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StoryHarp Kurtz-Fernhout Software
Developers of custom software and educational simulations.
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Editing rules in the rule editor panel

Editing rules takes place in the rule editor panel in the world editor window. If you do not see the rule editor panel in the window, make sure the Options | Show Rule Editor menu item is checked. Only one rule can be shown in the rule editor panel at a time. A rule can be selected using the table, map, or browser.

Rule fields

The six fields of the rule editor panel correspond to the six fields of a rule (
context, command, reply, move, requirements, and changes). When you create a new rule you need to fill in these fields. When you duplicate a rule you will need to change at least one field to make the copy different from the original. You may also need to change the rule fields after you make new rules using a wizard. Changes made to these fields will appear only after you tab out of the field, select the player window, or select certain editor actions which commit any changes first (like saving the file, making a new rule, clicking on the map, clicking within the reply field, selecting undo, and several other actions). You can also drag text from the map or browser and drop it into the rule editor panel.

Changing rule fields

gif/chiclet.gif Defining where a command is available (context)

gif/chiclet.gif Defining what a player needs to say to do something (command)

gif/chiclet.gif Defining what the player hears (reply)

gif/chiclet.gif Defining where the player goes next (move)

gif/chiclet.gif Defining special conditions for command availability (requirements and changes)

gif/chiclet.gif Adding sounds

gif/chiclet.gif Adding music

Undoing and redoing

You can use the Edit | Undo and Edit | Redo menu items in the world editor to undo or redo any changes you make to a rule field. Note that these manage a different undo list than the similar menu commands in the player window (those in the player window undo or redo changes to variable values in a session). By looking at the exact text of the Undo or Redo command, you can see exactly what action will be undone or redone. Any unique text you enter in the editor is also stored in the
change log for safety.

Changing options

You can change the size of the rule editor panel or hide it completely as you work. To change the size of the rule editor panel, drag one of the two horizontal splitter bars. One splitter bar divides the rule editor panel from the rest of the window, and the other controls the size of the requirements and changes section inside the rule editor panel. To hide or show the rule editor panel, check or uncheck the Options | Show Rule Editor menu item. To hide or show the button bar, check or uncheck the Options | Show Button Bar menu item.

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Updated: March 10, 1999. Questions/comments on site to webmaster@kurtz-fernhout.com.
Copyright © 1998, 1999 Paul D. Fernhout & Cynthia F. Kurtz.