Lua : assigning a string to a variable containing a number ?

[Macadamia]

Hello there, it's me again about Lua.

I am asking this because I have not found the answer to this question, and before messing up my whole map for testing this, I just want to know if it is possible.

As variables don't have types in Lua and only values have types, can I do this :

a=5
a="Hello"

will it be allowed or will it bug ?

 

[TriggerHappy]

Lua is a dynamically typed language so yes it's allowed.

Although for anything remotely complex it becomes a burden and in my opinion static typing is one of the benefits JASS has over Lua. It's one of the reasons I suggest to use TypeScript. You will avoid many common errors and updating your codebase is much easier.

 

[Macadamia]

Thanks for the answer !

Oh I definitely will, trust me I feel exactly the same about type safety!!!

This said I don't think I will convert this current map to TS. Or I might if it seems I can never stop working on it. I was planning to use TS when working on my next map, a big development of my current project, to create something that has never been made before. I mean I want to go even further away from the usual TD concept.

Anyways, the fact is, as the framework for TS you linked me is transpiling to Lua, so I though finishing working on my map & optimizing it would be a very good way to have a better understanding of Lua before making the switch.

The current challenge for me is to change the way I store the Balls in my map. For the moment I store the 4 different kind of Balls (6 normal or flying balls or 1 Giant Ball or 1 Flying Giant Ball per level and per player) in 4 separate arrays. I am exploring the best way to store all these balls in a single Table. I might keep the combined player and ball number in a single integer, and add a string key for the type of ball.

I suppose it is not worth to start creating an object "Ball" as there would not be many parameters or methods associated. Or it might...

 

[IcemanBo]

A base class of balls could be used as type for a list or array of balls.

Edit: Oops I realize by your last sentence, that you've already considered it.

 

[Macadamia]

A base class of balls could be used as type for a list or array of balls.

I am still considering it to be honest.

But at the moment I have kept the 4 arrays as I am fighting with a "ReviveHero" issue as I changed the way I store the Balls between levels.

Anyways, a Ball object would be nice if I attached the current triggers and ball functions I currently use as methods, and of course the properties as parameters.
Then the type of ball would just be a parameter like the others.