Functions Library – Arma 3

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{{arma3}}'s '''Functions Library''' is the way to declare mission, campaign or addon's [[Function]]s. The main difference from older [[:Category:Functions Library|Function Libraries]] is that it runs automatically and does not require a Functions module.


Arma 3 '''Functions Library''' is pack of routine script functions available from anywhere in game. Main difference from older [[Functions Library]] is that it runs automatically and doesn't require Functions manager to be present.
The advantages of using the Functions Library over e.g [[execVM]] an [[SQF Syntax|SQF]] file are as follow:
# '''Automatic compilation upon mission start''' into a global variable - no need to remember direct paths to files.
# '''Anti-hack protection''' using [[compileFinal]] (see {{Link|Arma 3: Writing a Function#Recompiling}} and [[BIS_fnc_recompile]])
# '''Listing in the [[Arma 3: Functions Viewer|Functions Viewer]]'''
# '''Advanced debugging options'''
# '''Optional immediate execution upon mission start''', without need for manual call
# '''Potential performance improvements'''


== Finding a Function ==
[[File:A3_functionwViewer.png|300px|thumb|right|Functions Viewer]]
Before you can use a function, you first need to find it. The easies way is to access the '''Functions Viewer''':


* In editor, click on [[File:icon editor functions.png|20px]] icon or press Ctrl + F
{{Feature|important|This page is about {{arma3}} Functions Library.
* In mission, access the [[Mission_Editor:_Debug_Console|debug console]] (automatically visible in pause menu of an editor mission) and click on '''FUNCTIONS''' button.
* For {{arma2}}/{{Name|arma2oa|short}}, see [[Arma 2: Functions Library]].
* For {{tkoh}}, see [[Take On Helicopters: Functions Library]].
}}


Once in the '''Functions Viewer''', you can filter all available functions by location, projects and categories.


When you find the desired function, look at the code preview on the right. Every function has a header where you can find basic description of its functionality including required arguments, returned values and sometimes examples of use.
== Function Declaration ==


{{note|Some functions, especially the older ones, may have missing or incomplete headers.<br />We do our best to update them, but if you find some issues, feel free to report them in the [http://feedback.arma3.com/ Feedback Tracker].}}
Functions are configured within the {{hl|CfgFunctions}} class.


Mission and campaign specific functions can be configured in [[Description.ext]]/[[Campaign Description.ext]], while addon functions are defined in [[Config.cpp]].
Configuration structure is the same in both cases.


== Calling a Function ==
Functions can be launched in mission, intro and outro using this [[call]] or [[spawn]] commands:
_returnedValue = ''arguments'' [[call]] ''functionName'';
''arguments'' [[spawn]] ''functionName'';


=== Arguments ===
{{Feature|informative|The root directory (noted as '''&lt;ROOT&gt;''' on this page) is the origin from which the game will try to load function files. It depends on {{hl|CfgFunctions}}' location:
Arguments are data sent into the function, affecting its behavior.
* if [[Description.ext]], '''&lt;ROOT&gt;''' means the [[Mission Editor: External#Mission Folder|mission's root]] directory
* if [[Campaign Description.ext]], '''&lt;ROOT&gt;''' means the campaign's root directory
* if in config, '''&lt;ROOT&gt;''' means the '''game'''<nowiki/>'s root directory. The addon path needs to be set manually.
}}


They can be '''mandatory''' or '''optional'''.
* Mandatory arguments are required for function to run. When missing, the function usually stops and throws an error.
* Optional arguments allows more detailed configuration. If you dont send them, the function will use pre-defined default values.


