dfhack/LUA_API.rst

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DFHack Lua API
##############

.. contents::

====================
DF structure wrapper
====================

DF structures described by the xml files in library/xml are exported
to lua code as a tree of objects and functions under the ``df`` global,
which broadly maps to the ``df`` namespace in C++.

**WARNING**: The wrapper provides almost raw access to the memory
of the game, so mistakes in manipulating objects are as likely to
crash the game as equivalent plain C++ code would be. E.g. NULL
pointer access is safely detected, but dangling pointers aren't.

Objects managed by the wrapper can be broadly classified into the following groups:

1. Typed object pointers (references).

   References represent objects in DF memory with a known type.

   In addition to fields and methods defined by the wrapped type,
   every reference has some built-in properties and methods.

2. Untyped pointers

   Represented as lightuserdata.

   In assignment to a pointer NULL can be represented either as
   ``nil``, or a NULL lightuserdata; reading a NULL pointer field
   returns ``nil``.

3. Named types

   Objects in the ``df`` tree that represent identity of struct, class,
   enum and bitfield types. They host nested named types, static
   methods, builtin properties & methods, and, for enums and bitfields,
   the bi-directional mapping between key names and values.

4. The ``global`` object

   ``df.global`` corresponds to the ``df::global`` namespace, and
   behaves as a mix between a named type and a reference, containing
   both nested types and fields corresponding to global symbols.

In addition to the ``global`` object and top-level types the ``df``
global also contains a few global builtin utility functions.

Typed object references
=======================

The underlying primitive lua object is userdata with a metatable.
Every structured field access produces a new userdata instance.

All typed objects have the following built-in features:

* ``ref1 == ref2``, ``tostring(ref)``

  References implement equality by type & pointer value, and string conversion.

* ``pairs(ref)``

  Returns an iterator for the sequence of actual C++ field names
  and values. Fields are enumerated in memory order. Methods and
  lua wrapper properties are not included in the iteration.

  **WARNING**: a few of the data structures (like ui_look_list)
  contain unions with pointers to different types with vtables.
  Using pairs on such structs is an almost sure way to crash with
  an access violation.

* ``ref._kind``

  Returns one of: ``primitive``, ``struct``, ``container``,
  or ``bitfield``, as appropriate for the referenced object.

* ``ref._type``

  Returns the named type object or a string that represents
  the referenced object type.

* ``ref:sizeof()``

  Returns *size, address*

* ``ref:new()``

  Allocates a new instance of the same type, and copies data
  from the current object.

* ``ref:delete()``

  Destroys the object with the C++ ``delete`` operator.
  If destructor is not available, returns *false*.

  **WARNING**: the lua reference object remains as a dangling
  pointer, like a raw C++ pointer would.

* ``ref:assign(object)``

  Assigns data from object to ref. Object must either be another
  ref of a compatible type, or a lua table; in the latter case
  special recursive assignment rules are applied.

* ``ref:_displace(index[,step])``

  Returns a new reference with the pointer adjusted by index*step.
  Step defaults to the natural object size.

Primitive references
--------------------

References of the *_kind* ``'primitive'`` are used for objects
that don't fit any of the other reference types. Such
references can only appear as a value of a pointer field,
or as a result of calling the ``_field()`` method.

They behave as structs with one field ``value`` of the right type.

Struct references
-----------------

Struct references are used for class and struct objects.

They implement the following features:

* ``ref.field``, ``ref.field = value``

  Valid fields of the structure may be accessed by subscript.

  Primitive typed fields, i.e. numbers & strings, are converted
  to/from matching lua values. The value of a pointer is a reference
  to the target, or nil/NULL. Complex types are represented by
  a reference to the field within the structure; unless recursive
  lua table assignment is used, such fields can only be read.

  **NOTE:** In case of inheritance, *superclass* fields have precedence
  over the subclass, but fields shadowed in this way can still
  be accessed as ``ref['subclasstype.field']``.
  This shadowing order is necessary because vtable-based classes
  are automatically exposed in their exact type, and the reverse
  rule would make access to superclass fields unreliable.

