How to load data into an Array

I am currently trying to make a Random Name Generator. I am using two single dimensional arrays. Array 1 is the first name, and array2 is the last name. I would like to click a button and then choose a random entry from array 1 and array 2. This is similar to the beginning of the game worms where one can randomly generate names for the worms.

I have this fully functioning, however, in order to populate the data in the arrays, I needed to use the tutorial in the Power Users Guide to Windows Dev, to create and save each new record. THen i copy/renamed the array and moved it to the work directory i am working in. There must be an easier way.

Does anyone have some pointers into how to load a comma delimited file into an array string?

thanks in advance,
rubes

By mentioning i am using the array object probably indicates that I am using MMF 2 Developer, but if not, that is the software I am using

There is a Random Name Generator Extension you can use.

Marv

http://www.clickteam.com/epicenter/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=231250#Post2312 50

Hooray for self advertising!

This is precisely why I made the PresetArray object.

I am not familiar with that extension, but this is some basic funtionality that I would like to master without that extension (if it is possible). I'm looking thru the tutorials from your link Marv, quite an impressive number.

OK, this seems to be what I am looking for. It took a little bit of set up tweeking, and let me ask you if these settings seems correct:

Width:10
Height: 1
Array: Jonny,Jane,Robert,Lisa,Ken,Jordan,Melissa,Chris, Debbie,Rick,Extra
Delimiter: ,

I have a button w/a click event that sets a Static Text box text with this formula:
ValueAt$( "Preset Array", Random(10), 0)

I am currently just looking for a single dim array, however, in the future i would like to do first & last names at random, and was going to do 2 separate single dim arrays. Would you suggest that or a 2 dimensional array? If 2, could you help w/how the logic works?

You guys are so fast and helpful, it is really helping me get up to speed.

I made this:
http://www.create-games.com/download.asp?id=8360

It can load XML spreadsheet files generated in Excel / OpenOffice / etc, and convert them to MMF2's own array format (and vice versa).

This has the big advantage that you can use 3-dimensional arrays, whereas .csv arrays are limited to 2-dimensions, which is seldom, if ever enough.

Also, MMF2 arrays are smaller and can't be edited with a simple text editor (making it a little harder for players to cheat).

I must be missing something. What's the difference between Preset Array and String Tokenizer?

Can't you use the List object, hidden? Create a text file with lots of names, load it in the list object, assign each line a number and use a random number generator to pull out the assigned name?

MuddyMole, that looks awesome. I've downloaded it and will be using that in the future.

Jamie, I'm not familiar w/the String Tokenizer, but will read up on it.

ChrisStreet, I found a tutorial on Marv's site that does just this thing, but haven't had a chance to play with it.

I know I'll be using arrays a lot in the future (at i believe I will), so I'm practicing some concepts right now. Being so new, I'm not familiar with all of the techniques nor extensions available (or where to find them).

I want to thank everyone who has been commenting. You are a warm bunch, with lots to share. I cannot believe the quickness of the responses on this forum.

I'm sure I'll have more questions as I poke around and study everything

Jamie: Not a whole lot except you put the string in it at edittime and it loads it as if it were a 2-D array (That you have complete control over width/height etc)

Thanks for your kind comments rubes.

Jamie and RickyRombo. It really doesn't matter what the differences are with String Tokenizer and Preset Array, don't you think? rubes has been helped with arrays.

Marv

Yeah, sorry for hijacking the thread. Good to know though - if all you want is parsing, use the String tokenzier object.