{{note|Within the function, '''arguments''' are called '''parameters''', or simply params.}}
See a basic example config:
class '''CfgFunctions'''
{
class {{Color|purple|TAG}}
{
class {{Color|darkorange|Category}}
{
class {{Color|teal|functionName}} {};
};
};
};
* The function's name will be '''{{Color|purple|TAG}}'''_fnc_'''{{Color|teal|functionName}}'''
* The function will be loaded:
** from config: {{hl|'''&lt;ROOT&gt;'''\{{Color|darkorange|Category}}\'''fn_'''{{Color|teal|functionName}}'''.sqf'''}}
** from description.ext: {{hl|'''&lt;ROOT&gt;'''\'''Functions'''\{{Color|darkorange|Category}}\'''fn_'''{{Color|teal|functionName}}'''.sqf'''}}


{{Feature|important|
'''config.cpp only''':
* {{hl|<ROOT>}} in mods is defined by the {{hl|file}} mandatory attribute - see the {{Link|#file}} section below.
* Anywhere outside of running mission, refer to the functions stored in [[uiNamespace]]. e.g: <sqf>arguments call (uiNamespace getVariable "TAG_fnc_functionName");</sqf>
}}


For example, let's take a look at [[BIS_fnc_endMission]], a function which ends a mission with animated closing shot. This is what the header says:
=== Config Levels ===
/*
Author: Karel Moricky
Description:
Ends mission with specific ending.
<span style="color:DarkCyan;">Parameter(s):
0 (Optional):
STRING - end name (default: "end1")
ARRAY in format [endName,ID], will be composed to "endName_ID" string
1 (Optional): BOOL - true to end mission, false to fail mission (default: true)
2 (Optional):
BOOL - true for signature closing shot (default: true)
NUMBER - duration of a simple fade out to black</span>
Returns:
BOOL
*/
 
As you can see, all arguments are marked optional and you can call the function without them.
 
[] call BIS_fnc_endMission;
:This will result in successfull ending of type "end1", preceeded with the signature [[Debriefing|closing shot]].
 
["end2"] call BIS_fnc_endMission;
:Set the ending type to "end2", while keeping the other arguments intact.
 
["end2",false,false] call BIS_fnc_endMission;
:Fail the mission without any effect, using "end2" type.
 
 
However, what should you do if you want to set the '''only''' last argument without affecting the previous ones? The solution is simple - put an empty variable [[nil]] on their place.
 
<nowiki>[</nowiki>[[nil]],[[nil]],false] call BIS_fnc_endMission;
:Disable the closing effects, but keep the other aguments intact (successful "end1").
 
{{note|Some older functions are incompatible with this syntax and using nil would break them. See their header for more information.}}
 
=== Returned Value ===
Functions executed by [[call]] command can return back a value. Let's take a look at [[BIS_fnc_sideName]]:
 
/*
Author: Karel Moricky
Description:
Returns side name
Parameter(s):
0: SIDE or NUMBER - either side or side ID
<span style="color:DarkCyan;">Returns:
STRING</span>
*/
The function returns a [[String]] - localized name of a side.
_westName = [[west]] call BIS_fnc_sideName;
:Variable _westName will now be "BLUFOR" (or other name, based on selected language)
 
=== Multiplayer ===
Functions executed using [[call]] or [[spawn]] command will run only on the computer which triggered them. If you'd wish to execute a function remotely on specific clients, use [[BIS_fnc_MP]] function.
[arguments,''"functionName"'',''target'',''isPersistent''] call [[BIS_fnc_MP]];
 
=== User Interface ===
Anywhere outside of running mission, refer to the functions stored in [[uiNamespace]].
''arguments'' [[call]] ([[uiNamespace]] [[getVariable]] ''"functionName"'');
 
== Adding a Function ==
When writing a script, consider registering it into the Functions Library.
 
Main benefits uncludes:
# '''Automatic compilation upon mission start''' into a global variable - no need to remember direct paths to files.
# '''Anti-hack protection''' using [[compileFinal]]
# '''Listing in the Functions Viewer'''
# '''Advanced debugging options'''
# '''Optional immediate execution upon mission start''', without need for manual call


=== Mission ===
A '''CfgFunctions''' config is made of three levels: Tag, Category, and Function.
Mission specific functions can be configured in [[Description.ext]].


