How to loop through a table with a certain order

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#1

Order:

local data = {
	["test1"] = 1;
	["test2"] = 10;
	["test3"] = 20;
	["test4"] = 50;
	["test5"] = 100;
}

In this case I’d like to loop from the highest number being 100 (this is supposed to be an rng system) but I just want to know how to always do this order cuz everytime I loop its a different order.

3 Likes
#2

You need to first extract the keys and sort them based on their corresponding values.

  • Extract the keys: The keys table is populated with all the keys from the data table.
  • Sort the keys: The keys table is sorted based on the values in the data table, in descending order.
  • Loop through the sorted keys: The sorted keys are then used to loop through the data table in the desired order.
-- Your table
local data = {
    ["test1"] = 1,
    ["test2"] = 10,
    ["test3"] = 20,
    ["test4"] = 50,
    ["test5"] = 100,
}

-- Extract the keys
local keys = {}
for key in pairs(data) do
    table.insert(keys, key)
end

-- Sort the keys based on their corresponding values in descending order
table.sort(keys, function(a, b)
    return data[a] > data[b]
end)

-- Loop through the table in the sorted order
for _, key in ipairs(keys) do
    print(key, data[key])
end
3 Likes
#3

What you are looking for is weighted chance system, not RNG, there is algorithm for that: Weighted Chance System

1 Like
#4

Whats the difference between this and the link you sent?

This is my original code:

local DB = require(game:GetService("ServerStorage"):WaitForChild("MaterialDatabase"))

local data = {
	["test1"] = 1;
	["test2"] = 10;
	["test3"] = 20;
	["test4"] = 50;
	["test5"] = 100;
}

local function RNGSystem()
	
	for reward, odds in pairs(data) do
		
		print(reward)
		
		local rng = math.random(1,odds)
		
		if rng == odds then
			
			print(reward .. " chosen.")
			
		end
		
	end
	
end

while true do
	
	RNGSystem()
	
	task.wait(2)
	
end
1 Like
#6

I didn’t saw it before, this algorithm is efficient, soo i used it when needed

NOTE: Use Random.new() instead of math.random, it’s up to date, math.random is old

#7

Well whats the difference between mine and the one you linked? Also, the reason I asked how to sort from descending order is cause I want the rng to be determined from the highest possible first bc if I let it roll randomly then it would just pick the lowest weight prize.

1 Like
#8

i didn’t saw you want RNG, also i use this weight system algorithm, it’s used in many engines, if you want to loop in order, first loop should sort keys like you want, and then loop again

#9

What’s the difference between weighted chance and rng

1 Like
#10

In dumb man’s terms:
RNG - completely random, usually used in RNG games (shocker)

Weighted Chance - more biased (certain things have higher chance of being picked compared to another thing), usually used in murder games e.g. MM2 where a player has an X.X% chance of being picked.

#11

You’re going to want to look into table.sort. It will allow you to sort the table from greatest to least or anything really.

Edit: The compression argument will handle the sorting. If you want it implement the rng, then you’ll need to use the weighted system @Axmos mentioned.

1 Like
#12

Are you calling me dumb?

Extra text…

1 Like
#13

LOL no, I said “in dumb man’s terms” that means in simplest form.

#14

Oh ok just wanted to make sure👍