Creating a High Score screen with AI2

[bagi...@gmail.com]

I have been searching for a way to get a high score screen in AI2 for 2 days. The score after the game is working fine but I just can't seem to figure out how to create a high score screen. Every other tutorial I've seen is for AI1, which I don't understand. Please tell me how to create a high score screen in AI2 as soon as possible.

[bagi...@gmail.com]

Btw I'm making a game similar to mole mash

[SteveJG]

Where have you been searching?  If you use the Search for topics block at the top of this page  and type  high score   you get 

https://groups.google.com/forum/#!searchin/mitappinventortest/high$20score

The first item is AI2.

Did this help?

Regards,

Steve

[Taifun]

How to store high scores with TinyDB by richard

Taifun

---

Trying to push the limits of App Inventor! Snippets and Tutorials from Pura Vida Apps by Taifun.         

[bagi...@gmail.com]

I've tried this but it still doesn't work. Also I'd like to say that I'm using 2 separate screens for storing high scores and game scores. Please show me an .aia file or send a picture of your blocks.

[bagi...@gmail.com]

[Taifun]

what have you tried?

you might want to provide a screenshot of your relevant blocks

[bagi...@gmail.com]

I actually used a tiny db instead of labels as the score was stored in another screen. Is that wrong?

[SteveJG]

Using TinyDB is thebest way and you did it.   You might post a png or jpg of the blocks that seem to be this issue as Taifun suggests.

[Taifun]

[Stephen Zipprich]

I just recreated my how to keep a high score list example on my Google site here for AI2.  Check it out.

You can use control blocks for passing values between screens rather than TinyDB.  I like this method better because I'd rather create an app as I would package it for distribution rather than have to redo some of the coding later.  The disadvantage is these blocks don't work in the development environment.  Both ways have their benefits.

[Taifun]

You can use control blocks for passing values between screens rather than TinyDB.  I like this method better because I'd rather create an app as I would package it for distribution rather than have to redo some of the coding later

why do you think, you have to redo some of the coding later, if you use TinyDB to pass values between screens? This is not necessary.

the big advantage to use TinyDB is, to be able to test during development, and this is useful especially for beginners...

as far as I can see, there are no disadvantages...

Taifun

[Stephen Zipprich]

Just personal preference for how I do it.  There's not a disadvantage to using the TinyDB but I don't add them to every project I do in App Inventor.  Because of this, I don't want to add a TinyDB, code for development, then recreate the blocks not using the TinyDB.

[bagi...@gmail.com]

Is this fine?

[ari...@utica.edu]

The overall concept is okay, but there are a few issues.

The flow should be:

• Set Label1.Text to the player's score
• If the Player's score (Label1.Text) > High Score then
• Make the Player's score (Label1.Text) the new High Score.

Move the "set Label1.Text call TinyDB1.Get Value ..." before the "If" statement. (Also, replace the empty string red block for the valueIfTagNotThere parameter to a blue number block with the number zero in it.) This way, the Text property of this label has the current score of the player.

Now, we need to compare this score with the highest score so far (which is in your TinyDB component under the key "HighScore"). Make the following changes to the condition of the "if" statement:

1. Change the name of the key in the TinyDB.GetValue block to "HighScore."
2. Replace the empty string red block for the "valueIfTagNotThere" parameter to a blue block with the number zero in it. (App Inventor may do this automatically, but it is a good practice to compare 'oranges with oranges')
3. Change the relational operator to '<'

That should do it.

[bagi...@gmail.com]

Thanks for your help but I'm still encountering a problem:
The High Score screen doesn't save the highest score it just gives out the last score I achieved in the game.
Eg. My first game's score is 11. After restarting the app and achieving a score of 3 it says my High Score is 3.

[SteveJG]

Several users are struggling with a logic issue involving "saving high score."  Users are attempting to code their own high score block.  You should be 

scanning the forum to see if other users are having similar problems and finding solutions using the Search block at the top of the 

AI2 forum page.

There are many ways to save a high score.

1)  game high score   replaces global high score.   Only the highest score ever achieved is posted.

   High Score: 213               global high score is the only score saved in the TinyDB.