==== Default Path ====
==== Tag ====
To prevent duplicates, every author must create a subclass with a unique {{Color|purple|[[Scripting Tags|tag]]}} and create functions under it.
The tag name will be used when composing a function name (e.g [[BIS_fnc_spawnGroup|'''BIS'''_fnc_spawnGroup]]).
  class CfgFunctions
  class CfgFunctions
  {
  {
  class <span style="color:green;">myTag</span>
  class {{Color|purple|TAG}}
  {
  {
  class <span style="color:crimson;">myCategory</span>
  class Category
  {
  {
  class <span style="color:teal;">myFunction</span> {};
  class myFunction {};
  };
  };
  };
  };
  };
   
This will try to compile the function '''<span style="color:green;">myTag</span>_fnc_<span style="color:teal;">myFunction</span>''' from the following file:
  class TAG_WeaponManagement
''%MISSION_ROOT%''\functions\<span style="color:crimson;">myCategory</span>\fn_<span style="color:teal;">myFunction</span>.sqf
 
==== Customized Folder ====
You can customize the folder from which the functions will be loaded:
class CfgFunctions
{
  class <span style="color:green;">myTag</span>
  {
  {
  class myCategory
'''tag''' = {{Color|purple|"TAG"}}; {{cc|the function will be named '''{{Color|purple|TAG}}_fnc_myOtherFunction'''}}
  class Category
  {
  {
file = "<span style="color:DarkOrange;">myFolder</span>";
  class myOtherFunction {};
  class <span style="color:teal;">myFunction</span> {};
  };
  };
  };
  };
  };
  };
This will try to compile the function '''<span style="color:green;">myTag</span>_fnc_<span style="color:teal;">myFunction</span>''' from the following file:
''%MISSION_ROOT%''\<span style="color:DarkOrange;">myFolder</span>\fn_<span style="color:teal;">myFunction</span>.sqf


==== Customized File ====
===== Attributes =====
Furthemore, you can set a specific file to be loaded:
====== tag ======
The {{hl|tag}} attribute can override the config {{Color|green|tag}} set differently.
 
==== Category ====
The category name changes the function's category in the [[Arma 3: Functions Viewer|Functions Viewer]]. It does not change the function's name, only the loading path.
  class CfgFunctions
  class CfgFunctions
  {
  {
  class <span style="color:green;">myTag</span>
  class TAG
  {
  {
  class myCategory
  class {{Color|darkorange|Category}}
{
class myFunction {};
};
class OtherCategory
{
'''file''' = "{{Color|darkorange|My}}\{{Color|darkorange|Category}}\{{Color|darkorange|Path}}";
class myFunction {}; {{cc|file path will be '''&lt;ROOT&gt;'''\{{Color|darkorange|My}}\{{Color|darkorange|Category}}\{{Color|darkorange|Path}}\fn_myFunction.sqf";}}
};
class DataCategory
  {
  {
  class <span style="color:teal;">myFunction</span> {file = "<span style="color:DarkOrange;">myFile.sqf</span>";};
  '''requiredAddons[]''' = {{Color|darkorange|{ "A3_Data_F" }<nowiki/>}}; {{cc|Optional requirements of [[CfgPatches]] classes. If some addons are missing, category functions will not be compiled.}}
class myDataFunction {};
  };
  };
  };
  };
  };
  };
This will try to compile the function '''<span style="color:green;">myTag</span>_fnc_<span style="color:teal;">myFunction</span>''' from the following file:
''%MISSION_ROOT%''\<span style="color:DarkOrange;">myFile.sqf</span>


=== Addon ===
===== Attributes =====
====== file ======
The {{hl|file}} attribute can override the category's loading path segment - it is required for mods.


====== requiredAddons ======
The category can skip loading if a required addon is missing by setting its dependency with the {{hl|requiredAddons}} attribute.


