Lua Help

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Roblox Lua
Making your maps do crazy things

Lua (not "LUA") is a simple programming language that is used in Roblox to add in customized content, like cars that drive, new weapons, etc.

This page provides tutorials to help users to learn Lua.

There are often multiple tutorials on the same subject, so if you don't understand something in one of them, try another!

If you still don't understand something, you can ask at Scripting Helpers. Note that you're more likely to get an answer if you ask a specific question than something general, and that if you have a problem with a piece of code, posting the code really helps people to find what the problem is. Posts just asking "How do I script?" or "Make me this" are usually ignored.

Introduction series - read these first!

Script Creation WalkthroughHow to create and run scripts.

FlowchartsUsing diagrams to show the "flow" of a script.

Basic MathHow to work with numbers in a script.

StringsHow to work with text in a script.

BooleansHow to work with yes/no values in a script.

Variables

Conditional StatementsHow to make scripts do different things in different situations.

LoopsHow to make a piece of code run multple times.

Functions

TablesStoring multiple objects in one.

Generic forA special kind of loop for tables.

Other Guides

Beginner's Guide to ScriptingIf you've never worked with scripting before, look here.

Basic ScriptingShows you some of the basics of scripting.

How to Script AnythingWhat it says.

In-Depth Scripting Guide

Programming In LuaGuide to Lua by its creators. (partly out of date)

Introductions to Concepts

What are GUIs?This very in-depth guide explains what GUIs are.

Intro to WeaponsAn intro into the scripting of Weapons in Roblox.

ROBLOX Scripting How To: Data Persistence

Data Persistence TutorialA tutorial on understanding and using data persistence in your places.

Using Vector3 ValuesShows how to use math with Vector3s.

Using LeaderboardsHow to create your own Leaderboards.

Random NumbersHow to stop the same thing happening each time.

How To Make PluginsHow can you make your own Roblox Studio toolbars and buttons?

Using ToolsHow to create your own tools.

Using HopperBinsThe Tool's older version, using simpler Hopperbins.

Reference

Scripting

FunctionsA list of all the global (don't need an object) functions.

Class ReferenceAll the types of Roblox Instances.

Built-in FunctionsFunctions available in every Instance.

Lua Reference ManualOfficial documentation of Lua. (some features not available in Roblox)

Example Scripts

CookbookLarge list of small example scripts

Creating a BrickBasic tutorial on how to create a brick using a script.

IS:What is Debounce?Explains what Debounce is, and what it's used for.

Making a Healing PotionThe Intro to Scripting series, how to Heal or Damage a Humanoid.

Make a Dance FloorHow to change the color of a brick, and create simple loops.

Make an Invisibility ToolShows how to create Tools and turn yourself invisible.

How to Create VIP DoorsShows how to use tables, and to create a door that only certain people can enter.

How to Make RainCreating drops falling from the sky in random locations.

One-way DoorsHow to create doors that go only one direction.

Making Glow ScriptsMaking objects glow, with more complex loops.

How to TeleportAn overview of teleportation of players.

Making an OnClicked ScriptShows how to use the Mouse to trigger weapons.

How to Make Regenerating ModelsShows how to use variables to remove and create new models, even if they've been destroyed.

Using SoundsShows how to use events and work with Sounds.

How to Add Messages to Your PlaceShows how to use scripts to work with the Message object.

Using BodyPositionDetails how to use the BodyPosition object.

How to Build a CatapultA guide for medieval mayhem.

Using PlayerAddedHow to use the PlayerAdded event.

How to Create Talking CommandsA guide on how to use the Chatted event.

How to Make an ElevatorHow to make bricks move up and down in time.

How to Make MorphsCreating Morphs for your players.

How to Make Multi-Handle toolsCreating tools with more than one brick for a handle.

Money and Shop ScriptsHow to create an economy for your place.

Creating Black HolesShows how to simulate gravity fields in lots of objects.

How to make text on a brickHow to make words appear above a brick.

TeleportationHow to move characters to different positions.

How to Make Weapon Giving TeleportersMoving characters and giving them weapons.

How to Make Conveyor BeltsParts that move other parts.

How to Make RampsUsing CFrame to rotate parts.

How to Make LavaParts that hurt characters when touched.

How to Make CirclesUsing CFrame to arrange parts in a circle.

How to Make a Spiral StaircaseUsing CFrame to arrange parts in a spiral.