Is it possible to multiply a function?

[DaBears]

I want to use a instance_create function but instead of typing it out say 5 times i want to do something like instance_create * 5. Is this possible? I plan on spawning an unlimited amount of instances so there is no way I can do this without multiplying the function by a variable unless you know a way.

[Albcatmastercat]

I think if you did...

repeat(4)
{
instance_create()
}

it would work. Try it.

[DaBears]

Originally posted by Albcatmastercat:

I think if you did...

repeat(4)
{
instance_create()
}

it would work. Try it.

thanks

[GproKaru]

Using repeat(x) with larger variables could see stuttering when used excessively. If you want to do it an alternate way, you can use a for loop.

var r = 1000;
for(i=0; i<r; i+=1;)
{
instance_create();
}

^^^ Basically, if the object isn't overly scripted, Game maker would semelessly create a 1000 of them with this method.

[kris40k]

Originally posted by GproKaru:

Using repeat(x) with larger variables could see stuttering when used excessively. If you want to do it an alternate way, you can use a for loop.

var r = 1000;
for(i=0; i<r; i+=1;)
{
instance_create();
}

^^^ Basically, if the object isn't overly scripted, Game maker would semelessly create a 1000 of them with this method.

Do you know what the difference is in the implementation of repeat() and a for loop? I'm curious why there would be a performance impact, or is this just some practical experience or similar.

[Fern]

repeat() and for() are the same. The repeat() loop is actually faster if you are just running code that doesn't need to be incremented. If you are incrementing a number, use a for() loop.

If you need 10 instances in the same position, you should use a repeat() loop.

[libertea]

There are 4 loops in Gamemaker: for, while, do while, and repeat. (Or just recursion)
While[docs.yoyogames.com] loops are just for loops that keep executing until the if part is false.
For[docs.yoyogames.com] loops are while loops that allow you to set and manage a variable in a consice and readable manner.

for (set a variable; the if part; do something to the variable)

For example

for (var i = 0; i < 10; i += 1)
    show_debug_message(string(i));

Would produce 0 - 10 in the debug console.
Do[docs.yoyogames.com] while (or do until) is just a while loop that is garunteed to run at least once.
Repeat[docs.yoyogames.com] loops are just blocks of code that repeat a given amount of times. As Seabass mentioned, repeat loops are fastest, so use those if you have no need for an iterator.

EDIT: I missed a loop, the with loop. With[docs.yoyogames.com] loops are loops that execute code within all instances of a specified object.