== Writing a Function ==
==== Function ====
''WIP''
{{Feature|informative|By convention, the function class should be named in '''camelCase''' and not have its first letter capitalised (e.g PascalCase):
 
* {{Icon|checked}} TAG_fnc_{{Color|teal|myFunction}}
<!--
* {{Icon|unchecked}} TAG_fnc_{{Color|teal|MyFunction}}
== Configuration ==
* {{Icon|checked}} TAG_fnc_{{Color|teal|POWRescue}}
List of functions is defined in config under CfgFunctions container. New ones can be also added in description.ext file of mission or campaign.
}}
 
  class CfgFunctions
  class CfgFunctions
  {
  {
  class A3
  class TAG
  {
  {
  tag = "<span style="color:green;">BIS</span>";
  class Category1
  requiredAddons[] = {"A3_Data_F"}; {{codecomment|// Optional requirements of CfgPatches classes}}
  {
  class <span style="color:crimson;">category</span>
class {{Color|teal|myFunction}} {};
};
  class Category2
  {
  {
  file = "<span style="color:DarkOrange;">A3\functions_f\Misc</span>";
  file = "Path\To\Category";
  class <span style="color:teal;">Test1</span> {description="Testing file 2";};
  class myFunction
class <span style="color:teal;">Test2</span> {description="Testing file 3"; file="<span style="color:DarkOrange;">test.sqf</span>"};
{
  class <span style="color:teal;">Test3</span> {description="Testing file 4 (FSM)"; ext="<span style="color:fuchsia;">.fsm</span>"};
'''file''' = "{{Color|teal|My}}\{{Color|teal|Function}}\{{Color|teal|Filepath.sqf}}"; {{cc|file path will be '''&lt;ROOT&gt;'''\{{Color|teal|My}}\{{Color|teal|Function}}\{{Color|teal|Filepath.sqf}}", ignoring "Path\To\Category"}}
};
  class {{Color|teal|myFSMFunction}}
{
'''preInit''' = 1;
'''postInit''' = 1;
'''ext''' = ".fsm";
'''preStart''' = 1;
'''recompile''' = 1;
};
  };
  };
  };
  };
  };
  };


* If ''file'' path is not set for the given function, system will search for file in
===== Attributes =====
**<code>'<span style="color:DarkOrange;">file</span>\<span style="color:crimson">category</span>\fn_<span style="color:teal">function</span>.sqf"</code> (if functions is defined in description.ext)
{| class="wikitable sortable"
* When ''file'' parameter is defined in category root, all functions in given category will be searched for in this directory.
! rowspan="2" | Attribute
! rowspan="2" | Description
! colspan="2" | Available in
|- style="font-size: 0.9em"
! [[Description.ext]]
! [[config.cpp]]
|-
| file
| the {{hl|file}} attribute can be used to manually set the file path.
{{Feature|important|The '''file''' entry '''overrides''' Category's set path and ignores it entirely (they are not merged).}}
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|checked}}
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|checked}}
|-
| preInit
| the {{hl|preInit}} attribute (formerly known as "forced") can be set to 1 to call the function upon mission start, before objects are initialized.<br>Passed arguments are <sqf inline>["preInit"]</sqf>.
The function is run in an '''[[Scheduler#Unscheduled Environment|unscheduled environment]]'''.
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|checked}}
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|checked}}
|-
| postInit
| the {{hl|postInit}} attribute can be set to 1 to call the function upon mission start, after objects are initialized.<br>Passed arguments are <sqf inline>["postInit", didJIP]</sqf>.
The function is run in a '''[[Scheduler#Scheduled Environment|scheduled environment]]''' so suspension is allowed, but '''any long term suspension will halt the mission loading until suspension is done'''.
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|checked}}
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|checked}}
|-
| ext
| the {{hl|ext}} attribute can be used to set function file's type; it can be one of:
* ".sqf" (default)
* ".fsm" (see [[FSM]])
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|checked}}
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|checked}}
|-
| preStart
| the {{hl|preStart}} attribute can be set to 1 to call the function upon game start, before title screen, but after all addons are loaded.
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|unchecked}}
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|checked}}
|-
| recompile
| the {{hl|recompile}} attribute can be set to 1 to recompile the function upon mission start (functions in [[Description.ext]] are always compiled upon mission (re)start)
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|unchecked}}
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|checked}}
|-
| headerType
| the {{hl|headerType}} adds code to the beginning of functions that can:
* Set up the [[#Meta Variables|Meta Variables]] _fnc_scriptParent and _fnc_scriptName
* Name the current scope via the command [[scriptName]]
* Adds debug information by saving the current execution order in the [[Array]] _fnc_scriptMap.<br/>
Possible values are:
* -1: No header - Adds nothing, literally adds a blank [[String]] to the beginning of functions. The functions will have no debug or {{Link|#Meta Variables}} assigned for it and the scope will not be named. Useful to reduce the performance overhead or if custom debug system is used.
* 0: Default header - The default header changes based on the current [[#Debug Modes|Debug Mode]]
* 1: System header - Incorporates the [[#Meta Variables|Meta Variables]] _fnc_scriptParent. Also names the current scope.<sqf>
private _fnc_scriptNameParent = if (isNil '_fnc_scriptName') then { '%1' } else { _fnc_scriptName };
scriptName '%1';
</sqf>
See the following section for more information.
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|checked}}
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|checked}}
|}


