About sort_custom(), Arrays

Help
,
1

Godot Version

4.5.1 Stable

Question

So my question is two-pronged, first I will explain what I want here.

I have an array based on a node tree;

var arraylist : Array = []

func _ready() -> void:
	arraylist = node.get_children()

I’m ok with sharing references btw, my intention is to re-sort the children but in a very particular way.

I want to take an object at a selected index and move it to another index, offsetting the objects in between.
For example: if my array has a size of 5, and I’m selecting index 3, I’d like the object at index 3 to move to index 1 (not 0), with the old objects in indexes 1 and 2, now shift to 2 and 3 respectively.

I guess my first question is “is this even possible”?
I looked up plenty YT videos on arrays and array commands, but it seems like every godot YTer copy from each other when explaining sort_custom(). Every example I’ve seen is the same array of typed in item names and rarity, and they showcase sort_custom() by showing a func that sorts by rarity and/or name. I’m not adept at gdscript enough (yet) to really grasp the depth or lack thereof of sort_custom(), hence the next question-

What else can sort_custom() do?

Would it be possible to sort my array the way I want using sort_custom() and creating a func that allows for this? I have made attempts, but I keep getting hung up on arrays not allowing an object to freely move indexes without changing the size.

I tried emulating movement with push and pop commands, but while I can pop_at() a specific index, I can’t push at a specific index (or if you can then I overlooked it/can’t find it).

Any suggestions?

2

You can “push at” with .insert

3

What’s the purpose of all this? Describe the problem you’re ultimately trying to solve. Maybe array isn’t the right data structure for it.

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4

My problem is exactly what I typed, I don’t know how to describe it any better. If you’re asking what am I trying to use this for, two things:

I am prototyping a weapon select system. For the record, it works fine, I set up an array to cycle between any number of weapons I may add. Right now, the weapons are child nodes to a bone attachment. This is why the array is based off of node.get_children()

Right now, it swaps between 4 nodes, an empty-handed blank mesh (Gun0), and 3 different weapon meshes. In practical terms

image
image227×177 5.1 KB

Selection is toggled by visibility, it all works.

What I’m trying to do is create a qol change to the system. Whereas no matter what Gun you select, you can always select none by pressing left, for example.

2nd, I’d like to match this up with a visual representation via UI Control nodes. As of this moment, I haven’t done much work on that because I’m trying to design a custom scroll container first, but I imagine similar sorting would be required.

5

This doesn’t look like an array sorting problem. Simply use Node::move_child()

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