JSON #

Various configuration files in Featureful SDK are in JSON format. Such configuration files use the .json extension, e.g. features/materials.json, templates/entitie.json, etc. The format allows for structured hierarchical data representation which is not achievable with per-line configuration formats like .cfg.

Editing #

JSON files can be opened and modified in any text editor, but the text must be formatted in the special way. To avoid mistakes it’s recommended to use a text editor with support for JSON validation, e.g. Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text or use online JSON validators.

Common mistakes #

JSON might look similar to the format used by Valve in some configuration files (especially in Source), but there’re important differences which shoulnd’t be overlooked.

Missing the comma #

Even though the document may look finely formatted with proper indentation, JSON still needs comma between property definitions.

{
    "fast_recruit_monsters": ["monster_human_grunt_ally"]
    "fast_recruit_range": 500
}

{
    "fast_recruit_monsters": ["monster_human_grunt_ally"],
    "fast_recruit_range": 500
}

Missing quotes #

Key names and string values must be taken in quotes.

{
    Player.DeathUnderwater: {
        "waves": ["player/h2odeath.wav"]
    }
}

{
    "Player.DeathUnderwater": {
        "waves": ["player/h2odeath.wav"]
    }
}

Property types #

Various .json configuration files in Featureful SDK share a handful of property type definitions.

alpha #

The brightness or opacity.

The value of this type must be an integer number between 0 and 255. Example: "alpha": 200

color #

The RGB color.

The value of this type accepts several forms:

1. An array of three integer numbers representing Red, Green and Blue components. Each number must be in 0-255 range. Example: "color": [0, 200, 100]
2. A string of three integer numbers separated by spaces. Each number must be in 0-255 range corresponding to Red, Green and Blue components. Example: "color": "0 200 100".
3. A string representing the hexadecimal value starting with # (web notation). Example: "color": "#00C864".
4. A string representing the hexadecimal value starting with 0x (C++ notation). Example: "color": "0x00C864" .

range #

The pair of numbers. The value used in the game will be randomized between these two numbers.

The value of this type accepts several forms:

1. An array of two numbers where the first element is a minimum value and the second element is a maximum value. Example: "life": [0.5, 1.6]
2. A string that consists of two numbers separated by , symbol where the first number is a minumum value and the second number is a maximum value. Example: "life": "0.5,1.6".
3. Just a singular number. In this case the minimum and the maximum are equal. Example: "life": 1.0

range_int #

Same as range above, but the numbers must be integers. Examples: "pitch": "95,100", "pitch": [95, 100], "pitch": 95