=== Bugs in Game Make 8.0 ===

ATTENTION: This is my second try to send letter to you. I do not receive any answer after first. Maybe you just do not receive it. Or you would not answer, but…  Just tell me that you received and read my text!
New bugs (which were not in my first letter) are described below at the end.

=====


Bugs in Game Make 8.0

…Please forgive me if I write to wrong direction, I just do not know how to use your [Bug Tracker] and have no time to search on your forums… And excuse my bad English!


Here is a list of errors if Game Maker 8, what I have found. Some from them was in Game Maker 7 too.


Checking [Global Game Settings > Treat the close button as <Esc> key]:

Go wrong if [Let <Esc> end the game] was not checked. Even if I have both events (Esc and Close) to {game_end()}

Solve: Use always both options unchecked, but all [Close button] events could be {event_perform(ev_keypress,vk_escape)}


Checking [Global Game Settings > Treat uninitialized variables as 0]:

Gives full impossibility to use [variable_global_exists] and [variable_local_exists] functions. And any game with them will absolutely go wrong!

Solve: Never use this options. Try [error_occurred] in code where that options was needed. But sometime it is hard to predict how game reacts after different errors (ignore line and go on, fall from current [code action] or even start next step immediately)


First sprite often have sprite_index=0 what produces very much errors!

Because I set many variables default to 0, and if I wish to use {if sprite_exists(spr) then sprite_delete(spr)} with [spr] accidentally set to zero, I just destroy one of my sprites. After exporting and importing resources it creates many troubles, as any sprite now can be [0].

Solve: Create one or two spare empty sprites (and other resources) to hold zero index.


Function [keyboard_check] sometimes gives wrong result:

In complex tangled code, where many object read keystrokes as events and as functions inside code (and in scripts), using [keyboard_check] often do not return correct value, but must do that.

Solve: Use [keyboard_check_direct] function instead. It always gives exact return.


Extension function [GM Windows Dialogs > wd_message_show] produces runtime errors!

When [wd_message_set_text] was called with a string variable that contains any real value from function [string], but not with a constant string expression. Even if I try to use concatenated values in any other variable (or script result). Error becomes visible only after the end of game.

Solve: No, but [wd_message_simple] working correct.


[The keyboard] – Not all key can be scanned:

Wrong key detect in keys: [TAB], [ENTER] (on numpad), [APPLICATION] and [+] (but can be mapped, for example to F12), [PRINT SCREEN], [BREAK], [ALT] and [F10] (freezes window for a while), [SCROLL LOCK] and [CAPS LOCK] (cannot change state).

Solve: Accurately test all used keys to correct response.


Function [io_clear()] does not block keyboard and mouse events from executing:

When an object detects a stroke or click, corresponding event is performed. And if I use [io_clear()] in that action, it cannot prevent system from executing this event in all other objects. If them changed or created – event any way will be played. It is very annoying, when I use a button to display a file choosing dialog window. Then the click to [OK] or [CANCEL] is read by object, which now under mouse cursor, and event performed for this instance too.

Solve: Create an [alarm] event on lead object and set timer to [1] on every click. But check it before: if that alarm larger than 0 then [exit] or something.


[Code Editor] tail of long line became invisible:

But it stays there. Pressing [END] key will show it.

Solve: Use [Ctrl+Left] and [Ctrl+Right] to scroll line on words.


[Code Editor] end of comment [*/] treated as error without actual comment start [/*]:

It must be a green text which will be ignored as simple comment!

Solve: Always use [ // */ ].


[Code Editor] – Hint with an array (such as alarm[0..11]) will write "[0..11]" in code:

This is not what I want! I must always delete that code, because no one function writes self arguments! Why arrays do it?