* ``ref._field(field)``

  Returns a reference to a valid field. That is, unlike regular
  subscript, it returns a reference to the field within the structure
  even for primitive typed fields and pointers.

* ``ref:vmethod(args...)``

  Named virtual methods are also exposed, subject to the same
  shadowing rules.

* ``pairs(ref)``

  Enumerates all real fields (but not methods) in memory
  (= declaration) order.

Container references
--------------------

Containers represent vectors and arrays, possibly resizable.

A container field can associate an enum to the container
reference, which allows accessing elements using string keys
instead of numerical indices.

Implemented features:

* ``ref._enum``

  If the container has an associated enum, returns the matching
  named type object.

* ``#ref``

  Returns the *length* of the container.

* ``ref[index]``

  Accesses the container element, using either a *0-based* numerical
  index, or, if an enum is associated, a valid enum key string.

  Accessing an invalid index is an error, but some container types
  may return a default value, or auto-resize instead for convenience.
  Currently this relaxed mode is implemented by df-flagarray aka BitArray.

* ``ref._field(index)``

  Like with structs, returns a pointer to the array element, if possible.
  Flag and bit arrays cannot return such pointer, so it fails with an error.

* ``pairs(ref)``, ``ipairs(ref)``

  If the container has no associated enum, both behave identically,
  iterating over numerical indices in order. Otherwise, ipairs still
  uses numbers, while pairs tries to substitute enum keys whenever
  possible.

* ``ref:resize(new_size)``

  Resizes the container if supported, or fails with an error.

* ``ref:insert(index,item)``

  Inserts a new item at the specified index. To add at the end,
  use ``#ref``, or just ``'#'`` as index.

* ``ref:erase(index)``

  Removes the element at the given valid index.

Bitfield references
-------------------

Bitfields behave like special fixed-size containers.
The ``_enum`` property points to the bitfield type.

Numerical indices correspond to the shift value,
and if a subfield occupies multiple bits, the
``ipairs`` order would have a gap.

Named types
===========

Named types are exposed in the ``df`` tree with names identical
to the C++ version, except for the ``::`` vs ``.`` difference.

All types and the global object have the following features:

* ``type._kind``

  Evaluates to one of ``struct-type``, ``class-type``, ``enum-type``,
  ``bitfield-type`` or ``global``.

* ``type._identity``

  Contains a lightuserdata pointing to the underlying
  DFHack::type_instance object.

Types excluding the global object also support:

* ``type:sizeof()``

  Returns the size of an object of the type.

* ``type:new()``

  Creates a new instance of an object of the type.

* ``type:is_instance(object)``

  Returns true if object is same or subclass type, or a reference
  to an object of same or subclass type. It is permissible to pass
  nil, NULL or non-wrapper value as object; in this case the
  method returns nil.

In addition to this, enum and bitfield types contain a
bi-directional mapping between key strings and values, and
also map ``_first_item`` and ``_last_item`` to the min and
max values.

Struct and class types with instance-vector attribute in the
xml have a ``type.find(key)`` function that wraps the find
method provided in C++.

Global functions
================

The ``df`` table itself contains the following functions and values:

* ``NULL``, ``df.NULL``

  Contains the NULL lightuserdata.

* ``df.isnull(obj)``

  Evaluates to true if obj is nil or NULL; false otherwise.

* ``df.isvalid(obj[,allow_null])``

  For supported objects returns one of ``type``, ``voidptr``, ``ref``.

  If *allow_null* is true, and obj is nil or NULL, returns ``null``.

  Otherwise returns *nil*.

* ``df.sizeof(obj)``

  For types and refs identical to ``obj:sizeof()``.
  For lightuserdata returns *nil, address*

* ``df.new(obj)``, ``df.delete(obj)``, ``df.assign(obj, obj2)``

  Equivalent to using the matching methods of obj.

* ``df._displace(obj,index[,step])``

  For refs equivalent to the method, but also works with
  lightuserdata (step is mandatory then).

