[LE] Can you reload a script while playing?

[SeraVerte]

It takes a long time to make a change to a script, start the game and test. Then close the game, make changes and test again.

 

I'm trying to test a active effect attached to a spell on an actor.

Is it possible to reload the script without restarting the game?

[IsharaMeradin]

There is a feature called hot loading where both the Creation Kit and the game can be opened at the same time. It allows one to test changes to a plugin without the constant hassle of exiting the CK and loading the game. But your system needs to be able to run both at the same time as such it may or may not be helpful. Here is a video on that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfpPwe7aKro

 

As far as a script itself, if the spell is not active, changes should be reflected with the next cast after hot loading the plugin. But that is just theory as I personally have never used hot loading.

[dylbill]

There's also a console command ReloadScript that might work: https://www.creationkit.com/index.php?title=ReloadScript

[SeraVerte]

Both of these are game changers, thanks!

[NexusComa2]

You can also use an external script editor like Notepad++. But, you will need to restart the game to test. This will skip loading the creation kit however. It is a hassle testing a program if you consider reloading tedious. On the other hand you can be assured it's a valid test as you are resetting everything. All too easy and very possible to be mislead if not. Myself, I want to know it is a clean test each time. At lest you're not programing in assembler where all errors lead to a full computer crash. I use Notepad++ for all my editing with Skyrim and have done this testing while editing thing many times. Works well and editing is so much nicer in a full-blown editor. You can even compile right from it.

 

The reason I mention this is testing a script with a running reload may work but it also has the possibility of showing false negatives/positives. That can be a testing nightmare all on it's own. It's always best to start with a clean slate every time when testing. It may bypass going a bit insane. As even though everything looks right a false negative/positive can't be seen and can defy scripting logic with many possible curve balls out of the blue. The scripter in me wants to do things quickly with less hassle. The programmer in me knows better. ... :yes: