Fix: DarkRP Vars Not Sending After Server Boot

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Hey guys! Ever run into a snag where your DarkRP variables (vars) just refuse to cooperate, especially when you're starting fresh on a server? Well, you're not alone! This article dives deep into a pesky issue where unregistered DarkRP vars aren't sending correctly, leading to a frustrating nil value on the client-side. We'll explore the root cause, walk through the reproduction steps, and get you back on track with your DarkRP projects.

The Problem: Unregistered DarkRP Vars Blocking Communication

So, what's the deal? The heart of the problem lies in DarkRP's handling of unregistered vars. When you try to set a DarkRP var that hasn't been properly registered (defined beforehand), the system throws an error. This isn't just any error; it's a specific one triggered in the warnRegistration function within DarkRP's code. This function's job is to let you know, in no uncertain terms, that you're trying to use a var that the system doesn't know about. And this is where things go south.

The error, specifically the one that reads "Warning! A net message (DarkRP_PlayerVar) is already started! Discarding in favor of the new message! (DarkRP_simplerrError)", acts as a gatekeeper. It prevents the DarkRP_PlayerVar net message (which is supposed to carry your var data) from going through. Instead, the system prioritizes sending an error message to admins via the DarkRP_simplerrError message. The end result? The client never receives the var's value, and you get a big, fat nil when you try to access it. This behavior is, to put it mildly, not ideal because it breaks the communication.

Detailed Breakdown

Let's break down the mechanics to grasp the root cause and why it is happening in DarkRP. When an unregistered var is set, the warnRegistration function is triggered. This function then interacts with the onSimplerrError hook. This interaction attempts to send an error message to all admins. As a result, the DarkRP_PlayerVar net message that is critical for transmitting your var data is discarded. The consequences is: the client does not get the updated var, resulting in its nil state on the client.

This all creates a cascading effect: the client is unaware of the var's new value. The fix is to ensure the var is registered before use, but, we will show you how to reproduce this and some possible solutions.

Reproduction: Seeing the Bug in Action

To really understand the issue, let's replicate it. The following steps will show you how to reproduce this bug on your own server. This process is key to fully understanding the problem and confirming that you're encountering the same issue.

  1. Fresh Start: Join a freshly booted server. This ensures a clean slate, free from any pre-existing var registrations or cached data. The server should have just started up, so no variables have been set yet.
  2. Server Command: Execute the command lua_run Player(2):setDarkRPVar("unk_var", 1000) on the server. This attempts to set an unregistered var named "unk_var" for a player with ID 2. This is the trigger step; it attempts to create the unknown var for the first time.
  3. Error Alert: Observe the server console for the error message "Warning! A net message (DarkRP_PlayerVar) is already started! Discarding in favor of the new message! (DarkRP_simplerrError)". This confirms that the error is indeed occurring.
  4. Client-Side Check: On the client-side, run the command lua_run_cl print(LocalPlayer():getDarkRPVar("unk_var")). This attempts to retrieve the value of "unk_var".
  5. Nil Result: You should see nil printed in the client console. This confirms that the var wasn't set correctly because the initial attempt failed.
  6. Second Attempt (Success): On the server, run the command lua_run Player(2):setDarkRPVar("unk_var", 123). This time, there should be no errors. This is because DarkRP probably recognizes the var now.
  7. No More Errors: You should see no errors in the server console, as the var is now recognized.
  8. Client-Side Check (Success): Run lua_run_cl print(LocalPlayer():getDarkRPVar("unk_var")) again on the client-side.
  9. The Payoff: You should see 123 printed in the client console, indicating that the var was successfully set on the second attempt.

These steps will reproduce the error and demonstrate that only subsequent setting of the var is successful. This means the client is receiving the values only when it is set again.

Delving into the Errors: Understanding the Traceback

The error messages themselves offer valuable clues. Let's break down the error to see what's happening under the hood. Understanding this traceback helps in pinpointing the exact location of the error and the chain of events that lead to it.