Result of example code above is:
{{Feature|important|Notes about {{hl|preInit}} and {{hl|postInit}} defined in '''config.cpp''':
* '''<span style="color:green;">BIS</span>_fnc_<span style="color:teal;">Test1</span>''' - will load script <code><span style="color:DarkOrange;">A3\functions_f\Misc</span>\<span style="color:crimson;">category</span>\fn_<span style="color:teal;">Test1</span>.sqf</code>
* these attributes will make the function run '''on each, every and any mission start'''
* '''<span style="color:green;">BIS</span>_fnc_<span style="color:teal;">Test2</span>''' - will load script <code><span style="color:DarkOrange;">test.sqf</span></code> from mission directory
* Any scripting error will prevent the mission from being loaded correctly
* '''<span style="color:green;">BIS</span>_fnc_<span style="color:teal;">Test3</span>''' - will load FSM <code><span style="color:DarkOrange;">A3\functions_f\Misc</span>\<span style="color:crimson;">category</span>\<span style="color:teal;">Test4</span><span style="color:fuchsia;">.fsm</span></code>
* Server admins might blacklist the whole addon if they find out the function is used for hacking
 
Optional function class params:
* '''description''' - Short function description. Will be rendered obsolete in further revisions, with script headers serving as the main source of documentation.
* '''ext''' - file type, can be ".sqf" or ".fsm" (meaning scripted FSM). Default is ".sqf".
* '''file''' - optional direct path to the file.
* '''recompile''' (new in Arma 3) - function will be recompile upon mission start.
* '''preInit''' (new in Arma 3) - function will be executed automatically upon mission start, before objects are loaded.
* '''postInit''' (new in Arma 3) - function will be executed automatically upon mission start, after objects are loaded.
 
== Debugging ==
 
=== Debug Functions ===
Use debug functions to register params, display errors and log messages to [[RPT]] file. Printed output of these functions automatically contains name of function from which it was called.
 
To prevent RPT spam, logging is disabled by default. Enable it by placing the following parameter to your mission [[Description.ext]]:
allowFunctionsLog = 1;
 
{{Important|Usage of following functions is strongly recommended:
* [[BIS_fnc_param]]
* [[BIS_fnc_log]]
* [[BIS_fnc_error]]
* [[BIS_fnc_halt]]
}}
}}


Examples of debug outputs:
{{codecomment|"Config param 'splendid' not defined in CfgArma." call BIS_fnc_halt;}}
"Log: HALT: [BIS_fnc_isSplendid] Config param 'splendid' not defined in CfgArma."


{{codecomment|_mission <nowiki>=</nowiki> [BIS_Player] call [[BIS_fnc_endMission]];}}
== Advanced Knowledge ==
"Log: ERROR: [BIS_fnc_endMission] 0: BIS_Player is type OBJECT, must be STRING. "end1" used instead."


{{codecomment|["Persistent execution is not allowed when target is %1. Use %2 or %3 instead.",typename 0,typename objnull,typename false] call BIS_fnc_error;}}
=== Meta Variables ===
"Log: ERROR: Persistent execution is not allowed when target is SCALAR. Use OBJECT or BOOL instead."


