Learning Scripting?

[Temus]

Hey, I am sure there is probably a post about this somewhere. And I have taken a look around on the site and I can't seem to find just what I am searching for.

I am wondering what is the best way to pick up on the scripting used to customise my own UO shard. I have no real programming history of this kind, though I do pick up on these things quickly(I looked at the eScript guides but they don't explain the very basics). Is there a book for dummies that would help me? Does eScript relate to programming like c++ or another type of programming language? If so should I learn that first?

It would be amazing if someone with experience could help explain to me, what they did to learn the ability to write custom scripts for UO

All guidance and help is appreicated.
-Temus

[westrupp]

I think POL are like C++ and ASP, you can find at Internet help about theses program language or look here for POL info, here is some links:

Racalac's eScript Reference and Guide v096
http://docs.polserver.com/pol097/escriptguide.html

POL Script Types
http://docs.polserver.com/pol097/scripttypes.php

POL Configuration Files
http://docs.polserver.com/pol097/configfiles.php

Documents about many versions of POL
http://docs.polserver.com/

???

[CWO]

the way I learned was to look at what other people have scripted. .commands are a great start in learning.

[Nando]

Following Racalac's guide is a good beginning, although it's a little outdated (in other words: don't worry if something doesn't work). Other good way to learn is pick easy scripts from the distro or other script bases, and try to understand how it works.

Make a small command to send something on your screen, like "Hello World!" (Hint: use SendSysMessage from uo.em), change it to later ask something in return, then make it print the returned thing above your head. The best way to learn a new language is by using it, trying to make things you need.