Sorely confused on datums, or a problem?

ID:679419
 
Apr 17 2012, 11:37 pm
Keywords: datum
(See the best response by DarkCampainger.)
Code:
datum/combat
    start(mob/P)
        //stuff


Problem description:

Alrighty, so I'm trying to make a turn-based combat system using datums, but when I set it up like above, it gives me this error:
combat.dm:4:error: start: undefined proc

However, I've seen snippets and tutorials set it up like this, including ForumAccount's Datum tutorial, and now I'm HORRIBLY confused.

Apr 18 2012, 12:05 am
Best response
You need to use the proc keyword when initially defining a process (you don't need it when overriding it in a child type):

datum/combat
    proc
        start(mob/P)
            //stuff
Apr 18 2012, 12:24 am
Alright, I think I'm starting to understand, but now I've got a followup question. How could I set it so that if a player steps into certain area it calls the start proc?
Apr 18 2012, 7:33 am
Create a new combat object and call its start proc (same way you would call anything basically).
Apr 18 2012, 8:12 am
In response to Spunky_Girl
After hearing you say that, something clicked and it just hit me how datums worked and what I was doing wrong. I kinda feel silly now that I realize how simple it is, haha.

Anyways, thanks for the help, Spunky_Girl and DarkCampainger.