Global Variables

[sintax321]

I have been trying to set up and use global variables
and I just can't see to get it to work. I have a
scene with 2 layers
in the first frame of the first layer I have this
action script:

var ta1;
_global.ta1;
ta1 = 0;

On the second layer I have an MC called "tabtop" with
the instance name "top". Inside this movie clip I have
I have a MC named "tab1motion" with an inscatnce name
of "tab1". I have this MC tweened to move in and out a
certain distance on the stage. In side of the "tab1motion"
MC I have my graphic and a button. The button
has an action script of:

on (rollOver) {
if (ta1 == 0) {
tellTarget ("/top") {
gotoAndPlay ("rollstart");
}
}
}

If I comment out the if statment the animation works
but if I try to use the variable if dosn't do a thing.
I'am using the variable because I would like to have
4 actions on this button. A rollOver, rollOut, and 2
differnt onRelease actions using the "if statments"
and the global variable. I know I'am probably way off
with the code but any help anyone can give would be
great.(p.s. I'm using flash 5)
:-\

[sbeener]

in the first frame, just:

_global.ta1 = 0;

i think your creating a local ta1 and a _global.ta1, then setting the local ta1 to 0.

[pom]

http://www.kirupa.com/developer/actionscript/as_tricks.asp
Check the global variables article.

pom :asian:

And Supra, are you also the sbeener at layer51?

[sintax321]

So if I want to manipulate the global variable I have to put _global. in fornt of it.

on (rollOver) {
if (_global.ta1 == 0) {
tellTarget ("/top") {
gotoAndPlay ("rollstart");
}
}
}
I tried that but still my action script does nothing when I rollOver. I have attached the FLA if any one would like to take a look at it and see what the can figure out with it.
:-\

[Jubba]

on(rollOver){
if(ta1 == 0){
_root.top.gotoAndPlay('rollstart')
}
}

you have to put this code on the button that you want to rollOver, but it works for me.

[sintax321]

How come tellTarget dosen't work? Isn't the same? Does the "If" statment not work with a tellTarget becasue the tellTarget works until the "If" is added?

I'm so confused:(

[sbeener]

to set a global variable, you must use _global, thereafter you don't need to use _global (that's kinda the point).

however, there is (as always) an exception. flash will still look in a local namespace first, so if you've created a variable by the same in the local space, you'll have to use _global if you want the global variable because otherwise flash will default to the local one.

make sense?

ily - yup. i guess there can't be too many sbeeners out there, can there? those prototypes were written ages ago while i was working on the depth sorting for that 3d app.

the regular sort is pretty useless, but i can't delete it. the sort a multi dimensional array by a give index is much handier. it's faster using utilising the built in sort() method, but mine will sort 5 as lower than 15, where sort() just uses the first character. can be handy.

[Jubba]

don't use tellTarget. tellTarget and the use of "/" are old syntax from the Flash 4 days. Now Flash uses the dot-syntax method.

_root.gotoAndPlay("whatever")

[sintax321]

Thanks for your help guys. I'm going to try this new information as soon as I get off work. I'll post the results.

http://www.kirupa.com/forums/smileys_files/bigthumb.gif

[sintax321]

Still can't get anything to happen.

I tried:
on (rollOver) {
if (_root.ta1 == 0) {
_root.top.gotoAndPlay("rollstart");
}
}

Also tried:
on (rollOver) {
if (_global.ta1 == 0) {
_root.top.gotoAndPlay("rollstart");
}
}

And
on (rollOver) {
if (ta1 == 0) {
_root.top.gotoAndPlay("rollstart");
}
}

Jubba you said that you had the button working I think. Could you Post that FLA so I could take a look.:(

[sbeener]

how are you defining your variable?

[Jubba]

in the first frame of your animation you should have

_global.ta1 = 0

[sintax321]

Yep thats what I have. I have even tried putting the global variable in the MC action with a onload event still nothing. Here is the current FLA take a look if you want to check it out.

[Jubba]

that file worked. the MovieClip 'top' went to and Played "rollstart"

[pom]

I'm not sure, Supra.
Originally posted by sbeener
to set a global variable, you must use _global, thereafter you don't need to use _global (that's kinda the point).

however, there is (as always) an exception. flash will still look in a local namespace first, so if you've created a variable by the same in the local space, you'll have to use _global if you want the global variable because otherwise flash will default to the local one.

make sense?
You don't have to use _global to access the variable, but if you want to modify it, you have to use it. Otherwise Flash will create a new variable in the local space that will hide the global variable. At least, that's what my tests showed me.

And about the prototypes, I'll try and read them when I get the chance :P .

pom :asian:

[sintax321]

Jubba that exact file that I posted worked for you? If it works for you without changing it is there a reason you can think of why it won't run for me? I'm using that exact FLA and when I rollOver the button nothing happens. I'm running flash 5 will this script only work in MX?

[sbeener]

yeah, _global is mx only.

sheesh... how long did that take to work out?

ily - good point about modifying _globals.

[Jubba]

Supra: took too long, I actually thought I asked that in one of my first posts, but I guess not.

Sin: yes, _global is only MX

Pom: :P