Lingo Syntax - MACROMEDIA DIRECTOR MX-USING DIRECTOR MX Use Manual

are terms that return a value. For example, the
Functions
date set in the computer. The
occur at the end of a function.
are sets of Lingo statements within a script that run when a specific event occurs in a
Handlers
movie (see "Using handlers" on page 396). For example, the following statements comprise a
handler that plays a beep sound when the mouse button is clicked:
on mouseDown
beep
end
are reserved words that have a special meaning. For example,
Keywords
handler.
are ordered sets of values used to track and update an array of data, such as a series of names
Lists
or the values assigned to a set of variables (see "Using lists" on page 398). A simple example is a
list of numbers such as
are notices that Director sends to scripts when specific events occur in a movie (see
Messages
"Using messages to identify events" on page 394). For example, when the playhead enters a
specific frame, the
script contains an
the handler received the
are terms that calculate a new value from one or more values. For example, the addition
Operators
( ) operator adds two or more values together to produce a new value.
+
are attributes that define an object. For example,
Properties
cast member.
are valid instructions that Director can execute (see "Writing Lingo statements"
Statements
on page 392). For example,
are elements used to store and update values (see "Storing and updating values in
Variables
variables" on page 402). To assign values to variables or change the values of many properties, you
use the equals ( ) operator or the
=
places a value of 0 into a variable named
0

Lingo syntax

Lingo supports a variety of data types, including references to sprites and cast members,
or 1 and 0 (Boolean) values, strings, constants, integers, floating-point numbers, points,
FALSE
rects, colors, and dates.
The following are general syntax rules that apply to all Lingo. Most Lingo terms also have their
own individual requirements about terms that they must be combined with. For the rules for a
specific Lingo term, see the term's syntax in the Lingo Dictionary.
Parentheses
Functions that return values require parentheses. When you define functions in handlers, you
need to include parentheses in the calling statement.
Use parentheses after the keyword
example,
member("Patrice Lumumba")
390 Chapter 16
function returns the key that was pressed last. Parentheses
key()
.
[1, 4, 2]
event occurs and Directors sends an
enterFrame
handler, the statements within that handler will run, because
on enterFrame
message.
enterFrame
go to frame 23
command. For example, the statement
set
sprite
date()
picture
is a statement.
.
startValue
or to refer to the object's identifier: for
member
refers to the member named Patrice Lumumba.
function returns the current
indicates the end of a
end
message. If a
enterFrame
is a property of a bitmap
set startValue =
TRUE
and