{{codecomment|42 call BIS_fnc_log;}}
* '''_fnc_scriptName''': [[String]] - Name of the script
"BIS_fnc_log: [BIS_fnc_myFunction]: 42"
* '''_fnc_scriptNameParent''': [[String]] - Name of the parent script
* '''_fnc_scriptMap''': [[Array]] - List of all parent scripts


{{codecomment|["Random number is %1",random 999] call BIS_fnc_log;}}
=== Debug Modes ===
"BIS_fnc_log: [BIS_fnc_myFunction] Random number is 808.768"


Developers can access several debug modes using ''[[BIS_fnc_functionsDebug]]'' function. '''For this to work [[Description.ext#allowFunctionsRecompile|function recompiling]] has to be allowed!'''


=== Allow Recompile ===
==== Debug Mode 0 ====
For security reasons, all functions are compiled using [[compileFinal]] and cannot be rewritten afterwards). When writing and testing a function, this would require game restart after every single change.
default - incorporates the [[#Meta Variables|Meta Variables]] _fnc_scriptParent and _fnc_scriptName and names the current scope.
<sqf>
private _fnc_scriptNameParent = if (isNil "_fnc_scriptName") then { "%1" } else { _fnc_scriptName };
private _fnc_scriptName = "%1";
scriptName _fnc_scriptName;
</sqf>


To allow recompiling [[missionNamespace]] functions, place following param into mission [[Description.ext]]:
==== Debug Mode 1 ====
allowFunctionsRecompile = 1;
As per ''Debug Mode 0'' and also saves the current execution order in the [[Array]] _fnc_scriptMap.
<sqf>
private _fnc_scriptNameParent = if (isNil "_fnc_scriptName") then { "%1" } else { _fnc_scriptName };
private _fnc_scriptName = "%1";
scriptName _fnc_scriptName;
private _fnc_scriptMap = if (isNil "_fnc_scriptMap") then { [_fnc_scriptName] } else { _fnc_scriptMap + [_fnc_scriptName] };
</sqf>


''Note: Unavailable in the 0.56.104778 default build, planned for the next one. Dev builds might receive the feature sooner. Use '''recompile = 1;''' function param for debugging your own functions meanwhile.''
==== Debug Mode 2 ====
As per ''Debug Mode 1'' and also outputs execution order using [[textLogFormat]] ( textLogFormat is not available in the retail version of Arma3 ) is it available in Diagnostics exe?
<sqf>
private _fnc_scriptNameParent = if (isNil "_fnc_scriptName") then { "%1" } else { _fnc_scriptName };
private _fnc_scriptName = "%1";
scriptName _fnc_scriptName;
private _fnc_scriptMap = if (isNil "_fnc_scriptMap") then { [_fnc_scriptName] } else { _fnc_scriptMap + [_fnc_scriptName] };
textLogFormat ["%1 : %2", _fnc_scriptMap joinString " >> ", _this];
</sqf>




=== Debug Mode ===
== See Also ==
Developers can access several debug modes using ''[[BIS_fnc_functionsDebug]]'' function.
# '''No debug'''
#* Default
# '''Save script map'''
#* Variable ''_fnc_scriptMap'' tracking script execution progress is stored in function header
# '''Save and log script map'''
#* Variable ''_fnc_scriptMap'' tracking script execution progress is stored in functions header and it's printed to debug log.
{{Important|Function recompiling has to be allowed!}}


 
* [[Initialisation Order]]
=== Meta Variables ===
* [[Arma 3: Functions Viewer]]
System is adding header with basic meta data to all functions. Following local variables are defined there:
* [[:Category:Arma 3: Functions|Arma 3 Functions]]
* '''_fnc_scriptName''': STRING - Function name (<tag>_fnc_<name>)
* [[Arma 3: Writing a Function|Writing a Function Tutorial]]
* '''_fnc_scriptNameParent''': STRING - Name of function from which current one was called (_fnc_scriptName used when not defined)
* '''_fnc_scriptMap''': ARRAY - List of all parent scripts (available only in debug mode 1 and higher, see [[#Debug_Mode|above]]).
{{Important|Please do not modify these values!}}