   There are issues here.  Unless there is code to compare the game score with the HighScore, the game score 

  may end up replacing the Highest Score.  You will need a Math block to check which score is greater and logic blocks 

to tell the app which score to save.  

2) all scores achieve are posted but the scores are not sorted.  You are going to have to create a list of scores probably and then sort it.

2)  all scores are recorded along with the 'users' initials or name

    SJG  213

    TAM  200

    JM   180

    

   In this case, before a score is logged into the database, a text box appears where the user can input his/her 

   name or initials.  EVERY score is logged.  You will need tags like SJG, TAM, JM or Steve rather than a single highscore tag.  To show 

the scores, you will need to save the scores of each user from the database into a list, for example, then print out the results in a 

label. possibly using the \n  characters to force line changes in the label.

You can record only the highest score for each tag unless you include more information in the tag, for instance the time.

You as a developer need to provide the logic for the type of high score display you want.

I am not solving your issues, here.   I am only attempting to explain why the results you are coding are different than you expect.

[bagi...@gmail.com]

Thank you but I'm failing to put the pieces together. Could you send me a picture of your blocks, if it's possible?

[bagi...@gmail.com]

Is there anyome who has actually made a high score screen with AI2?

[Taifun]

why not just using Stephens example?

https://sites.google.com/site/stevozip/home/text/highscore

Taifun

[bagi...@gmail.com]

I tried it out but it didn't work for me.

[Taifun]

you might want to provide a screenshot of your relevant blocks

[bagi...@gmail.com]

I actually do not have acess to my laptop right now but if its possible could you show me a .aia file.

[Taifun]

no, I do not have an aia file for you

probably you might want to read this whathaveyoutried.com

Taifun

[Abraham Getzler]

Here's another high score sample to try ...

[Stephen Zipprich]

I tried it out but it didn't work for me.

What exactly about it didn't work for you?  Were you able to modify it for your project?

[bagi...@gmail.com]

My problem is that the high score doesn't save. Eg. Game one's score is eleven. Therefore, eleven is saved as the high score. Game two's score is three but the high score is three instead of eleven. Please tell me if its a problem with my blocks or is it something else?

[bagi...@gmail.com]

I figured out half of the problem. I just misunderstood arevirlegna. Thank you arevirlegna.

Now I would like to add initials to high score and I would also like to add second and third place too.

So far I've figured how to get the highest score without initials.

Here are the blocks:

[Stephen Zipprich]

You'd likely be best benefited by using a list then.  See my example again.  You'll probably need a second list for the initials.

[bagi...@gmail.com]

I'll try but could you explain to me what I can do?

[bagi...@gmail.com]

Guys I just tested my app again and I realised it doesn't work. I guess I was wrong. Please help I have 2 days left to submit my project.

[SteveJG]

This is a very simple demo showing one way to save ALL scores in a game using the new File tool.  The demo saves to the info internally within the app.

Read the File documentation to see how to save to your SD card (see 3 below).  The screen changing routines do NOT free memory as written..write appropriate 

code..this is not a demo about how to change screens.

I tested the example both on the emulator and a tablet.   If you find bugs, please post here.

1)  In this demo, the 'high score' is input using a text box; in a game, you would not use a text box but the variable containing the score.  You will also 

  change the logic requiring text in both textbox1 and textbox2.

2)  You need a File control in each screen you use.  You only need one screen if you post the results in a Notifier instead of in a label.

3)  This code stores the high score file internaly into the app.  You can also store to your SD card using the control character \ preceeding the file name.

4)  Because AI2 apps can not delete Resources, you can not use the DeleteFile directive storing within the app.  Instead the example saves an empty text 

file to MyHighScores.  When the file is overwritten, the contents are completely changed.

5)  There is little or no error control in this example; you need to write your own.

6)  The routine posts ALL scores you capture.  They are not sorted.  Routines can be written to sort them.  You will need to parse the label that contains 

the scores or parse the text file saved.   I imagine you could save this info as a csv file too.

7)  Is this better than using a TinyDB?   Perhaps.

I hope this is useful for someone.    The File control documentation is here:  http://ai2.appinventor.mit.edu/reference/components/storage.html#File

Regards,

Steve

[arevirlegna]

This should work. It is the right logic. I would suggest adding a second label just to show the value of "HighScore" before the "if" statement.

