File Functions (Client -> Server)

[Jimlad]

I like to make wire scanners so this is very useful in making scanners that can save pictures. With this you can even load pictures you have formatted into a string. It can also be used to save conversations and I believe HALO said something about it being useful for making an AI that can save phrases.

Actually, I think I've seen people do all of the above (or similar) using regular memory chips. I guess this is slightly more convenient though... I don't know, have to see how well it works in practice. I'll be honest, I'm tempted to steer clear and wash my hands of this one, since it's a bit of a pain to test thoroughly and I'd much rather someone else did it! I'm also not so interested personally, since as far as I'm aware the basic functionality already exists.

[McLovin]

The EEPROM really sucks for saving things because if a player goes to a different server there is no way to retrieve that data. Also, the EEPROM cannot save strings and like TomyLobo said its very inefficient at saving small amounts of data.

[TomyLobo]

actually i meant large amounts of data
also, thanks to the new XWL:writeString(N,S) and XWL:readString(N) functions, you can even store strings in it. But it takes about 16 bytes per character, whereas regular text files take 1 byte per character.
The inefficiency should be clearly visible

[McLovin]

actually i meant large amounts of data
also, thanks to the new XWL:writeString(N,S) and XWL:readString(N) functions, you can even store strings in it. But it takes about 16 bytes per character, whereas regular text files take 1 byte per character.
The inefficiency should be clearly visible

Ah sorry should have quoted you xD. But anyway the EEPROM has to be server side and that fails for people who want to upload their own personal files...

[Syranide]

I'd say, the major advantage of this is the ability not having to shuffle around entities and advdupes. One contraption can load several different files without any physical interaction. And they are automatically available on the client. (Also, ascii-art nude pictures on the console screen :lol

[Jimlad]

Ah sorry should have quoted you xD. But anyway the EEPROM has to be server side and that fails for people who want to upload their own personal files...

I thought it was dupable?

I'd say, the major advantage of this is the ability not having to shuffle around entities and advdupes. One contraption can load several different files without any physical interaction. And they are automatically available on the client. (Also, ascii-art nude pictures on the console screen :lol

I'd agree, that's the main feature as far as I can see. The real benefit 99% of players who use this will notice is the convenience. I'm not going to argue whether convenience is a good reason or not for adding this, or whether anyone will notice the performance difference, but I'm fairly sure you can't say it adds anything new in terms of pure functionality.

[Syranide]

I'd agree, that's the main feature as far as I can see. The real benefit 99% of players who use this will notice is the convenience. I'm not going to argue whether convenience is a good reason or not for adding this, or whether anyone will notice the performance difference, but I'm fairly sure you can't say it adds anything new in terms of pure functionality.

I totally agree, I really don't see any functionality gain from this, but it opens up a few possibilities, but basically, it's all convience. However, I can see a few uses coming up for it simply because it is suddenly convenient.

Btw, there needs to be some max limit to the filesize as well, not primarily because of size/bandwidth reasons, but simply because if someone tries to load a 10MB textfile and try to split it by spaces with E2, it could take an awfully long time, causing the server to freeze.

[McLovin]

I totally agree, I really don't see any functionality gain from this, but it opens up a few possibilities, but basically, it's all convience. However, I can see a few uses coming up for it simply because it is suddenly convenient.

Btw, there needs to be some max limit to the filesize as well, not primarily because of size/bandwidth reasons, but simply because if someone tries to load a 10MB textfile and try to split it by spaces with E2, it could take an awfully long time, causing the server to freeze.

I already put a 100kb limit ;P.

[Syranide]

I already put a 100kb limit ;P.

Ah, awesome.

[Snuffy]

i get a lua error when i try to use fileWrite("test.txt","BLA")

Expression 2: entities\gmod_wire_expression2\core\custom/files.lua:50: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value)