[darkrp_base] Warning! A net message (DarkRP_PlayerVar) is already started! Discarding in favor of the new message! (DarkRP_simplerrError)
  1. sendErrors - addons/darkrp_base/gamemodes/darkrp/gamemode/modules/base/sh_simplerr.lua:64
   2. v - addons/darkrp_base/gamemodes/darkrp/gamemode/modules/base/sh_simplerr.lua:73
    3. Call - lua/includes/modules/hook.lua:102
     4. errorNoHalt - addons/darkrp_base/gamemodes/darkrp/gamemode/libraries/simplerr.lua:533
      5. warnRegistration - addons/darkrp_base/gamemodes/darkrp/gamemode/modules/base/sh_entityvars.lua:44
       6. writeNetDarkRPVar - addons/darkrp_base/gamemodes/darkrp/gamemode/modules/base/sh_entityvars.lua:53
        7. setDarkRPVar - addons/darkrp_base/gamemodes/darkrp/gamemode/modules/base/sv_entityvars.lua:51
         8. unknown - lua_run:1

The traceback shows a chain of events, starting from the point where the error originated. Let's trace it.

  • sendErrors: The chain starts with sendErrors function from sh_simplerr.lua (line 64). It appears to be related to sending error messages.
  • v: The next step is inside the same file (line 73), potentially handling the error message's content.
  • Call: The hook system is then invoked from hook.lua, line 102. This is how DarkRP handles hooked functions.
  • errorNoHalt: errorNoHalt is called from simplerr.lua, line 533. This function is designed to handle errors without stopping the script.
  • warnRegistration: This is where our error originates, specifically in sh_entityvars.lua (line 44). This is the key function that flags unregistered vars.
  • writeNetDarkRPVar: From sh_entityvars.lua (line 53), the code attempts to send the var across the network.
  • setDarkRPVar: The setDarkRPVar function from sv_entityvars.lua (line 51) is where the var is attempted to be set on the server.
  • unknown: This is the command line where the initial lua_run command was issued.

By following this chain, you can see how the error handling and var setting processes interact, leading to the problem.

Finding Solutions: Getting Your Vars to Work

Now comes the good part – how to fix this and ensure your DarkRP vars behave as expected. Here are some solutions to avoid this bug:

1. Registering Vars Early

The most straightforward solution is to register your variables before you attempt to set them. This means defining the vars in a place where DarkRP knows about them before the server starts or before players join. This guarantees that DarkRP is aware of the variable and can handle it correctly.

  • Where to register: You can register vars in your gamemode/config.lua or any other appropriate server-side Lua file that loads early. This is one of the easiest ways to ensure that all the variables are prepared when needed.
  • How to register: You can register a var via using the DarkRP.registerVar() function or any suitable function. This will make your variables known to the game. Ensure the proper configuration and type for your variables to avoid any errors.

2. Using hook.Add (Advanced)

For more complex scenarios, you might use hook.Add with DarkRP.onPlayerSpawn. This gives you more control and ensures that vars are set when a player spawns.

  • When to use: Use this for variables specific to players or dynamic variables that change during gameplay.
  • Considerations: This method requires careful implementation to avoid potential race conditions. Ensure your hooks are executed at the right time in the server's lifecycle.

3. Error Handling and Checking (Advanced)

You can also add error-handling mechanisms to check if a variable has been registered before trying to set it. This method provides an extra layer of protection.

  • How to do it: Check if the variable is known to DarkRP before setting it. If not, log a warning or take alternative actions, like registering it dynamically.
  • Benefits: It makes your code more robust and provides better debugging information.

4. Code Review and Best Practices

  • Regular Review: Review your code regularly to catch any errors and ensure you're using best practices.
  • Community: Look for advice from the DarkRP community, since it is a great source of knowledge and can help in finding fixes or workarounds.

By employing these fixes, you can avoid this issue and guarantee that your DarkRP vars will be set without errors, improving the functionality of your server and ensuring a smooth user experience.

Additional Info: Further Research

For the information provided, there were no responses, so it is necessary to check other information in other sources to get a more clear solution. Also, you must ensure that all files are correctly written and follow the DarkRP structure.

In conclusion, the issue of unregistered DarkRP vars is a known problem that comes from the warning system and the net message in DarkRP. Understanding the root cause, the reproduction steps, and the errors is crucial for diagnosing and solving this issue. By registering your variables correctly and following best practices, you can ensure that your variables are correctly sent and received, providing a smoother experience for the players.