Scripting for Beginners?

Is there a separate program outside of SL that I need to download for a de-bugger and compiler for linden script language or do I need to use the SL browser?

Sorry, basic question...

There are several editors out there that you can use to compile an LSL script. I use the LSL editor, which you can download at , but I'm sure other people have their own favorites to suggest. Actually, though, a lot of the time it's easiest to do everything in world. Create a prim, go to Contents and check the New Script button. Then replace the default Hello Avatar script with one that you create. The advantage of doing it in world is that you can get the script to actually DO things, not just compile. The disadvantage is that it's a pretty dumb editor with inscrutible error messages. Take your pick.

lots of people just use notepad (which won't tell you if you've got errors)

one benefit of doing it inworld is if you're eternally forgetful (like me) then once you type in a function, if you mouse over it you get it's return type, and the the number/type of arguments it's supposed to have (an occasionally some helpful bit of information on what it actually does)

lsl Editor will let you run the script outside of SL, but it's finicky about some things... if you just want highlighting/brace matching and that sort of thing, notepad++ is good for that (although a few of the definition files are out of date, I need to post some new ones)

LSLEditor is recommended. You can test most functions and it spotlights any bugs you have. Unfortunately it is no longer supported and the newest functions are not there. But it is still the easiest and best solution for new people to work with. It will also get you in the habit of keeping copies of your scripts in your hard drive where they belong

I myself use a heavily modified version of Scite. That gives me the ability to use my own pre-defined global definitions and also use includes. Also have it setup to send the script over to LSLEditor for testing offworld.

The direct answer to the original questions is "no". There is an editor and compiler built-in.

As others have pointed ut, there are some external tools with various capabilities.

Eclipse also has a plugin for LSL programming. One can run and debug scripts in it. I don't know how well it works. I use LSLEditor.

If he had sold LSLEditor on XStreet he might have made a good income from it.

There is a group from Myst-Uru playing in SL. I made them a programming tutorial on one of the Myst-Uru fan sites.

http://www.guildofmaintainers.org/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=111&t=1280

There is a graphic programming tool known as S4SL made by M.I.T. If you are totally new to programming and only need simple scripts check it out. There are links on the page referenced.

::goes to check out scratch:: wonder how efficient the code is... (not expecting miracles)

Efficient... from a technical point... not very. Not horrible.

Form a new programmer's perspective it drops the learning curve, provides good leaning examples and clearly shows a structured approach. So I think it is a very efficient 'learning tool' or short cut for small simple scripts.