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KaVir · 01-31-2006, 07:13 AM

That sort of problem can be handled through better feedback, and help files for each command. Typing an invalid command could result in the the user being told how they can view all available commands, eg:

> pick lock
Unrecognised command 'pick' (type 'commands' to list those available).

Equally, typing 'help' on its own should provide the user with a list of the basic commands, while invalid help file requests should provide suggestions, eg:

> help locks

-----------------------------------[ LOCKS ]-----------------------------------
HELP NOT FOUND: locks
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Suggestions: lockpicking.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The help files themselves should also reference other related help files, making it easier for players to find related commands - eg:

Syntax: get <thing>
Syntax: get all

This command allows you to pick something up off the ground, as long as you are standing right beside it. If you are some distance away, you will need to 'target' it and walk up to it first.

See also: wear wield remove give drop swap

The commands themselves should also support different types of syntax, for example:

Syntax: give <object>
Syntax: give <object> <creature>
Syntax: give <object> to <creature>
Syntax: give <creature> <object>
Syntax: give to <creature> <object>

The user can also be provided with hints to guide them through each step of the game, a sort of optional 'hand holding' without forcing them to jump through the hoops, eg:

<HINT> Ready for a live opponent now? Enter the prison and try the prisoner!

> enter prison

You must be right beside something before you can enter it.
Unfortunately, the prison is one hundred and ninety-eight feet to the east of you.
<HINT> Try typing 'target prison' to move towards it first.

> target prison

You target the prison.
You start running towards the prison.

>
You turn east and carry on running.

>
You stop running.
<HINT> You may now enter the prison by typing 'enter prison'.

The same system can also be used for handling common responses, as well as the commands
syntax commonly used by other muds, such as:

> chat off

You chat, 'Off.'
<HINT> If you want to switch off the chat channel, type 'config chat'.

> kill prisoner

Kill mode activated. Type 'kill' again to cancel it.
<HINT> Automated combat is vastly inferior to manual combat - see 'help kill'.

01-31-2006, 07:13 AM	#12
KaVir Legend Join Date: Apr 2002 Name: Richard Home MUD: God Wars II Posts: 2,052	That sort of problem can be handled through better feedback, and help files for each command. Typing an invalid command could result in the the user being told how they can view all available commands, eg: > pick lock Unrecognised command 'pick' (type 'commands' to list those available). Equally, typing 'help' on its own should provide the user with a list of the basic commands, while invalid help file requests should provide suggestions, eg: > help locks -----------------------------------[ LOCKS ]----------------------------------- HELP NOT FOUND: locks ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Suggestions: lockpicking. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The help files themselves should also reference other related help files, making it easier for players to find related commands - eg: Syntax: get <thing> Syntax: get all This command allows you to pick something up off the ground, as long as you are standing right beside it. If you are some distance away, you will need to 'target' it and walk up to it first. See also: wear wield remove give drop swap The commands themselves should also support different types of syntax, for example: Syntax: give <object> Syntax: give <object> <creature> Syntax: give <object> to <creature> Syntax: give <creature> <object> Syntax: give to <creature> <object> The user can also be provided with hints to guide them through each step of the game, a sort of optional 'hand holding' without forcing them to jump through the hoops, eg: <HINT> Ready for a live opponent now? Enter the prison and try the prisoner! > enter prison You must be right beside something before you can enter it. Unfortunately, the prison is one hundred and ninety-eight feet to the east of you. <HINT> Try typing 'target prison' to move towards it first. > target prison You target the prison. You start running towards the prison. > You turn east and carry on running. > You stop running. <HINT> You may now enter the prison by typing 'enter prison'. The same system can also be used for handling common responses, as well as the commands syntax commonly used by other muds, such as: > chat off You chat, 'Off.' <HINT> If you want to switch off the chat channel, type 'config chat'. > kill prisoner Kill mode activated. Type 'kill' again to cancel it. <HINT> Automated combat is vastly inferior to manual combat - see 'help kill'.