CIV gameplay parameters

[Son of Moose]

Hi there

I have spent around a week examining the various CIV XML files in order to learn as much as I can about the various gameplay parameters. I must admit that I am surprised by the sheer number of variables included (most of which are fairly self-explanatory).

I have attached a zipped MS Word document containing lists obtained from the various CIV XML files. I am hoping that some of the "Master Modders" and "Coders" might be able to refine these lists and add some mathematical descriptions in order to further define the individual variables.

From my initial examination of the SDK, it does not appear to include much additional descriptive information. However, my examination is far from complete .... Unfortunately I cannot open the Python files ....

I would be most grateful for any assistance as I am keen to investigate the possibility of a "Total Conversion" for CIV - but obviously first need to acquire as complete an understanding of the function of all of these variables (including how they might interact with one another) as possible.

I fully realize that this is a huge task - but it just might prove feasible if several experts in one area of the game were to simultaneously work on the different CIV XML file variables (which do feature a large degree of overlap).

With kindest regards

 

[Ellestar]

Unfortunately I cannot open the Python files

I wonder whats the difference between opening XML files and opening
Python files... Both are text files so obviously you do have some kind of a text editor if you can open XML files.

 

[Son of Moose]

Ellestar:

I can easily open and (if necessary) edit the XML files with Notepad. For whatever reason, I cannot seem to open the Python files with my Python 2.4.1 Final edition (which was released in March 2005 - at about the same time as CIV Vanilla).

Is there a way that one can open Python files with notepad (as this option is not provided when right clicking on a Python file)?

 

[Ellestar]

Right click (or maybe Shift-Right click) on a file -> Open with... and pick notepad or something else.

 

[frekk]

or just open notepad and drag n drop into the window

 

[Amuroray]

Even if you do this you will only able to see comments, I you want to see all of the line you have to dl pyton.

 

[Son of Moose]

Thank you so much for your comments. I will follow these suggestions.

 

[Seven05]

Even if you do this you will only able to see comments, I you want to see all of the line you have to dl pyton.

What?

The only reason you need to download and install python is if you're using an editor that supports context checking and code completition, otherwise you can simply open the py files in any text editor and edit them to your hearts content. Python is not a compiled language and Civ4 includes an interpreter so there is no need to install anything else. Now it is recommended that you grab a proper editor, in which case you will need to install python, but it isn't a requirement as notepad/wordpad will work fine.

If you do install python it's actually more complicated to open up a py file since it becomes associated with python and double-clicking on the py file will try to run it through the newly installed interpreter.