A script file is multiple commands and arguments defining wanted behaviour from the game, all grouped together in a textfile. This code does a specific task handled by the game engine. The common extensions for Arma scripts are .sqf and .sqs, depending on the used syntax: SQF or (deprecated) SQS Syntax.
Note
See Community Tools - Code Edition for recommended text editors.
Syntax
In Operation Flashpoint, scripts are limited to SQS Syntax.
- See exec
The already existing (since Operation Flashpoint v1.85) SQF Syntax was introduced for scripts in Armed Assault. SQS Syntax is still usable but is considered deprecated since.
Execution
Scripts can be executed from several points in the game:
- Other scripts
- Other functions
- Init fields and (de)activation triggers in the Mission Editor
- Event Handlers in addon config files
The commands to execute scripts are:
exec: exec starts a thread for a script in SQS Syntax.
execVM: execVM preprocesses and compiles a SQF Syntax script file and starts a thread for it.
call: call adds provided Code to the stack and wait for it to execute, then returns the code's last returned value.
spawn: spawn starts a thread for provided Code.
Note
- execVM is almost like using
[] spawn compile preprocessFile.- spawn and execVM both add the thread to the Scheduler and provide a script handle which allows you to check if the spawned script is done (using scriptDone).