Are you seeing the current score in Label1 when the HighScoreScreen appears?

[bagi...@gmail.com]

At first it was working fine but once I tested the app a few hours later it wasn't working. Now it just shows 0 as the high score.

[arevirlegna]

Regarding @SteveJG 's solution: The inner "if" statement in the "When Button2.Click" event handler, is not needed as the condition is always True. Keep the blocks in the "then" part of the "if" statement, and get rid of the inner "if" block.

[bagi...@gmail.com]

I'll try out this method and notify you If I'm having problems.

[arevirlegna]

Is it possible you made some changes somewhere else in the app that affected the execution of this code? 

[SteveJG]

@arevirlegna       Yes, the if is not needed but the blocks in the If event handler are needed as you stated. Thanks for your observations.

-- Steve

[bagi...@gmail.com]

The High Score Bar works but it's not in order. Please help as soon as possible.

[SteveJG]

Here is one way to sort a list:  http://www.appinventorblocks.com/appinventor-tutorials-tips/appinventor-list-sorting-tutorial   This example uses  a bubble sort of a list.

Unfortunately, AI2 does not have any built in sorting routines.

If you used Stephen's example, I think everything is sorted as it is produced.

Regards,

Steve

[bagi...@gmail.com]

Could you show us the components you added in designer and send them. Also does this have name support?

[bagi...@gmail.com]

Guy's I'm really struggling now. Can somebody please help me out? I have 2 days left. I also have examinations for the next 2 days, so this might be my last chance to finish it.

[bagi...@gmail.com]

Is it possible to sort text in files?

[SteveJG]

It is possible to sort text files.  I would convert them to a csv file; convert the csv to a list then use the bubble sort to order them.  How easy it is to sort depends on if the file is all numbers or all text (easy) to files that are characters and text (much more difficult).

What do your text files look like:

235

534

256

or 

mit  235

bag  534

sos  256   ?

-- Steve

[Taifun]

Guy's I'm really struggling now. Can somebody please help me out? I have 2 days left. I also have examinations for the next 2 days, so this might be my last chance to finish it.

my suggestion is, start doing your work now... you always can adjust an example to your needs...

the homework should be done by the student and not by someone else

Taifun

[bagi...@gmail.com]

It looks like the 2nd one with the initials. Thanks for the help.

[SteveJG]

I have no way to sort the second list at the moment.  The first list (numbers only) is possible with  the bubble sort I mentioned earlier.

If you need a list like the second sorted, I think the example given by Stephen produces that.  With the method I presented you can have all the scores with initials  or sorted numerical scores only (if you add the bubble sort code ).

-- Steve

[bagi...@gmail.com]

Does anyone know what my problem is?

[SteveJG]

@bagi..    What is the problem you are talking about?    Not being able to sort?   using a bubble sort or what?     Post some code?   

If you notice, none of the solutions anyone has provided can provide  a high score list sorted    when characters and numerals are part of the list  ...   mit   2340    format.    Stephen's example

comes closest.    I can show you how to sort   high scores    2340,   3421    but without the initials.  Sorry, best I can do  and I do believe no one on the forum can provide code to sort mit 2340 data at the moment with AI2.   I would love to have someone prove me wrong and provide you with an aia demonstrating it.  though I think that might be possible but involved.

[bagi...@gmail.com]

I've tried quite a few methods but none work. I would like to use a method with tinydb instead of lists as I understand tinydb better. Please give me a method I can use.

[Taifun]

you might want to provide a screenshot of your relevant blocks

Taifun

---

Trying to push the limits of App Inventor! Snippets and Tutorials from Pura Vida Apps by Taifun.         

[SteveJG]

if you have to a high score list in the format      mit 123

                                                                    abc 321

You are going to have to use a list somewhere in my opinion.     I suggest you may try this:  https://sites.google.com/site/stevozip/home/text/highscore    and then 

save the results to a TinyDb with code you supply.

Alternatively, here is a different way entirely of doing the high score and it might still be possible.  Taifun shows this method where you  http://puravidaapps.com/score.php 

Echoing Taifun... to help you, the people here need to see what your present code is.   A png image is the best way to do this.