[Code Editor] – Good and necessary, but nonexistent things:

Words like [andif] + [orif]. To speed up comparing process like in Delphi, when if first condition completely defines result, then next conditions will not being calculated. So expression like [ if a=b and c=d {x=0;y=0} ] can be written as [ if a=b {if c=d {x=0;y=0}} ] for speed reasons. But better write something like [ if a=b andif c=d {x=0;y=0} ] to reduce [ {} ] in code. [orif] is similarly, but the code is stranger a bit: [ if a=b {x=0;y=0} else {if c=d {x=0;y=0}} ]. For example when instead of [c=d] any slow function was used. With [orif] it will be simply: [ if a=b orif c=d {x=0;y=0} ]. Of course, words OR, AND, ANDIF and ORIF can be mixed together. Is it possible?

Many long [else] branches when comparing a value several times. Look: [ if (a>b) {val=1;str=">"} else {if (a<b) {val=2;str="<"} else {if (a=0) {val=0;str="0"} else {val=3;str="="}}} ] with many brackets. But if I use a structure ELSEIF (like it AutoIt), code will be easier: [ if (a>b) {val=1;str=">" elseif (a<b) val=2;str="<" elseif (a=0) val=3;str="0" else val=4;str="="} ]. Only first [ { ] and last [ } ] is used, all content must be interpreted correctly without them. If it is hard to compiler, code editor could auto-replace such constructions before sending source to compiler.

Sometimes I want to rename all my variables by mask. To add a prefix or suffix. Because I can write different scripts and object in different time for different games. And when I wish to merge them in one game, I can fall into big troubles if any variable name is equal to a resource name or other variable. What I must do? I just have to manually rename ALL my variables in every part of code. More automated process will be perfect for me. Another good idea is create a command to auto-put all variables to [ var ] keyword in beginning of script. When I write thousands lines of code, I just cannot remember all used variables in there, but want to make all of them temporary.


[Game Maker Help] does not describe this reserved words and expressions:

local
begin
end
or 
and 
not
:=
argument_relative
image_single

And there are no words about function [execute_string] – that it is very slow!


[Code Editor] – Wrong highlighting brackets with [begin-end] keywords:

Line { if (visible) begin exit} } will work perfect, but all [ {} ] will be highlighted wrongly.

Solve: Never use BEGIN and END Delphi keywords, even if very want!


[Scripts] Any non defined argument default will be zero:

It is bad! Sometimes I write a script without arguments. But once I wish to add one argument in several calls to change effect of script. I just write { if argument0!=0 {…} }, but if my value is zero? I offer to make a new variable [argument_count], which will show a number of defined arguments.

Solve: use [0.0000001] or something instead of exact [0].


[Computing things] shortages: 

Function to convert number to and from hexadecimal number (as string) and bitwise too.

Function [ string_format(val,tot,dec) ] add a spaces before number (tot), but must put there [0] ! Need one more argument – char to pad number from left. (I use {string_replace_all(string_format(val,tot,dec)," ","0")})

Need one more function similar to [string_lettersdigits], but to delete all chars except from numbers, one decimal dot (and replace a comma to dot), one minus-sign and exponential part. To use with [real] without errors on every string variable!

Where a constant of maximal real number? And for minimal positive too.


[Pop-up messages and questions] cannot show hint:

Why there is no way to display small hint string mini-window on specified position? But game must run without stops. Like Windows system hints in tray or on start button. In Game Maker games it will be very useful.


[show_menu] How to create a submenu?

It will be very nice. And why in menu there is small padding space on left and right in every string?


Recursion errors:

System just crash, game immediately ends when code fall in endless (as game thinks) loop of procedure calls (or [with] constructions, where every object uses [with] to other objects, what gives big loops). Function [ event_perform(event_type,event_number) ] crashes Game Maker anyway. Why there is no error-reporting?


[event_user] shortage:

Why I cannot call it with arguments? Will be very useful. And as action, not from the code.


[Events] shortage:

How get state of window: minimized or not? To stop computing game steps. Or to block [Mouse enter] event, because they still performed, when window is minimized to taskbar.
Need an events [window minimized] + [window restored] or one read-only variable.


[Export all Scripts] Command sometimes gives invalid GML file:

It cannot be loaded to [Extension Maker]. I mean, that any corrupt functions will not work in package. But load to Game Maker always correct.

