What Are Aliases And How Do I Use Them

Alias¹ is a command that allows you to assign multiple inputs to any command. Aliases are powerful tools for MUDing as one can perform several commands by entering one command or shorten lengthy commands with a smaller one. The syntax for the alias command is as follows:

alias <alias name> <command(s)>
where <, and > denote entry fields.²


Example: alias greet gossip Hello, Tempus!

greet now becomes a command specific to the character you created it on.
Typing greet will result in the input gossip Hello, Tempus!


The alias command has a few special characters that allow input of several commands or to require an entry field or an optional entry field.
Special characters include:

;
$#
$*
where # represents a numerical number such as 1 or 8.
The ;³ character is a command breaker that enters any input prior to that character and any other ; characters before that input.
$# will require an input everytime the alias command is used. Having consequtive numbers will require more than one input after the alias command is used.
$* will allow an additional input to be optional.

Example: alias ne north;east
The ; in the <command> entry field will break the input so that north is entered followed by east when the character uses the new command ne.

Example: alias dg drag $1 $2
The result creates a command, dg that has the syntax dg <input1> <input2>. The drag command already requires two entry fields but this alias shortens drag to dg so that one can drag thief west by typing dg thief west.

Example: alias armor cast 'armor' $*
This particular type of alias is extremely useful for spellcasters as they typically must use a performance type command followed by the spell name enclosed by the ' character to use the spell. This alias not only shortens the lengthy command, but also adds an optional target.
The result of this alias will create a new command, armor that casts the spell armor. Typing armor will cast the spell armor on yourself as leaving the field blank will default yourself as the target. Typing armor guardian will cast the spell armor on any target named guardian within the same room.


¹Alias is also a shortened version of a name. For instance, n is also north by default.
²Leaving the entry fields empty will prompt a list of aliases the character has created.
³It is not necessary to use ; to enter inputs in the alias if the input is last in the list or the only input.




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A Good rule to go by when making aliases is to make the alias with as few keys as possible. While making an armor alias and the name of the alias being armor is good, try to make it even shorter by using ar or maybe just a. Maybe even using the numbers 1-5 for your more important spells like armor, sanctuary or nopain. Also try to make the alias recognizable and easy to remember. Use the first two letters of the spell name or if the name is two words use the first letter of each one. For example, when making an alias for the spell Divine Intervention use di for your alias name. Or the skill Deathtouch use the letters dt.