xiv Contents
Chapter 14 Scripting Basics for the Designer ........................................................................................... 277
14.1 Introduction to Scripting in LSL ................................................................................. 277
14.2 Design Thinking and Scripts ....................................................................................... 277
14.2.1 Setting Design Goals for a Scripted Environment ......................................... 277
14.2.2 Building a Reactive Environment .................................................................. 278
14.3 An Overview of How LSL Scripts Work .................................................................... 279
14.4 About the Script Editor ................................................................................................ 280
14.4.1 Your First Script ............................................................................................. 280
14.4.2 The Script Text Editor and Its Parts ............................................................... 282
14.5 Breakdown: Finding the Parts of a Basic Script ......................................................... 283
14.5.1 A Basic Script in OpenSim ............................................................................ 283
14.5.2 A Basic Script in Second Life ........................................................................ 284
14.5.3 Creating a Script Using Autoscript ................................................................ 285
14.5.4 Review of Basic Script Elements ................................................................... 287
14.5.5 Some New Script Elements: Constants and Variables ................................... 287
14.6 Do It Yourself or Hire a Scripter? ............................................................................... 288
14.7 How to Talk to a Scripter about LSL Scripts You Need ............................................. 289
14.8 Scripting and Various Performance Pitfalls ................................................................ 290
14.9 Debugging and Testing and the Importance of Those Tasks .......................................291
14.10 Moving on to More Complex Scripting ....................................................................... 293
14.10.1 Other Scripts Mentioned in This Book .......................................................... 293
14.10.2 Major Script Lists for OpenSim and Second Life .......................................... 293
14.11 Conclusion and Road Map for Learning More ............................................................ 293
Reference ................................................................................................................................ 293
Chapter 15 HUDs in Virtual Environments ............................................................................................. 295
15.1 What Are HUDs? ........................................................................................................ 295
15.1.1 Attaching a Cube Prim to Your Screen to Test HUD Alignment .................. 295
15.2 Types of HUDs ............................................................................................................ 297
15.2.1 Animation Overrides ...................................................................................... 297
15.2.2 Attachment Controls to Customize Hair, Clothes, Shoes,
AnimalAttachments ...................................................................................... 298
15.2.3 Combat Systems, Spell Casting, and Spying .................................................. 298
15.2.4 Games ............................................................................................................. 299
15.2.5 Invitations, Announcements, and Tour Guides .............................................. 299
15.2.6 Magazines and Books .................................................................................... 300
15.2.7 Multitool HUDs.............................................................................................. 300
15.2.8 Photo Shoot, Camera, and Machinima Controls .............................................301
15.2.9 Radar, Location, and Teleport HUDs .............................................................301
15.2.10 Vehicles ...........................................................................................................301
15.3 Design Considerations ................................................................................................. 302
15.3.1 Design Questions Regarding Immersion ....................................................... 302
15.3.2 Design Questions Regarding Flow ................................................................. 302