* ``df.is_instance(type,obj)``

  Equivalent to the method, but also allows a reference as proxy for its type.

Recursive table assignment
==========================

Recursive assignment is invoked when a lua table is assigned
to a C++ object or field, i.e. one of:

* ``ref:assign{...}``
* ``ref.field = {...}``

The general mode of operation is that all fields of the table
are assigned to the fields of the target structure, roughly
emulating the following code::

    function rec_assign(ref,table)
        for key,value in pairs(table) do
            ref[key] = value
        end
    end

Since assigning a table to a field using = invokes the same
process, it is recursive.

There are however some variations to this process depending
on the type of the field being assigned to:

1. If the table contains an ``assign`` field, it is
   applied first, using the ``ref:assign(value)`` method.
   It is never assigned as a usual field.

2. When a table is assigned to a non-NULL pointer field
   using the ``ref.field = {...}`` syntax, it is applied
   to the target of the pointer instead.

   If the pointer is NULL, the table is checked for a ``new`` field:

   a. If it is *nil* or *false*, assignment fails with an error.

   b. If it is *true*, the pointer is initialized with a newly
      allocated object of the declared target type of the pointer.

   c. Otherwise, ``table.new`` must be a named type, or an
      object of a type compatible with the pointer. The pointer
      is initialized with the result of calling ``table.new:new()``.

   After this auto-vivification process, assignment proceeds
   as if the pointer wasn't NULL.

   Obviously, the ``new`` field inside the table is always skipped
   during the actual per-field assignment processing.

3. If the target of the assignment is a container, a separate
   rule set is used:

   a. If the table contains neither ``assign`` nor ``resize``
      fields, it is interpreted as an ordinary *1-based* lua
      array. The container is resized to the #-size of the
      table, and elements are assigned in numeric order::

        ref:resize(#table);
        for i=1,#table do ref[i-1] = table[i] end

   b. Otherwise, ``resize`` must be *true*, *false*, or
      an explicit number. If it is not false, the container
      is resized. After that the usual struct-like 'pairs'
      assignment is performed.

      In case ``resize`` is *true*, the size is computed
      by scanning the table for the largest numeric key.

   This means that in order to reassign only one element of
   a container using this system, it is necessary to use::

      { resize=false, [idx]=value }

Since nil inside a table is indistinguishable from missing key,
it is necessary to use ``df.NULL`` as a null pointer value.

This system is intended as a way to define a nested object
tree using pure lua data structures, and then materialize it in
C++ memory in one go. Note that if pointer auto-vivification
is used, an error in the middle of the recursive walk would
not destroy any objects allocated in this way, so the user
should be prepared to catch the error and do the necessary
cleanup.

================
DFHack utilities
================

DFHack utility functions are placed in the ``dfhack`` global tree.

Currently it defines the following features:

* ``dfhack.print(args...)``

  Output tab-separated args as standard lua print would do,
  but without a newline.

* ``print(args...)``, ``dfhack.println(args...)``

  A replacement of the standard library print function that
  works with DFHack output infrastructure.

* ``dfhack.printerr(args...)``

  Same as println; intended for errors. Uses red color and logs to stderr.log.

* ``dfhack.color([color])``

  Sets the current output color. If color is *nil* or *-1*, resets to default.

* ``dfhack.is_interactive()``

  Checks if the thread can access the interactive console and returns *true* or *false*.

* ``dfhack.lineedit([prompt[,history_filename]])``

  If the thread owns the interactive console, shows a prompt
  and returns the entered string. Otherwise returns *nil, error*.

  Depending on the context, this function may actually yield the
  running coroutine and let the C++ code release the core suspend
  lock. Using an explicit ``dfhack.with_suspend`` will prevent
  this, forcing the function to block on input with lock held.

* ``dfhack.interpreter([prompt[,env[,history_filename]]])``

  Starts an interactive lua interpreter, using the specified prompt
  string, global environment and command-line history file.