Yes, I know you are running out of time and I also know you are trying very hard. 

You are going to either stay with what you got or do a lot of work..... Please do not ignore studying for your other exams.

-- Steve

[Abraham Getzler]

This example keeps both initials and scores, and keeps the list sorted in descending order by score.
ABG

[SteveJG]

Great work ABG!!!

@abhina....     this is what this code does: 

..add the following blocks and an additional label to get this:

Hope this helps.  Good luck.

Regards,

Steve

[bgee...@gmail.com]

The .aia file isn't working. Can you provide a link to the file or re-upload it? Thanks for your help.

[SteveJG]

I just downloaded the  max_score.aia  and it works perfectly.  Did you use the View or Download link?   Use the Download link, copy to your desktop then use the AI2 browser to upload tha aia to your Projects.

What exactly is not working?  Tell us more and you will get additional help.

Regards,

Steve

[Matheus Hobold Sovernigo]

Guys, any chance of making this code or any other with same function to work with TinyWebDB?

[Taifun]

yes, you can do this with any database

first do the tutorials http://appinventor.mit.edu/explore/ai2/tutorials.html to learn the basics of App Inventor, then try something and if you get stuck, post a screenshot of your relevant blocks

[Matheus Hobold Sovernigo]

Unfortunately there are no tutorials on TinyWebDB component. I've already used it in some apps, but I never managed to do a high score table that worked flawlessly to show a list of both initials and scores up to a limit and to keep the list sorted in descending order by score. In this approach, when I try to add a score, I get the following error message: "The operation select list item cannot accept the arguments 1 1". Seems like these 1 1 are the list index and something I can't remember now. If I change the blocks back to TinyDB they work.

[Taifun]

if is empty get valueFromWebDB

then ---

Taifun

---

Trying to push the limits of App Inventor! Snippets and Tutorials from Pura Vida Apps by Taifun.         

http://appinventor.mit.edu/explore/ai2/support/blocks/text.html#isempty

is empty

Returns whether or not the string contains any characters (including spaces). When the string length is 0, returns false otherwise it returns true.

[Matheus Hobold Sovernigo]

Now I get the following error message: "The operation select list item cannot accept the arguments 0 1". It only changed from 1 to 0.

[Taifun]

delete the TinyDB using the TinyDB.ClearAll block and restart the companion app, then try again

also use the Do it functionality to debug your code: right click for example onto a global high_scores block and select "Do it" to receive the result in a comment window

the high_scores variable should be ((0 Beat my score!)) at the beginning...

Taifun

[Matheus Hobold Sovernigo]

I deleted using the block. Restarted, rebuilt and tested the "Do it" function of a global high_scores block. I got the "(0 Beat my score!)" message a little different than you said, as you can see in the picture. And when I tried to add_a_high_score, I got the same message as before "The operation select list item cannot accept the arguments 0 1". If I make a "Do it" on the TinyWebDB.StoreValue, it works to save the "(0 Beat my score!)" on the appspot page, so the problem is really on the procedure.

[Stephen Zipprich]

Unfortunately there are no tutorials on TinyWebDB component.

See here https://groups.google.com/forum/#!category-topic/mitappinventortest/specific-programming-issue/2K1BCHgwRaA 

[Taifun]

as already said the high_scores variable should be ((0 Beat my score!)) at the beginning...

you get currently only (0 Beat my score!)

which means, a make a list block is missing (see screenshot)

remember: you are working with a list of lists, the correct initialization would be a list having one item, which is a sublist

Taifun 

[Matheus Hobold Sovernigo]

I don't get it. The "make a list block" is already placed there. Putting another block of the same kind there doesn't help.

[Stephen Zipprich]

It does help.  It creates a sublist to avoid errors.  You have a nested select list item block right?  That is because you're working with sublists in your parent list.  Otherwise you wouldn't do this.

[Abraham Getzler]

There are two places in your latest screenshot needing double nesting.
You are missing the extra layer in the initialization step directly above the trash can.
The initialization on the left side has the required double layer.

ABG

[Matheus Hobold Sovernigo]

Wow, I can't believe it's working now! Thank you a lot, you're awesome. I would never realize the problem was with the sublists.