Extended User Interface DLL For Game Maker
Download the entire help,script,dll,example in a single ZIP File
Introduction
In Game Maker you can receive a string or number by the user very easily by using functions get_string() and get_integer().But some times you want to show the user a list of items(string or number) from which a user can select one instead of typing it.This is much more user friendly.For example you can show a list of all saved games that the player can load by selecting on of them.This is much easier for the user than to enter the name of the file manually.This kind of interaction can be done very easily by using The Extended User Interface DLL.It provides two fuctions for this kind of user interface.
show_option1()
Which show a dialog box as shown.It uses a list box to show the list of items.
And show_option2()
Which show a dialog box as shown.It uses a combo box to show the list of items.
Both the Functions works exactly the same ,only the way of presenting the list is different.
Also Some times you want the user to select some options from a given list of options.For Example you may want to ask the user what features they want in the game such as SOUNDS,BACKGROUND MUSIC,FULLSCREEN MODE,DIRECT X EXLUSIVE MODE etc in Audio/Video Settings.For this Extended User Interface DLL provides a function show_option3() which shows a dialog box like this.
User select the options they want.
One more function that Extended User Interface DLL provides is show_text_ex() which show the given text in a window.You can change the title bar text and the heading.You can use it to show the licence info ,registration info,terms and conditions ,about info etc.The window looks like this.
Using The DLL
Take the following steps to use the dll in your game.
I-Put the optionsdll.dll file in you games directory.
II -Import the script file provided (script.gml) in your game(Select Scripts->Import Scripts in Game Maker Menu)
III-call the function Init() it takes no argument ,and it return nothing.Call this once in the creation event of some object.
IV-Now you can call any functions mentioned above.
Function Help
get_checks() [INFO IN show_option3]
set_ckecks() [INFO IN show_option3]
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