  If the interactive console is not accessible, returns *nil, error*.

* ``dfhack.pcall(f[,args...])``

  Invokes f via xpcall, using an error function that attaches
  a stack trace to the error. The same function is used by SafeCall
  in C++, and dfhack.safecall.

  The returned error is a table with separate ``message`` and
  ``stacktrace`` string fields; it implements ``__tostring``.

* ``safecall(f[,args...])``, ``dfhack.safecall(f[,args...])``

  Just like pcall, but also prints the error using printerr before
  returning. Intended as a convenience function.

* ``dfhack.saferesume(coroutine[,args...])``

  Compares to coroutine.resume like dfhack.safecall vs pcall.

* ``dfhack.with_suspend(f[,args...])``

  Calls ``f`` with arguments after grabbing the DF core suspend lock.
  Suspending is necessary for accessing a consistent state of DF memory.

  Returned values and errors are propagated through after releasing
  the lock. It is safe to nest suspends.

  Every thread is allowed only one suspend per DF frame, so it is best
  to group operations together in one big critical section. A plugin
  can choose to run all lua code inside a C++-side suspend lock.

* ``dfhack.call_with_finalizer(num_cleanup_args,always,cleanup_fn[,cleanup_args...],fn[,args...])``

  Invokes ``fn`` with ``args``, and after it returns or throws an
  error calls ``cleanup_fn`` with ``cleanup_args``. Any return values from
  ``fn`` are propagated, and errors are re-thrown.

  The ``num_cleanup_args`` integer specifies the number of ``cleanup_args``,
  and the ``always`` boolean specifies if cleanup should be called in any case,
  or only in case of an error.

* ``dfhack.with_finalize(cleanup_fn,fn[,args...])``

  Calls ``fn`` with arguments, then finalizes with ``cleanup_fn``.
  Implemented using ``call_with_finalizer(0,true,...)``.

* ``dfhack.with_onerror(cleanup_fn,fn[,args...])``

  Calls ``fn`` with arguments, then finalizes with ``cleanup_fn`` on any thrown error.
  Implemented using ``call_with_finalizer(0,false,...)``.

* ``dfhack.with_temp_object(obj,fn[,args...])``

  Calls ``fn(obj,args...)``, then finalizes with ``obj:delete()``.


Persistent configuration storage
================================

This api is intended for storing configuration options in the world itself.
It probably should be restricted to data that is world-dependent.

Entries are identified by a string ``key``, but it is also possible to manage
multiple entries with the same key; their identity is determined by ``entry_id``.
Every entry has a mutable string ``value``, and an array of 7 mutable ``ints``.

* ``dfhack.persistent.get(key)``, ``entry:get()``

  Retrieves a persistent config record with the given string key,
  or refreshes an already retrieved entry. If there are multiple
  entries with the same key, it is undefined which one is retrieved
  by the first version of the call.

  Returns entry, or *nil* if not found.

* ``dfhack.persistent.delete(key)``, ``entry:delete()``

  Removes an existing entry. Returns *true* if succeeded.

* ``dfhack.persistent.get_all(key[,match_prefix])``

  Retrieves all entries with the same key, or starting with key..'/'.
  Calling ``get_all('',true)`` will match all entries.

  If none found, returns nil; otherwise returns an array of entries.

* ``dfhack.persistent.save({key=str1, ...}[,new])``, ``entry:save([new])``

  Saves changes in an entry, or creates a new one. Passing true as
  new forces creation of a new entry even if one already exists;
  otherwise the existing one is simply updated.
  Returns *entry, did_create_new*

Since the data is hidden in data structures owned by the DF world,
and automatically stored in the save game, these save and retrieval
functions can just copy values in memory without doing any actual I/O.
However, currently every entry has a 180+-byte dead-weight overhead.

Material info lookup
====================

A material info record has fields:

* ``type``, ``index``, ``material``

  DF material code pair, and a reference to the material object.

* ``mode``

  One of ``'builtin'``, ``'inorganic'``, ``'plant'``, ``'creature'``.

