\t\t\t\tIn general I don’t like scripting languages. But you have to admit it’s much faster to iterate changes in a scripting language than C++. Here’s a simplified list of pros and cons:<\/p>\n
Pros of C\/C++:
\nFast execution
\nCompiler helps you find errors
\nFull access to the engine.<\/p>\n
Pros of Scripting:
\nFast iteration
\nEasy for users to modify<\/p>\n
Conversely:<\/p>\n
Cons of C++:
\nSlow iteration
\nHard for users to modify<\/p>\n
Cons of scripting:
\nSlow execution
\nError prone
\nAccess limited to exposed interfaces<\/p>\n
It’s true that any language which can be interpreted can be compiled, and any language which can be compiled can be interpreted. So how’s this for an idea:
\nYour scripting language is C or C++ (why invent a new language?) which is interpreted and has full access to all your other code. Obviously your script can only call into your engine, and not vice-versa, but this is the only limitation.<\/p>\n
Since it’s a script, it is valid and reasonable to hardcode numbers into the script.. You can tweak these numbers and change the script while the game is running to play around with settings.<\/p>\n
When you are ready to ship a build, switch your flag to compile rather than interpret the scripts. Or, if you wish user mods, just leave it interpreted.<\/p>\n
This is one use of a script system that makes sense to me and I’d fully support in a game project.<\/p>\n