====== DED reference guide ======

DED (//Doomsday Engine Definition//) is the name of the textual definition language of Doomsday 1.x. One [[#Syntax|syntax]] to define everything from [[ded:generator|Particle Generators]] to [[ded:Thing]]s, in an easy to edit [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plain_text|plain text]] format.

Files in this format are conventionally given the .DED file name extension.


===== Introduction =====

This article provides a high level overview of the definition language, including the most important elements in a //.ded// file — the [[#Definition_types|definition types]] themselves.

Typically a //.ded// file consists of a collection of definitions, either loosely related, or, grouped together according to some organizational structure (usually decided by the mod author).

Note that the order of the definitions in the //.ded// file affects how Doomsday uses them.

==== Syntax ====

All definition files share a single [[ded:syntax|common syntax]] in Doomsday. Once learned, the same knowledge can be applied across the board to all [[#Definition_types|definition types]].

If you are new to Doomsday modding you'll want to familiarize yourself with [[ded:syntax|DED syntax]] before going further. (It won't take long as its fairly standard/straightforward).


===== Definition types =====

^ Domain ||||
|:::^ Definition ^ Since ^ Notes |
^ General ||||
|:::| [[ded:header|Header]] | | May be omitted. |
|:::| [[ded:flag|Flag]] | | | 
|:::| [[ded:text|Text]] | | |
|:::| [[ded:values|Values]] | | |
^ Game data ||||
|:::| [[ded:episode|Episode]] | [[version:1.15]] | |
|:::| [[ded:map_info|Map Info]] | | | 
|:::| [[ded:line_type|Line Type]] | | Used in [[:XG]]. |
|:::| [[ded:sector_type|Sector Type]] | | Used in [[:XG]]. |
|:::| [[ded:state|State]] | | |
|:::| [[ded:thing|Thing]] | | Defines map object (mobj) types. |
^ Scripts ||||
|:::| [[ded:Finale]] | | See [[ded:infine_script_reference|InFine script reference]]. |
^ Audio ||||
|:::| [[ded:music|Music]] | | |
|:::| [[ded:sound|Sound]] | | |
|:::| [[ded:texture_environment|Texture Environment]] | | |
^ Visual ||||
|:::| [[ded:detail|Detail texture]] | | |
|:::| [[ded:group|Group]] | | Used for texture animations and material precaching. |
|:::| [[ded:light|Light]] | | |
|:::| [[ded:material|Material]] | [[version:1.9.7]] | |
|:::| [[ded:model|Model]] | | | 
|:::| [[ded:generator|Particle generator]] | | |
|:::| [[ded:sky|Sky]] | [[version:1.9.7]] | | 
|:::| [[ded:reflection|Reflection]] | [[version:1.8.5]] | |
^ Deprecated ||||
|:::| [[ded:decoration|Decoration]] | | |
|:::| [[ded:sprite|Sprite Name]] | | |

See also: [[ded:altering_and_copying_definitions|Altering and copying definitions]]


===== Tutorial =====

==== Loading definitions ====

Definition files may be specified to the engine for loading in a variety of ways:
  *  On the command line with the ''-def'' option
  *  [[modding:auto_folder|Automatically from the auto directory]]
  *  [[modding:automatic_file_mapping_in_pk3|Automatically from a PK3]] add-on
  *  [[modding:dd_defns|Automatically from a WAD]] add-on
  *  [[ded:include|Included]] dynamically from another .DED file

See also: [[guide:Paths on the command line]]


==== How-tos ====

These articles offer complete walk throughs on how to achieve something very specific within the realms of editing for Doomsday with step-by-step guidance. Plus background information on "why" a certain method has been used.

  *  [[howto:create_a_barrel_monster|Create a "Barrel Monster"]]
  *  [[howto:create_a_light_thing|Create a "Light Thing"]]
  *  [[howto:use_deds_in_doom_builder|Use DoomBuilder to edit DED files]]