* ``inorganic``, ``plant``, ``creature``

  If the material is of the matching type, contains a reference to the raw object.

* ``figure``

  For a specific creature material contains a ref to the historical figure.

Functions:

* ``dfhack.matinfo.decode(type,index)``

  Looks up material info for the given number pair; if not found, returs *nil*.

* ``....decode(matinfo)``, ``....decode(item)``, ``....decode(obj)``

  Uses ``matinfo.type``/``matinfo.index``, item getter vmethods,
  or ``obj.mat_type``/``obj.mat_index`` to get the code pair.

* ``dfhack.matinfo.find(token[,token...])``

  Looks up material by a token string, or a pre-split string token sequence.

* ``dfhack.matinfo.getToken(...)``, ``info:getToken()``

  Applies ``decode`` and constructs a string token.

* ``info:toString([temperature[,named]])``

  Returns the human-readable name at the given temperature.

* ``info:getCraftClass()``

  Returns the classification used for craft skills.

* ``info:matches(obj)``

  Checks if the material matches job_material_category or job_item.
  Accept dfhack_material_category auto-assign table.

C++ function wrappers
=====================

Thin wrappers around C++ functions, similar to the ones for virtual methods.
One notable difference is that these explicit wrappers allow argument count
adjustment according to the usual lua rules, so trailing false/nil arguments
can be omitted.

* ``dfhack.isWorldLoaded()``

  Checks if the world is loaded.

* ``dfhack.isMapLoaded()``

  Checks if the world and map are loaded.

* ``dfhack.TranslateName(name[,in_english,only_last_name])``

  Convert a language_name or only the last name part to string.

Gui module
----------

* ``dfhack.gui.getSelectedWorkshopJob([silent])``

  When a job is selected in *'q'* mode, returns the job, else
  prints error unless silent and returns *nil*.

* ``dfhack.gui.getSelectedJob([silent])``

  Returns the job selected in a workshop or unit/jobs screen.

* ``dfhack.gui.getSelectedUnit([silent])``

  Returns the unit selected via *'v'*, *'k'*, unit/jobs, or
  a full-screen item view of a cage or suchlike.

* ``dfhack.gui.getSelectedItem([silent])``

  Returns the item selected via *'v'* ->inventory, *'k'*, *'t'*, or
  a full-screen item view of a container. Note that in the
  last case, the highlighted *contained item* is returned, not
  the container itself.

* ``dfhack.gui.showAnnouncement(text,color[,is_bright])``

  Adds a regular announcement with given text, color, and brightness.
  The is_bright boolean actually seems to invert the brightness.

* ``dfhack.gui.showPopupAnnouncement(text,color[,is_bright])``

  Pops up a titan-style modal announcement window.

Job module
----------

* ``dfhack.job.cloneJobStruct(job)``

  Creates a deep copy of the given job.

* ``dfhack.job.printJobDetails(job)``

  Prints info about the job.

* ``dfhack.job.printItemDetails(jobitem,idx)``

  Prints info about the job item.

* ``dfhack.job.getHolder(job)``

  Returns the building holding the job.

* ``dfhack.job.getWorker(job)``

  Returns the unit performing the job.

* ``dfhack.job.is_equal(job1,job2)``

  Compares important fields in the job and nested item structures.

* ``dfhack.job.is_item_equal(job_item1,job_item2)``

  Compares important fields in the job item structures.

* ``dfhack.job.listNewlyCreated(first_id)``

  Returns the current value of ``df.global.job_next_id``, and
  if there are any jobs with ``first_id <= id < job_next_id``,
  a lua list containing them.

Units module
------------

* ``dfhack.units.getPosition(unit)``

  Returns true *x,y,z* of the unit; may be not equal to unit.pos if caged.

* ``dfhack.units.getContainer(unit)``

  Returns the container (cage) item or *nil*.

* ``dfhack.units.setNickname(unit,nick)``

  Sets the unit's nickname properly.

* ``dfhack.units.getVisibleName(unit)``

  Returns the language_name object visible in game, accounting for false identities.

