Basic Lua: Introduction

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What is Lua Script

Lua Script is a lightweight, cross-platform scripting language that was originally created as an extension of sorts, to further extend upon already existing programming languages; but over time, it has grown in popularity due to how easy it is to learn, & the amount of time saved in creating simple procedural scripts, functions & tables, thus Lua script is now the primary or secondary scripting language of multiple game engines. It is also used in various applications & web design.

For more information please see: here & here.

What does LUA stand for

Actually it's not ~~LUA~~ at all. Lua is not an abbreviation or acronym of any kind, it is simply the Portuguese word for moon. 🌖

What languages is Lua similar to

Lua script is similar to most programming languages, but it's relatively simple in comparison, because unlike other programming languages, we do not have to declare the variable type upon the creation of new variables. Variables can be reused & overwritten with any type of data.

Why learn Lua

Why would you want to learn Lua script? I mean honestly why would you? Visionaire Studio already comes with enough pre-existing actions & queries, that you could technically (almost) make a finished game of commercial caliber; the caliber part being entirely up to you &/or your team, but still...

My answer is pretty simple. Why not? Lua can be used to further enhance the pre-existing actions & queries, or create entirely new functions & features that do not come standard with Visionaire Studio itself.

Lua is fairly easy to learn, has a short learning curve, & anyone with any previous programming experience - I'm even including basic html in this category - shouldn't have much trouble getting to grips with the basics fairly quickly. Plus you will need to use it, if you want to allow players to create screenshots, have your game remember the players options configuration each time the game is launched, or go beyond the limitations of the Visionaire Studio: Adventure Game Engine, in general.

In the very least, I recommend trying to learn the basics, as from there you could potentially apply what you have learned into other scripting & programming languages; & who knows... you might even have an aptitude for learning code & be able to learn more advanced programming languages like c# or c++, thus allowing you to make games with more powerful engines like Unity, UDK (unreal engine) or CRYENGINE; or potentially bang out the next biggest metroidvania hit since sliced bread with GameMaker Studio.

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