Script Editor

The Script Editor in LiveCode Create allows you to write and edit custom scripts to control widget behaviors, handle app logic, and extend functionality. While visual workflows provide a no-code way to define actions, the Script Editor is perfect for users who prefer coding or need advanced customization.

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Accessing the Script Editor

You can open the Script Editor in the following ways:

1. Using the Icon:

   • Click the Script Editor icon at the bottom of the screen to open the Script Editor for the currently selected control.

2. From the Project Browser:

   • Right-click on a control in the Project Browser.
   • Select Edit Script from the context menu.
   • Alternatively, click the line count (e.g., "3") to the right of the object name in the Project Browser to open its script.

3. By Right-Clicking a Control:

   • Right-click any widget on the Canvas Area and choose Edit Script.

4. Using the Message Box:

   • Open the Message Box and type:

   edit the script of [control]
   • Replace [control] with a reference to the object (e.g., button "Submit").

Once the Script Editor is open, you can toggle it on or off using the Script Editor Button located in the bottom-right corner of the App Building Environment.

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Key Features of the Script Editor

1. Code Writing Area

The Code Writing Area is where you write and edit your scripts. It includes:

• Syntax Highlighting: Keywords, variables, and functions are color-coded for readability.
• Auto-Indentation: Automatically aligns code for better structure (editable in settings).
• Autocomplete: Suggests common syntax, variable names, and structures.

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2. Event-Driven Scripting

Scripts in LiveCode Create respond to events like mouse clicks, key presses, and other user interactions.

Example: A simple script for a button that displays an alert when clicked.

on mouseUp
 answer "Button clicked!"
end mouseUp

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3. Customizing Widget Behavior

You can add scripts to any widget, layout, or container to extend its functionality.

Example: A script that listens for a specific key press.

on keyDown pKey
 if pKey is "a" then
    answer "You pressed A!"
 end if
end keyDown

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4. Error Checking

The Script Editor automatically checks for errors as you write. Syntax errors are highlighted, helping you debug your code easily.

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Using the Script Editor with Actions

While Actions Workflow is a visual way to define app logic, you can use custom scripts for more control. However, workflows and scripts for a single object cannot coexist. If you need to combine visual actions with custom scripting, use Actions Workflow and add Raw LiveCode Script Blocks where needed.

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How to Write a Simple Script

Follow these steps to create a custom script:

1. Open the Script Editor for the desired widget or layout.
2. Write the Script: Add a handler for the event you want to respond to.
3. Test the Script: Switch to Run Mode to see the script in action.

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Tips for Using the Script Editor

• Test Frequently: Use Run Mode to test your scripts incrementally.
• Learn Common Handlers: Familiarize yourself with event handlers like mouseUp, keyDown, and openCard.
• Use Comments: Add comments to explain parts of your script for clarity. The comment delimiter can be updated in the Create Settings.

2. Stay Consistent: Use clear naming for variables and functions.

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For further learning:

• Using Actions Workflow
• Working with Data
• Building an Interface