Inform: source files/parsing NPC commands


Sun, 20 Aug 1995 05:15:33 GMT

I've only just begun learning Inform and putting together some pretty tricky
hacks (that often fail), but I've already come across some issues that I may
have missed in the Designer's/Technical Manuals:

One: How big is *too* big for an INF file? The game I'm working on seems to
be growing at an unnatural rate, and I was wondering at what point Inform
would balk at compiling it as an Advanced game. (I certainly hope the game
doesn't become *that* unwieldy.)

Two: I've a character, a waiter, to be exact, who I want to be able to get an
object for the player if the player types either 'waiter, get me a bagel' or
'ask waiter for coffee'. What action should I define to handle in the NPC's
life()? (Or am I completely off base in my thinking of how NPC interaction is
handled? :) )

Thanks in advance,
Jim