How do entities work?
by Luke Jones · in Torque Game Engine · 07/05/2006 (5:23 pm) · 9 replies
If I create an entity, say a 'trigger' entity, do the map2dif dance, then load it in the editor...
How does the engine read that entity and know what to do with it?
I ask because it would be nice to know how to create new entities and know how to use them.
For instance, reading the light_omni entity, getting its coords and slapping a dynamic light there automaticly.
Or, creating a model entity, where you can use something like gtkradiant, position and size the model up, mad2dif, then when that .dif is loaded, the appropiate model is put in where the entities coords point to.
Possible? Pointers?
How does the engine read that entity and know what to do with it?
I ask because it would be nice to know how to create new entities and know how to use them.
For instance, reading the light_omni entity, getting its coords and slapping a dynamic light there automaticly.
Or, creating a model entity, where you can use something like gtkradiant, position and size the model up, mad2dif, then when that .dif is loaded, the appropiate model is put in where the entities coords point to.
Possible? Pointers?
About the author
Core developer using Rust lang at Sphere Identity.
#2
07/13/2006 (4:09 pm)
*grumbles* 
#3
07/13/2006 (5:22 pm)
I don't think anyone is going to be hugely looking into adding that kind of functionality since Constructor supports it >.>'
#5
BUt I ask because I would like to learn how entities function!
So What if I'm re-inventing the wheel, its part of a learning process, any kind of learning is good, so don't turn it down. Thats really just one of the resons I'd like to add that kind of functionality.
Other reasons are, because I won't beable to do it in the same way as constructor (since I will be using a wholly external editor that can't use the base torque code), it really will be a great way to learn how entities opperate, and thus, I would beable to apply that knowledge to other uses for entities.
.........
I can't understand why so many people are willing to just sit back and wait for others to do something....
07/14/2006 (2:58 pm)
And so am I....BUt I ask because I would like to learn how entities function!
So What if I'm re-inventing the wheel, its part of a learning process, any kind of learning is good, so don't turn it down. Thats really just one of the resons I'd like to add that kind of functionality.
Other reasons are, because I won't beable to do it in the same way as constructor (since I will be using a wholly external editor that can't use the base torque code), it really will be a great way to learn how entities opperate, and thus, I would beable to apply that knowledge to other uses for entities.
.........
I can't understand why so many people are willing to just sit back and wait for others to do something....
#6
I'd rather know how a thing works, even if a tool is scheduled that will make knowing unnecessary because then it still adds to the overall understanding of how the entire thing works. This is very important, IMO... but then, I've also written my own software-rendered 3D engine in assembly language... I like knowing how the nuts and bolts go together.
I must add, writing the software engine did wonders for my understanding of how DirectX and OpenGL work.
07/14/2006 (3:09 pm)
Luke - I'm actually not waiting for anything, because it could be another 2 years before it comes out. I've tried QuArK (and hated it), tried 3D World Studio (and hated the developer that creates it, but only discovered that after I paid for it), and next I'm going to try Hammer.I'd rather know how a thing works, even if a tool is scheduled that will make knowing unnecessary because then it still adds to the overall understanding of how the entire thing works. This is very important, IMO... but then, I've also written my own software-rendered 3D engine in assembly language... I like knowing how the nuts and bolts go together.
I must add, writing the software engine did wonders for my understanding of how DirectX and OpenGL work.
#7
07/14/2006 (7:57 pm)
Try GTKRadiant, I found its quite nice to work with, theres a page up on .tdn. that I edited for the complete entity list and setup files just for torque.
#9
Should help you to set up your own game type.
07/15/2006 (4:14 am)
Quick link for you tdn.garagegames.com/wiki/DIF/GTKRadiantSetupShould help you to set up your own game type.
Torque Owner Luke Jones