Script File

A script file is multiple commands and arguments defining wanted behaviour from the game, all grouped together in a textfile. This code does a specific task handled by the game engine. The common extensions for Arma scripts are .sqf and .sqs, depending on the used syntax: SQF or (deprecated) SQS syntax.

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See Community Tools - Code Edition for recommended text editors.

Syntax

In Operation Flashpoint, scripts are limited to SQS syntax.

• See exec

The already existing (since OFP v1.85) SQF syntax was introduced for scripts in Armed Assault. SQS syntax is still usable but is considered deprecated since.

• See execVM, spawn

Script Execution Diagram
Executing Instance: script, function or game engine

Execution

Scripts can be executed from several points in the game:

• Other scripts
• Other functions
• Init fields and (de)activation triggers in the Mission Editor
• Event Handlers in addon config files

The commands to execute scripts are:

exec

exec starts a thread for a script in SQS syntax.

execVM

execVM preprocesses and compiles a SQF syntax script file and starts a thread for it.

call

call adds provided Code to the stack and wait for it to execute, then returns the code's last returned value.

spawn

spawn starts a thread for provided Code.

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• execVM is almost like using spawn compile preprocessFile.
• spawn and execVM both add the thread to the Scheduler and provide a script handle which allows you to check if the spawned script is done (using scriptDone).

See also

• Functions
• Syntax
  • SQF syntax
  • SQS syntax
• Statement