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View Full Version : Understanding a bit more about arrays

JokerMartini
03-02-2012, 02:11 PM
I've got across a few scripts here online which ran arrays through a function which the function contained a for-loop inside of it.

I was wondering if someone could better explain or reference a document that would help me understand why there is a "&" by the array. What does that exactly control or do.


myArr = ($box001,$box002,$box003)

fn doingStuff arr = (
for obj in arr do....
)

on button pressed do (
doingStuff &myArr
)
Pjanssen
03-02-2012, 02:44 PM
The ampersand operator means that a parameter is passed as a reference.
Assume the loop in the doingStuff function modifies the array. If you pass myArr to the function 'normally', without the &, the array will be modified in the local scope. myArr will remain unchanged. If you pass it with the &, myArr will be changed.

This is not specific to arrays by the way, it applies to any maxscript variable.

Also, the example code won't work, since arr is a reference, so you have to dererefence (*) it to be able to loop through it.
JokerMartini
03-02-2012, 03:25 PM
That is simple and makes sense. That is super useful too. What would be a good examplein this case. Hiatus something simple.
Thanks.
John
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03-02-2012, 03:25 PM
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