When I update a script do I need to recompile everything?

[Solkazo]

So I am new to the emulation scene for WoW and successfully compiled my first server. I want to dabble in a little C++ and see what I can achieve (bug fixing and boss scripting).

I was wondering if every time I change a little bit of code, Do I have to recompile it all again or can I compile just the script somehow?

Thank you

[brotalnia]

Yes, you will need to recompile it. Only lua scripts don't require compilation.

[Harambeqt]

You could script it in lua and use a lua engine, then rewrite it in c++ and code it into the core when the script is ready for show.

[stoneharry]

The performance difference between Lua and C++ on modern hardware is negligible these days in my opinion. Especially if you use the JIT implementation of Lua and the bulk of the emulator is running with C++.

Using a scripting language allows you to speed up development of game content significantly, and this is what it should be used for. You can prototype stuff in there fast and easily but core pieces of functionality make more sense in the emulator with the rest of the server logic.

When I was still doing WoW emulation I would have a dropbox folder sync'd up to my dedicated server that was inside the Lua scripts folder. I could then code in notepad++ directly in the dropbox folder from my host machine, save, reload lua engine with in game command, and the changes were active immediately. Git to then version the code as each new measurable chunk of work was completed.

Alternatively, code a C++ system into the emulator that has the ability to reload dynamically linked modules (DLL's). You would have to have some sort of plugin API to integrate with the server with these plugins, like the Lua C API.