* ``dfhack.units.getIdentity(unit)``

  Returns the false identity of the unit if it has one, or *nil*.

* ``dfhack.units.getNemesis(unit)``

  Returns the nemesis record of the unit if it has one, or *nil*.

* ``dfhack.units.isDead(unit)``

  The unit is completely dead and passive.

* ``dfhack.units.isAlive(unit)``

  The unit isn't dead or undead.

* ``dfhack.units.isSane(unit)``

  The unit is capable of rational action, i.e. not dead, insane or zombie.

* ``dfhack.units.getAge(unit[,true_age])``

  Returns the age of the unit in years as a floating-point value.
  If ``true_age`` is true, ignores false identities.

* ``dfhack.units.getNoblePositions(unit)``

  Returns a list of tables describing noble position assignments, or *nil*.
  Every table has fields ``entity``, ``assignment`` and ``position``.

* ``dfhack.units.getProfessionName(unit[,ignore_noble,plural])``

  Retrieves the profession name using custom profession, noble assignments
  or raws. The ``ignore_noble`` boolean disables the use of noble positions.

* ``dfhack.units.getCasteProfessionName(race,caste,prof_id[,plural])``

  Retrieves the profession name for the given race/caste using raws.


Items module
------------

* ``dfhack.items.getPosition(item)``

  Returns true *x,y,z* of the item; may be not equal to item.pos if in inventory.

* ``dfhack.items.getGeneralRef(item, type)``

  Searches for a general_ref with the given type.

* ``dfhack.items.getSpecificRef(item, type)``

  Searches for a specific_ref with the given type.

* ``dfhack.items.getOwner(item)``

  Returns the owner unit or *nil*.

* ``dfhack.items.setOwner(item,unit)``

  Replaces the owner of the item. If unit is *nil*, removes ownership.
  Returns *false* in case of error.

* ``dfhack.items.getContainer(item)``

  Returns the container item or *nil*.

* ``dfhack.items.getContainedItems(item)``

  Returns a list of items contained in this one.

* ``dfhack.items.moveToGround(item,pos)``

  Move the item to the ground at position. Returns *false* if impossible.

* ``dfhack.items.moveToContainer(item,container)``

  Move the item to the container. Returns *false* if impossible.


Maps module
-----------

* ``dfhack.maps.getSize()``

  Returns map size in blocks: *x, y, z*

* ``dfhack.maps.getTileSize()``

  Returns map size in tiles: *x, y, z*

* ``dfhack.maps.getBlock(x,y,z)``

  Returns a map block object for given x,y,z in local block coordinates.

* ``dfhack.maps.getTileBlock(coords)``, or ``getTileBlock(x,y,z)``

  Returns a map block object for given df::coord or x,y,z in local tile coordinates.

* ``dfhack.maps.getRegionBiome(region_coord2d)``

  Returns the biome info struct for the given global map region.

* ``dfhack.maps.getGlobalInitFeature(index)``

  Returns the global feature object with the given index.

* ``dfhack.maps.getLocalInitFeature(region_coord2d,index)``

  Returns the local feature object with the given region coords and index.

* ``dfhack.maps.canWalkBetween(pos1, pos2)``

  Checks if a dwarf may be able to walk between the two tiles,
  using a pathfinding cache maintained by the game. Note that
  this cache is only updated when the game is unpaused, and thus
  can get out of date if doors are forbidden or unforbidden, or
  tools like liquids or tiletypes are used. It also cannot possibly
  take into account anything that depends on the actual units, like
  burrows, or the presence of invaders.


Burrows module
--------------

* ``dfhack.burrows.findByName(name)``

  Returns the burrow pointer or *nil*.

* ``dfhack.burrows.clearUnits(burrow)``

  Removes all units from the burrow.

* ``dfhack.burrows.isAssignedUnit(burrow,unit)``

  Checks if the unit is in the burrow.

* ``dfhack.burrows.setAssignedUnit(burrow,unit,enable)``

  Adds or removes the unit from the burrow.