Solve: Open [GML] file in any extended text editor, which can change all end-of-lines marks to CRLF.


Function [d3d_model_save] gives incorrect files:

Any saved model no longer can be opened with [d3d_model_load].

Solve: Read all content of wrong file as text, replace all [ , ] by [ . ] and save to a new one.


Function [file_text_read_real] ignores any [0]:

When I save data to text file with [file_text_write_real] and trying to read it, I often get incorrect numbers. Because system read only nonzero values. If I write a variable with zero value, I cannot read it later. Instead it gives me any of next values! Sequence of values will shift, and the file ends before I get all written data).

Solve: Never save inline numbers. Write only as strings, one on line.


Function [file_text_read_string] does not start at next line after a call:

Trying to call this twice will give empty string anyway. I must call [file_text_readln] after every [file_text_read_string]. Strange, is not?

Solve: Use a script, which will call both functions.


[Files] non existed functions:
To check, may I create a file, or a directory is read-only.
To normalize path with many backslashes together (str+"\path\file.txt" give "C:\\path\file.txt" when str="C:\"). It does not cause errors, but any other programs will do it, when I transmit that string to them.
To delete a directory.
To write (or read) an array of bytes to bin files.
To change attributes.
To set share mode when open (block read, block write or do not block).
To test, whether an included file with [fname] exists.
When executing programs – to set their [working_directory]
To test, whether a copy of this game is currently running.
Get all command line parameters as one long string.
To get a serial number of hard disk drive.


Bad reloading with [game_restart]:

Many parameters do not restart, such as d3d light and settings, mplay connections, deleted resources and (most important) any created data structures do not destroying and freeing memory!

Solve: Use hard reloading {execute_program(parameter_string(0),"",0);game_end();}


[Sound] midi-files loaded as normal sounds often have incorrect tempo:

Strange, but it is.

Solve: Load midi only as background music.


[INI files] cannot open from noncurrent directory:

Very bad! I must always copy file to working directory, process and copy it back. But it is impossible when game running from any read-only directory.

Solve: No. Use own ini parser script.


[Registry] what I cannot:
Delete a key.
Set the type of value (for example to [DWORD] – for other applications, when I want to set their settings before launch).
Get current root (from [registry_set_root]. E.g. I write in registry from my script and want to restore previous value)


[Executing programs] I cannot hide DOS console window.

When starting CMD or other console application.

Solve: Use a [hidcon / hidec] program to hide those window.


[Data structures] problems:
No way to test, whether any structure with the given id exist.
No way to check, whether a string is suitable for load into structure. For functions (ds_xxx_read(id,str)) – if string [str] is incorrect, system will crash from current step and lose all procedure call sequence without reporting an error.


Adding images from code bug:

If picture is very very big (4000x4000px), then system could not load it, but will idle use much memory.


Cannot set font with function [splash_show_text]:

There is very strange font… Small and gray.

Solve: Use [splash_show_web] instead.


Wrong result of [splash_set_position]:

Can set X on what I want, but not a Y coordinate. When I need window in corner, splash_set_position(1,1) does not help me. And there is no way to close a splash window from code!


[Views] Scale in d3d bug:

When I have a window in d3d mode and want to change size of display area. I cannot do this when room already loaded. For example I want set display area to screen resolution, which can be getting only from code.

Solve: Set good view for room earlier, before entering it.


Global string bug:

If my string contains a nonprintable characters (chr(0)–[NUL] or others), some of string functions will not work. For example, [string_replace_all]. Just undefined return.

Solve: no. Parse a string by own script, read all chars one by one and process.


[interpolation] error:

The [texture_set_interpolation] function is blurring colors and alpha at all images and graphics. But only inside of graphic tiles, not at their corners. So, drawing scaled text will show a contrast border on almost all characters.
And spites, which have one half fully transparent, but the rest is not and have a collision with corners, will show a strange bright line of bounding box. For example, draw a sprite with scale=10; image is 32*32 pixels, there is a opaque black rectangle at 0,0,16,16; the rest is transparent: just draw – and you will see, what I am trying to say.
Surface too, but worse. Surface borders often have strange different pixels colors (from raw video memory pages) which becomes visible with active interpolation. Solve: always draw a part of surface, to cut approximately one or two pixels from all corners.


[window_set_cursor] strangeness:

Not all from those constants will show actually system cursors. Some of them use strange self cursors. And not all system cursors can be showed. So you should to:
1) Add constants to ALL possible system windows cursors.
2) Add a mechanism to display user's cursor from CUR / ANI file.


Other questions:

How to flash a game window in taskbar? To get the player's attention. Need a function for this.

Why a file [D3DX8.dll] always used and loaded? Is it strongly needed? Even if I will not use any of D3D functions and some other graphic? 

Why a game uses a central processor’s time when idle (wait for end of dialog, program or something). And use input/output pipe for two sound threads of main process. If I suspend them by task manager, game will cannot playing any sound (except from 4-type). So, if my game fully will not use any sound recourses, why there is no global option to do not perform sound-threads operations at all.

How to get an IP address of any player in mplay mode? To test, whether all of them is from different computers? And get their computer/user windows names. And even a serial number of hard disk drive. Of course, I can let the game tell to server all of those values, but it can be lie, when user is hacked and changed game code.

Why line-end text character is always [#]? I would like to change it (anywhere, in Global Game Settings…) to that char, what I want. Because sometimes I need to display [#] as text, but having two symbols (/#) instead of one could give me wrong length of string and hard handle that string (when I write to file)

Why there is no line-to-line debugger? Which would trace code with showing variables state. Because standard debug mode updates itself only after each step, but not inside the steps and actions, where I can have big loops and function calls (I just use [show_message] to test, whether program passed through that line, or show interested variables).

Why error message often do not show exactly number of error line? When I have big code which working with data structures (or file read/write), I see a message [Data structure with index does not exist.] (or [File is not opened.]) and cannot understand, where this error occurs.


Ok, is all. I do not know are you already fixed any of described errors, or you were saying that it is impossible.
I just tell you about it. You can ignore and forget this message, if those errors are fixed in Game Maker 9 or later. But I hope that most of them will disappear in further.
Sorry, if I write something wrong!


Your big fan of Game Maker,
Kly_Men_COmpany.


====

ATTENTION: second letter updates:


 Menu [File > Recent files] refreshes registry data only at exit of Game Maker:

When I open a .gmk file, upgrade my game, and save as new file. If program crashes (what never was happened itself, but system errors and fails, glitch, viruses and power switch off…) – at new starting, then in menu a most resent file will not exist. Because Game Maker do not save those information. And sometimes I open old file and work on it. And when try to save to new name (_01, _02 etc.) I find forgotten last file! And I had to merge changes in both file.

Solve: Re-run Game Maker after each saving as new file.


Functions like [date_datetime_string] will give different results on different windows locale languages:

It is very bad! Because I wrote an auto replace script for this string, to change all [:] to [_] and use as filename for logging document. And I surprised when on one computer my program fail! On it this function gave [/] character in string. Of course, it was not replaced and the file would not created.

Solve: never use this function. Create own script to make datetime string.


Compiler does not change / optimize the code:

Why I can see almost all my GML code in RAM of running game? Ok, it is interpreted, not compiled to assembler. And so? Why comments and spaces with empty lines exported to EXE as well? Is there is no optimization and code cleaner mechanism?


Why there are no methods to import a code from text document? Game Maker can print meanings of all objects by pressing [Show Object Information] button. But how about to change code outside and then put it back to Game Maker?


[Extension Packages] bug:

I cannot install no one extension package when folder [extensions] does not exist.


Room [Creation code] shortage:

To test, have a room any creation code I must press such button. But objects with creation code are highlighted in editor, why whole rooms are not?

====


Your big fan of Game Maker,
Kly_Men_COmpany.