Find value in string

[Xagul]

Thank you for taking a look at my problem!

I would like to make a function that returns a value located somewhere in a string. This string will not always be the same so it must locate the pattern and then pull the value from there.

For example:

string = level (100)
           magic (50)
           shield (10)

Now the script would search that string and find the value for magic which would return 50. I figured it would be easier having ( ) around the values so you have a reference point for the search however they can be removed if it does not work as well with them there.

 

[Cykotitan]

string = [[
level (100)
magic (50)
shield (10)
]]

function getVal(str, val)
	local a,b = str:find(val .. '%s%(%d+%)')
	return a and b and str:sub(a, b):gsub('%D', '')
end

print(getVal(string, 'level'))

Output:

100

 

[Xagul]

Ok so I am trying to learn from this and I am having some trouble understanding how it works. I would like to know what

%s%(%d+%)

means in the line

local a,b = str:find(val .. '%s%(%d+%)')

I am guessing they are like variables or something? If it is easier you can also direct me to a website which lists these variables.

 

[Cykotitan]

1. %s matches a space character
2. %( is the equivalent of (, I had to put % before it since it's a magic character
3. %d+ matches a number of any length
4. %) is same as 2

 

[Xagul]

Awesome that helps a ton, thanks


"You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Cykotitan again." =\ it never lets me rep you! >:[

 

[Doggynub]

try to rep many random ppl and come rep him back again