[MUD-Dev] newbie

[Sauron]

[snip]
> More generally, what is the distinction between softcode and hardcode?
[snip]

Generally hardcode is what you use to write the server and has to be
compiled and restarted each time you make changes (note that i said
generally, i know this isn't ALWAYS true). Softcode tends to be the
internal programming language on your server. It has no need to be
compiled, generally adds to lag, but is also on the average easier to
use and uses the games internal functions to the best of their
abilities. The real tradeoff is w/ hardcode you increase your cpu usage,
and softcode it chews up your ram. Most good mu*s tend to have a balance
of both types of programmed systems. 

For example: in pennmush the server is written in C. all those files
which compile into the executable (note this is Win95) or if you prefer
server are hardcode.

mushcode, or psychocode depending on what you want to call it is the
softcode. it is completely internal and allows you to create commands,
functions, etc. 

If your programming a server base for others to use and want to be
flexible, most ppl tend to code the bare minimum to make it work right
in hardcode so it can easily be modified (for server hacks in hardcode
but generally in softcode) w/out knowledge of a specific language
outside of the internal (which as i mentioned b4 are usually easy to
use/learn).

-Sauron