data_variables - GilbertzRivi/CrazyAE2Addons GitHub Wiki

Beginner's Guide to Data Variables

Welcome! This tutorial will teach you how to use Data Variables from Crazy AE2 Addons, even if you know absolutely nothing about programming.

What Are Data Variables?

Data Variables are numbers that are stored inside your ME network. You can:

Monitor them with Displays and Data Trackers.
Update them using Data Extractors.
Process and change them using Data Processors or Isolated Data Processors.

Think of them like invisible counters or sensors inside your network.

Setting Up Your First Variable

Place an ME Data Controller
- This block stores all your variables.
- Make sure it is connected to your ME network and has at least one AE storage component inside (like a 1k Cell Component).

Use a Data Extractor
- Place a Data Extractor next to a machine or tank.
- Open its menu and click Fetch.
- Choose a number you want to monitor (like energy level, progress, etc.).
- in the right lower corner of the GUI set the delay for consecutive reads from the block (in ticks) for example 5.
- Name it! Enter a simple name like &FILLED (only letters, all uppercase, no spaces, starting with &) and click "+".

Check Your Variable
- Open your ME Data Controller.
- You should see your new variable stored inside!

Showing Variables on a Display

Place a Display Part
- Attach it to any ME cable.
Open the Display GUI
- Type a message like:
  
  &FILLED% Filled
- &FILLED will be replaced automatically with the live number!
- Click Save.

Using Variables in Logic

Once you have variables, you can make your network smarter using Data Processors!

What is a Data Processor?

A Data Processor is a block that:

Reads variables.
Does calculations (like addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc.).
Writes the result back as a new variable.

It lets you "program" automatic math and decisions without typing any real code!

There are two types:

Data Processor (event-driven) — it calculates only when the input changes.
Isolated Data Processor (tick-driven) — it runs its program every tick automatically.

How to Set Up a Data Processor

Place a Data Processor
- Connect it to your ME network.
Input Variable
- Open its GUI.
- Enter the name of the variable you want to start with (e.g., &FILLED).
Insert Logic Cards
- Add cards like Add, Sub, Mul, Div, etc.
- Each card is one step in your "program".
Configure Each Step
- Click the cog next to a card.
- Choose:
  - Input 1 (variable, register, or number)
  - Input 2 (optional for math)
  - Output (where to store the result)
Registers
- Temporary storage: &&0, &&1, &&2, &&3
- Use them to pass results between steps.
Result Variables
- If you set an output like &RESULT, it creates a new network variable with the result!
- Remember that when you write to an external variable (not &&0/&&1/&&2/&&3), the program will stop.

Example: Monitor Tank Contents

Let's say you have a fluid tank, and you want to monitor its content.

Steps:

Place a Data Processor.
Set Input Variable = &FILLED.
Insert a SUB Card into slot 0.
Click the cog:
- Input 1 is already set to &FILLED.
- Input 2 = 50.
- Output = &&0.
- Click save.

Now, when the tank is filled below 50%, the value in &&0 will be negative (from -50 to 0), and positive otherwise (from 1 to 50).

Insert an HIT Card (Hop If True) into slot 1.
Click the cog:
- Input 1 = &&0 (value to check).
- Input 2 = 3 (hop to slot number 3).
- Output = blocked as HIT/HIF cards don't output any variable themselves.
- Click save.

Now, when the value of &&0 is above 0, the program will execute the card in slot number 3 as the next instruction. Otherwise, it will execute the card in slot number 2.

Insert an ADD Card into slot 3 (other cards would also work).
Click the cog:
- Input 1 = 1.
- Input 2 = 0.
- Output = &RESULT.
- Click save.

We are just writing 1 (1 + 0 = 1) to the variable &RESULT; the program stops there. But if the value of &&0 is not positive, the block will execute the card in slot 2 first.

Insert an ADD Card into slot 2 (other cards would also work).
Click the cog:
- Input 1 = 0.
- Input 2 = 0.
- Output = &RESULT.
- Click save.

We are just writing 0 (0 + 0 = 0) to the variable &RESULT; the program stops there (it won't go to slot 3).

The Program:

Now You Can Display That Variable on a Display

The Data Processor will update automatically whenever &FILLED changes.

Let's Add Redstone to the System

Place a Data Tracker and, for example, a redstone lamp beside it.
Configure it to track our &RESULT.
Change the amount of fluid in your tank and watch what happens.

variables

Logic Cards

ADD

Output = Input 1 + Input 2

SUB

Output = Input 1 - Input 2

MAX

If Input 1 > Input 2 then Output = Input 1 else Output = Input 2

MIN

If Input 1 < Input 2 then Output = Input 1 else Output = Input 2

MUL

Output = Input 1 * Input 2

DIV

Output = Input 1 / Input 2

BSR

Output = Input 1 >> Input 2

BSL

Output = Input 1 << Input 2

HIT

If Input 1 > 0 then hop to the slot with the number of Input 2

HIF

If Input 1 <= 0 then hop to the slot with the number of Input 2

Isolated Data Processor

It is always initialized with 0 as input.
Executes 1 logic card per tick.
The program stops when it encounters an empty slot.
Can write a variable multiple times to the system, BUT if you try to write two different variables, the new one will overwrite the old. For example, if you set a variable &FOO first and then try to set a variable &BAR, after the second write, &FOO will be deleted.
Try and experiment with it; you are smart, you will figure it out.

Final Tips

Displays and Trackers update instantly when a variable changes.
Don’t be afraid to experiment - errors probably won’t crash your game!