=== Initialization Order ===
{{GameCategory|arma3|Editing}}
# '''Functions'''
[[Category: Functions Library]]
# Init [[ArmA_2:_Event_Handlers|Event Handlers]]
# [[Mission.sqm]]
# [[Event_Scripts|Init.sqf]]
# [[Event_Scripts|Init.sqs]]
# [[Triggers]]
-->

Latest revision as of 12:01, 2 October 2024

Arma 3's Functions Library is the way to declare mission, campaign or addon's Functions. The main difference from older Function Libraries is that it runs automatically and does not require a Functions module.

The advantages of using the Functions Library over e.g execVM an SQF file are as follow:

  1. Automatic compilation upon mission start into a global variable - no need to remember direct paths to files.
  2. Anti-hack protection using compileFinal (see Arma 3: Writing a Function - Recompiling and BIS_fnc_recompile)
  3. Listing in the Functions Viewer
  4. Advanced debugging options
  5. Optional immediate execution upon mission start, without need for manual call
  6. Potential performance improvements


⚠
This page is about Arma 3 Functions Library.


Function Declaration

Functions are configured within the CfgFunctions class.

Mission and campaign specific functions can be configured in Description.ext/Campaign Description.ext, while addon functions are defined in Config.cpp. Configuration structure is the same in both cases.


ⓘ
The root directory (noted as <ROOT> on this page) is the origin from which the game will try to load function files. It depends on CfgFunctions' location:


See a basic example config: 

class CfgFunctions
{
	class TAG
	{
		class Category
		{
			class functionName {};
		};
	};
};
  • The function's name will be TAG_fnc_functionName
  • The function will be loaded:
    • from config: <ROOT>\Category\fn_functionName.sqf
    • from description.ext: <ROOT>\Functions\Category\fn_functionName.sqf
⚠
config.cpp only:
  • <ROOT> in mods is defined by the file mandatory attribute - see the file section below.
  • Anywhere outside of running mission, refer to the functions stored in uiNamespace. e.g:
    arguments call (uiNamespace getVariable "TAG_fnc_functionName");

Config Levels

A CfgFunctions config is made of three levels: Tag, Category, and Function.

Tag

To prevent duplicates, every author must create a subclass with a unique tag and create functions under it. The tag name will be used when composing a function name (e.g BIS_fnc_spawnGroup). 

class CfgFunctions
{
	class TAG
	{
		class Category
		{
			class myFunction {};
		};
	};

	class TAG_WeaponManagement
	{
		tag = "TAG"; // the function will be named TAG_fnc_myOtherFunction
		class Category
		{
			class myOtherFunction {};
		};
	};
};
Attributes
tag

The tag attribute can override the config tag set differently.

Category

The category name changes the function's category in the Functions Viewer. It does not change the function's name, only the loading path. 

class CfgFunctions
{
	class TAG
	{
		class Category
		{
			class myFunction {};
		};

		class OtherCategory
		{
			file = "My\Category\Path";
			class myFunction {}; // file path will be <ROOT>\My\Category\Path\fn_myFunction.sqf";
		};

		class DataCategory
		{
			requiredAddons[] = { "A3_Data_F" }; // Optional requirements of CfgPatches classes. If some addons are missing, category functions will not be compiled.
			class myDataFunction {};
		};
	};
};
Attributes
file

The file attribute can override the category's loading path segment - it is required for mods.

requiredAddons

The category can skip loading if a required addon is missing by setting its dependency with the requiredAddons attribute.

Function

ⓘ
By convention, the function class should be named in camelCase and not have its first letter capitalised (e.g PascalCase):
  • Checked TAG_fnc_myFunction
  • Unchecked TAG_fnc_MyFunction
  • Checked TAG_fnc_POWRescue
class CfgFunctions
{
	class TAG
	{
		class Category1
		{
			class myFunction {};
		};

		class Category2
		{
			file = "Path\To\Category";
			class myFunction
			{
				file = "My\Function\Filepath.sqf"; // file path will be <ROOT>\My\Function\Filepath.sqf", ignoring "Path\To\Category"
			};

			class myFSMFunction
			{
				preInit		= 1;
				postInit	= 1;
				ext			= ".fsm";
				preStart	= 1;
				recompile	= 1;
			};
		};
	};
};
Attributes
Attribute Description Available in
Description.ext config.cpp
file the file attribute can be used to manually set the file path.
⚠
The file entry overrides Category's set path and ignores it entirely (they are not merged).
 Checked Checked
preInit the preInit attribute (formerly known as "forced") can be set to 1 to call the function upon mission start, before objects are initialized.
Passed arguments are ["preInit"].

The function is run in an unscheduled environment.

Checked Checked
postInit the postInit attribute can be set to 1 to call the function upon mission start, after objects are initialized.
Passed arguments are ["postInit", didJIP].

The function is run in a scheduled environment so suspension is allowed, but any long term suspension will halt the mission loading until suspension is done.

Checked Checked
ext the ext attribute can be used to set function file's type; it can be one of:
  • ".sqf" (default)
  • ".fsm" (see FSM)
 Checked Checked
preStart the preStart attribute can be set to 1 to call the function upon game start, before title screen, but after all addons are loaded. Unchecked Checked
recompile the recompile attribute can be set to 1 to recompile the function upon mission start (functions in Description.ext are always compiled upon mission (re)start) Unchecked Checked
headerType the headerType adds code to the beginning of functions that can:
  • Set up the Meta Variables _fnc_scriptParent and _fnc_scriptName
  • Name the current scope via the command scriptName
  • Adds debug information by saving the current execution order in the Array _fnc_scriptMap.

Possible values are:

See the following section for more information.

Checked Checked
⚠
Notes about preInit and postInit defined in config.cpp:
  • these attributes will make the function run on each, every and any mission start
  • Any scripting error will prevent the mission from being loaded correctly
  • Server admins might blacklist the whole addon if they find out the function is used for hacking


Advanced Knowledge

Meta Variables

  • _fnc_scriptName: String - Name of the script
  • _fnc_scriptNameParent: String - Name of the parent script
  • _fnc_scriptMap: Array - List of all parent scripts

Debug Modes

Developers can access several debug modes using BIS_fnc_functionsDebug function. For this to work function recompiling has to be allowed!

Debug Mode 0

default - incorporates the Meta Variables _fnc_scriptParent and _fnc_scriptName and names the current scope.

private _fnc_scriptNameParent = if (isNil "_fnc_scriptName") then { "%1" } else { _fnc_scriptName }; private _fnc_scriptName = "%1"; scriptName _fnc_scriptName;

Debug Mode 1

As per Debug Mode 0 and also saves the current execution order in the Array _fnc_scriptMap.

private _fnc_scriptNameParent = if (isNil "_fnc_scriptName") then { "%1" } else { _fnc_scriptName }; private _fnc_scriptName = "%1"; scriptName _fnc_scriptName; private _fnc_scriptMap = if (isNil "_fnc_scriptMap") then { [_fnc_scriptName] } else { _fnc_scriptMap + [_fnc_scriptName] };

Debug Mode 2

As per Debug Mode 1 and also outputs execution order using textLogFormat ( textLogFormat is not available in the retail version of Arma3 ) is it available in Diagnostics exe?

private _fnc_scriptNameParent = if (isNil "_fnc_scriptName") then { "%1" } else { _fnc_scriptName }; private _fnc_scriptName = "%1"; scriptName _fnc_scriptName; private _fnc_scriptMap = if (isNil "_fnc_scriptMap") then { [_fnc_scriptName] } else { _fnc_scriptMap + [_fnc_scriptName] }; textLogFormat ["%1 : %2", _fnc_scriptMap joinString " >> ", _this];


See Also

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