* ``dfhack.burrows.clearTiles(burrow)``

  Removes all tiles from the burrow.

* ``dfhack.burrows.listBlocks(burrow)``

  Returns a table of map block pointers.

* ``dfhack.burrows.isAssignedTile(burrow,tile_coord)``

  Checks if the tile is in burrow.

* ``dfhack.burrows.setAssignedTile(burrow,tile_coord,enable)``

  Adds or removes the tile from the burrow. Returns *false* if invalid coords.

* ``dfhack.burrows.isAssignedBlockTile(burrow,block,x,y)``

  Checks if the tile within the block is in burrow.

* ``dfhack.burrows.setAssignedBlockTile(burrow,block,x,y,enable)``

  Adds or removes the tile from the burrow. Returns *false* if invalid coords.


Buildings module
----------------

* ``dfhack.buildings.getSize(building)``

  Returns *width, height, centerx, centery*.

* ``dfhack.buildings.findAtTile(pos)``, or ``findAtTile(x,y,z)``

  Scans the buildings for the one located at the given tile.
  Does not work on civzones. Warning: linear scan if the map
  tile indicates there are buildings at it.

* ``dfhack.buildings.findCivzonesAt(pos)``, or ``findCivzonesAt(x,y,z)``

  Scans civzones, and returns a lua sequence of those that touch
  the given tile, or *nil* if none.

* ``dfhack.buildings.getCorrectSize(width, height, type, subtype, custom, direction)``

  Computes correct dimensions for the specified building type and orientation,
  using width and height for flexible dimensions.
  Returns *is_flexible, width, height, center_x, center_y*.

* ``dfhack.buildings.checkFreeTiles(pos,size[,extents,change_extents,allow_occupied])``

  Checks if the rectangle defined by ``pos`` and ``size``, and possibly extents,
  can be used for placing a building. If ``change_extents`` is true, bad tiles
  are removed from extents. If ``allow_occupied``, the occupancy test is skipped.

* ``dfhack.buildings.countExtentTiles(extents,defval)``

  Returns the number of tiles included by extents, or defval.

* ``dfhack.buildings.containsTile(building, x, y[, room])``

  Checks if the building contains the specified tile, either directly, or as room.

* ``dfhack.buildings.hasSupport(pos,size)``

  Checks if a bridge constructed at specified position would have
  support from terrain, and thus won't collapse if retracted.

Low-level building creation functions;

* ``dfhack.buildings.allocInstance(pos, type, subtype, custom)``

  Creates a new building instance of given type, subtype and custom type,
  at specified position. Returns the object, or *nil* in case of an error.

* ``dfhack.buildings.setSize(building, width, height, direction)``

  Configures an object returned by ``allocInstance``, using specified
  parameters wherever appropriate. If the building has fixed size along
  any dimension, the corresponding input parameter will be ignored.
  Returns *false* if the building cannot be placed, or *true, width,
  height, rect_area, true_area*. Returned width and height are the
  final values used by the building; true_area is less than rect_area
  if any tiles were removed from designation.

* ``dfhack.buildings.constructAbstract(building)``

  Links a fully configured object created by ``allocInstance`` into the
  world. The object must be an abstract building, i.e. a stockpile or civzone.
  Returns *true*, or *false* if impossible.

* ``dfhack.buildings.constructWithItems(building, items)``

  Links a fully configured object created by ``allocInstance`` into the
  world for construction, using a list of specific items as material.
  Returns *true*, or *false* if impossible.

* ``dfhack.buildings.constructWithFilters(building, job_items)``

  Links a fully configured object created by ``allocInstance`` into the
  world for construction, using a list of job_item filters as inputs.
  Returns *true*, or *false* if impossible. Filter objects are claimed
  and possibly destroyed in any case.
  Use a negative ``quantity`` field value to auto-compute the amount
  from the size of the building.

* ``dfhack.buildings.deconstruct(building)``

  Destroys the building, or queues a deconstruction job.
  Returns *true* if the building was destroyed and deallocated immediately.

