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Setting Up a JSON Variable

A JSON variable is a single BDFD variable that holds multiple named values at once. Instead of creating one variable per piece of data, you store everything as a JSON object inside one variable, then use $jsonParse and $json to read individual fields whenever you need them.

Why use this

BDFD has a limit on how many variables a bot can have. By storing multiple values inside one variable as JSON you can work around that limit and keep related data together. A user's cash, xp, level, and lvlR can all live in a single variable.

Unlike text splitting, JSON variables use named keys instead of numbered positions. This makes them easier to read and extend without breaking existing data.

How it works

You create a variable in the BDFD app and set its default value to an empty JSON object: 

{}

Then on the user's first command you initialise it with $jsonSetString, setting each field to a starting value. From that point on every command loads the variable with $jsonParse, reads or updates fields, then saves it back with $setVar[NAME;$jsonStringify].

Rules to follow

Always use $jsonSetString for numbers. BDFD's JSON number type loses precision on large integers. Storing as a string avoids this completely. Always save with $setVar[NAME;$jsonStringify]. After any edit, $jsonStringify reassembles the full object. Forgetting this means your changes are lost. Watch the character limit. Global variables in BDFD have a maximum of 499 characters. Each key name, value, and the JSON punctuation all count toward this. Keep key names short.

Example 1: Set up a stats variable

In the BDFD app, create a variable named STATS with default value {}. Then initialise it on first use: 

$nomention
$jsonParse[$getVar[STATS;$authorID]]
$jsonSetString[cash;0]
$jsonSetString[xp;0]
$jsonSetString[lvl;0]
$jsonSetString[lvlR;100]
$setVar[STATS;$jsonStringify;$authorID]
Done.

What happens:

  1. $jsonParse loads the empty object.
  2. Four $jsonSetString calls set each field to its starting value.
  3. $setVar[$jsonStringify] saves the populated object back.

The variable now holds {"cash":"0","xp":"0","lvl":"0","lvlR":"100"}.

Example 2: Set up a separate items variable

You can use multiple JSON variables for different categories of data. Create a variable named ITEMS with default value {}: 

$nomention
$jsonParse[$getVar[ITEMS;$authorID]]
$jsonSetString[apples;0]
$jsonSetString[oranges;0]
$jsonSetString[pears;0]
$setVar[ITEMS;$jsonStringify;$authorID]
Done.

Splitting stats and items into separate variables keeps each one small and under the character limit.

Common uses

See also