Variables in Sugarcube 2.11.0

Jud_Casper

Not so much a question, but I'd like to try and understand variables. I know there's documentation out there and I will read it, but this is quite specific.

I know how a simple variable works, such as when checking for true. Thus:

<<if $hasKey>>The door unlocks<<else>>The door is locked.<</if>>

This checks if the variable $hasKey has been set to true, and if so unlocks the door. If not, it doesn't.

But.

Take this for instance, which is a script I have for opening a door with a keycode which the player has to type in. In a passage prior to this I set the variable $knowsCode to true and then say:

<<if $takenDrug>><<textbox "$keycode" "" "resultgood">>
<<else>>
<<textbox "$keycode" "" "resultbad">><</if>>

This works*, but I don't understand the purpose of the variable $keycode. This is just the name I gave it, because I understand I must, but I'm not referencing it anywhere else so what's its purpose here?

*Because they don't need to enter a specific number. Instead they're able to 'guess' the number because they've taken something which bring them incredible good fortune, so any input would suffice.

TheMadExile

The receiver variable is assigned the value entered by the player.

Jud_Casper

I'm afraid that means nothing to me, TME.

My question is, if I'm not referencing $keycode anywhere, what purpose is it serving? Why is it there?

I know that in your head you've just answered this question, but like I say I'm none the wiser.

In other words, why can't I just create a blank text box with:

<<textbox "" "resultbad">>

Where resultbad is the name of the passage the player gets sent on Enter?

TheMadExile

The entire point of the macro is to record input from the player into a variable. That is why the variable is required.

If you want to ignore the value, that's fine--though you should use a temporary variable, e.g. _keycode.

Jud_Casper

I'm a bit clearer, but I won't pretend I fully understand.

Thanks.