WML for Complete Beginners: Chapter 8

Chapter 8: Array, and Container Variables

So far we have only discussed scalar variables, i.e. variables that have only one value at any given time. Believe it or not, there are types of variables than can store more than one value simultaneously, or even other variables.

Array Variables

You will typically encounter Array variables when you need to store all the units or locations on the map that meet certain criteria. That is outside the scope of this beginner's tutorial, but later you can consult the ReferenceWML documentation for [store_unit] and [store_locations] when you are ready to do that.

Here are some basic facts about Array Variables. Every Array has a length, which is the number of its containers. And these containers are all numbered starting at container zero.

Container Variables

Container variables are variables that contain other variables within themselves. Just imagine how many variables you could create for information about one unit. There could be a variable my_leader_hitpoints, my_leader_name, my_leader_level, and so on. Instead of having all these different variables, wouldn't it be much easier if we could just put them all in one large box labeled "my_leader"? Well, with container variables, you can!

Container variables are not restricted to containing scalar variables, however. They can also store other containers or even array variables.

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