Re: Accessing Table's table value from C++

["Ashwin Hirschi" <deery@...>]

> Thanks, Ashwin,
> It works!!!

Glad to hear it.

> After getting the global_objects table, I need to push a string (effecttype), then do a lua_gettable(L, -2) in order to get the effecttype table.
> Therefore, entrie sequence is:
> lua_getglobal(L, "global_objects");
> lua_pushstring(L, "effecttype");
> lua_gettable(L, -2);
> lua_pushstring(L, "water");
> lua_gettable(L, -2);

Yes, this is the smallest sequence.

Of course, having a little error-checking in there wouldn't hurt [unless you're absolutely sure all your data is always available]. For instance, if the 2nd table would somehow be missing, Lua would (quite correctly) throw an alert during your last lua_gettable call. Depending on circumstances, that could be a bit embarrassing, I think.

> One thing I have not yet clear is, what exactly are happening in the stack when calling the sequence above.

The reference manual clearly describes how particular Lua API functions change the stack [i.e. what is popped off and pushed onto it]. And you don't need anything else to properly interact with Lua. So, really, don't worry about it too much! [:-)]

Then again, if you're just curious about what actually happens: use the source! I think Lua is very well-written, and it doesn't take too much effort to get somewhat familiar with it.

Obviously, it helps if your development environment has some sort of code-navigation support. That way you don't spend an inordinate amount of time hunting for scraps of code. Many IDEs provide tools to help you. But I use ctags, since I do all of my programming using Vim.

Last but not least, the Lua team provides a nice way to navigate the source by browser:

	http://www.lua.org/source/

This is always an enjoyable way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon [;-)].

Have fun!

Ashwin.
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