Coding_Fundamentals.md

So far we have looked at nodes and scenes in Godot. These are a lot like nouns: they are object and things in our environment.

With coding we begin to use verbs. We learn how to make these nouns do things.

Coding Basic Interactions

• Code is written in Scripts
• Code always excecutes from top to bottom

I happen first
I happen second

Variables

Variables hold a value in memory. Just like math class. You can always:

• make new variables.
• retrive the contents of a variable.
• change the contents of a variable.

var x = 1
x = x + 1
print(x)

#will print out "2"

Functions

• If Nodes are nouns, functions are verbs
  • they do things.
• Functions are sort of like factories or pizza restaurants.
  • They need instructions.

func make_a_pizza() -> pizza:
	make dough
	spin it around in the air for fun
	add sauce
	add cheese
	cook it
  return pizza

Things that are indented are considered part of the function or the block.

func my_function():
  this stuff is part of this function
  this stuff is also part of this function

this stuff is not

The ( ) is used for adding arguments like extra instructions

func make_a_pizza(toppings):
	make dough
	spin it around in the air for fun
	add sauce
	add cheese
  add topping
	cook it

make_a_pizza(peperoni)
make_a_pizza(mushrooms)

You can make your own functions, or use functions built in to your environment.

Coding in Godot

• In Godot we use a language called gd-script.
  • This is custom made for godot, but is very similar to python.
• Scripts are attached to nodes.
• There are 2 fundamental functions that all nodes have.
  • _ready()
    • executes when the node is loaded into the scene for the first time
  • _process()
    • executes once every frame.
• The ->thing is optional

Nodes have properties and methods.

Properties

• If Nodes are nouns, then properties are adjectives
• Properties are the same ones in the inspector

Methods

• Methods (functions) are special verbs/abilities Let's look at a simple example!
  • Set position
  • hide() &show()