More high-level functions are implemented in lua and can be loaded by
``require('dfhack.buildings')``. See ``hack/lua/dfhack/buildings.lua``.

Constructions module
--------------------

* ``dfhack.constructions.designateNew(pos,type,item_type,mat_index)``

  Designates a new construction at given position. If there already is
  a planned but not completed construction there, changes its type.
  Returns *true*, or *false* if obstructed.
  Note that designated constructions are technically buildings.

* ``dfhack.constructions.designateRemove(pos)``, or ``designateRemove(x,y,z)``

  If there is a construction or a planned construction at the specified
  coordinates, designates it for removal, or instantly cancels the planned one.
  Returns *true, was_only_planned* if removed; or *false* if none found.


Core interpreter context
========================

While plugins can create any number of interpreter instances,
there is one special context managed by dfhack core. It is the
only context that can receive events from DF and plugins.

Core context specific functions:

* ``dfhack.is_core_context``

  Boolean value; *true* in the core context.

* ``dfhack.timeout(time,mode,callback)``

  Arranges for the callback to be called once the specified
  period of time passes. The ``mode`` argument specifies the
  unit of time used, and may be one of ``'frames'`` (raw FPS),
  ``'ticks'`` (unpaused FPS), ``'days'``, ``'months'``,
  ``'years'`` (in-game time). All timers other than
  ``'frames'`` are cancelled when the world is unloaded,
  and cannot be queued until it is loaded again.
  Returns the timer id, or *nil* if unsuccessful due to
  world being unloaded.

* ``dfhack.onStateChange.foo = function(code)``

  Event. Receives the same codes as plugin_onstatechange in C++.


Event type
----------

An event is just a lua table with a predefined metatable that
contains a __call metamethod. When it is invoked, it loops
through the table with next and calls all contained values.
This is intended as an extensible way to add listeners.

This type itself is available in any context, but only the
core context has the actual events defined by C++ code.

Features:

* ``dfhack.event.new()``

  Creates a new instance of an event.

* ``event[key] = function``

  Sets the function as one of the listeners.

  **NOTE**: The ``df.NULL`` key is reserved for the use by
  the C++ owner of the event, and has some special semantics.

* ``event(args...)``

  Invokes all listeners contained in the event in an arbitrary
  order using ``dfhack.safecall``.

=======
Plugins
=======

DFHack plugins may export native functions and events
to lua contexts. They are automatically imported by
``mkmodule('plugins.<name>')``; this means that a lua
module file is still necessary for ``require`` to read.

The following plugins have lua support.

burrows
=======

Implements extended burrow manipulations.

Events:

* ``onBurrowRename.foo = function(burrow)``

  Emitted when a burrow might have been renamed either through
  the game UI, or ``renameBurrow()``.

* ``onDigComplete.foo = function(job_type,pos,old_tiletype,new_tiletype)``

  Emitted when a tile might have been dug out. Only tracked if the
  auto-growing burrows feature is enabled.

Native functions:

* ``renameBurrow(burrow,name)``

  Renames the burrow, emitting ``onBurrowRename`` and updating auto-grow state properly.

* ``findByName(burrow,name)``

  Finds a burrow by name, using the same rules as the plugin command line interface.
  Namely, trailing ``'+'`` characters marking auto-grow burrows are ignored.

* ``copyUnits(target,source,enable)``

  Applies units from ``source`` burrow to ``target``. The ``enable``
  parameter specifies if they are to be added or removed.

* ``copyTiles(target,source,enable)``

  Applies tiles from ``source`` burrow to ``target``. The ``enable``
  parameter specifies if they are to be added or removed.

* ``setTilesByKeyword(target,keyword,enable)``

  Adds or removes tiles matching a predefined keyword. The keyword
  set is the same as used by the command line.

The lua module file also re-exports functions from ``dfhack.burrows``.

sort
====

Does not export any native functions as of now. Instead, it
calls lua code to perform the actual ordering of list items.