - how can one be implemented while there is a module for this that is plugin - that I rather avoid, instead using a normal module for fire?

[strazer]

Just a sidenote:

as it is a plug in type module.

there is a module for this that is plugin

There are modules and there are plugins. They are different things. Please don't confuse the two.

[Gilbert]

I had told her about that already, I think what she meant was there're some plugins with features she wanted to use, and wanted to know if there're module equivalents.

The answer is, depends on whether some people made such modules, also bear in mind is that some of the plugins do more advanced effects that the engine's scripting system can't do, in that case it's not possible to make a module to do the same effects.

[gypsysnail]

ah yes I do know the difference already lol. Sorry I must have mistyped in my rush to type everything out but I do know the difference . Anyway could someone help me with an idea for a campfire for night time only? I have some fair idea but lets bounce ideas!

[strazer]

Yeah, what I meant is to word it correctly as not to confuse any newbies reading it.

[gypsysnail]

Ok strazer, no need to explain urself. Now about campfire, getting it to work, can we please bounce around ideas? I have asked this question 3 times, so sorry but I do want some help. I imagine maybe its just simple animation when it gets dark? thank you

[Ali]

if I am right, I must draw the animates/sprites to fit in with a module.

I know nothing about the authorship of modules, but I thought I'd mention Akayumo's Particle Engine. It's written in such a way that the user can specify a range of sprite slots to determine how their particles will look. If you wanted to make sure your module was adaptable you could do something similar.

I hope that's remotely helpful. If not, sorry!

[gypsysnail]

Hey thanks I will try that. Anything is worth trying Cheers!