Fast Loop to position object over empty box

[stillhawk]

I have been trying to understand fast loops for quite a while. I have studied the tutorial, read extensively through the forum, and experimented. For some reason, I just don't get it. So here is my situation:

I have an active object duplicated 12 times and spread value from 1-12. These are my "boxes." Then I have items (active objects) that need to be stored in the boxes. When the item is clicked, it should overlap the first "empty" box in the row of 12 boxes. It might be the first box, the last box or any box in between.

I thought that a fast loop would be the best way to identify the empty box and position the item in it, but I just don't know how to do it.

Would it be possible for someone to make an example for me that accomplishes this?

I would be ever so grateful.

Thanks,
stillhawk

[Bigfoot]

click on item active > start fastloop "search for empty box" (count number of box active times)

on loop "search for empty boxs"
+box active spread val = loopindex"search empty box"
+ active boxs alt val "is box empty?" = 0
>set xy pos of item to box activexy
+set "is box empty?" to 1
+stop fast loop"search for empty box"

This loops through the boxs, checks for first empty box, when it finds one it sets the alt val of rhe box to not empty (so it's not included in loop next item you click), repositions active item, then it stops the loop.

[Bigfoot]

Also check out "The Definitive Guide To Fastloops!" video on the tutorials page. Press the space bar to move speed it i up.

[stillhawk]

Also check out "The Definitive Guide To Fastloops!" video on the tutorials page. Press the space bar to move speed it i up.

As I said, I read this. Sorry I called it the Tutorial. Thanks.
I am trying to understand your directions.

[stillhawk]

Bigfoot,
I am unable to write the loop as you suggest. Again probably due to my lack of understanding.
Would you create an example for me that I can download.
Thanks so much for your efforts.

By the way if anyone else can do what Bigfoot says or has a better idea, I would welcome examples.

Thanks,
stillhawk

[Bigfoot]

Here you go. http://community.clickteam.com/showthread.php?t=69103&p=511913#post511913

[stillhawk]

Bigfoot,
Thanks so much for the example. I can see it works quite well the way you set it up. I am going to test it now the way I need to use it. I so appreciate your help. Check back with you in a little bit.
stillhawk

[stillhawk]

Bigfoot,
In your example, you have created the "items" as duplicates of a single item and then spread the id value. However, in my game the "items" are each unique active objects. I have tried to rewrite your approach, but frankly I am stuck. I tried several things including a qualifier for my active items, but I just can't make it work. Sorry my lack of knowledge in this area is a severe limitation.

Would you be kind enough to rewrite yours using 6 unique active objects as "items" nstead of the way you did it?

Thanks so much for all your efforts.
stillhawk

[stillhawk]

Bigfoot,
I have been able to create a modification to your approach which appears to have great promise. I will continue working with it. I want you to know how much I sincerely appreciate your assistance. I would like to give you credit in my game (which I hope to finish sometime in the next year). PM me with your real name so that I can include it in the credits. You are the man!!

Thanks so very much,
stillhawk

[Bigfoot]

Yes, just group the item clones in a qualifier. It's a bit harder to read because mmf doesn't allow you to edit the names of qualifier al values, but it does the same.

http://community.clickteam.com/showthread.php?t=69103&p=511913#post511913