Scripting Best Practices

A guide to writing clean, efficient, and secure code for FiveM.

Introduction

Writing good code is not just about making it work. It's also about making it easy to read, understand, and maintain. This guide will introduce you to some best practices for writing clean, efficient, and secure code for FiveM.

Code Clarity

Code clarity is one of the most important aspects of writing good code. If your code is not clear, it will be difficult for others (and for your future self) to understand and maintain.

Use Meaningful Variable Names

Use variable names that accurately describe the data they contain. For example, instead of using a generic name like x, use a more descriptive name like player_ped.

Add Comments

Add comments to your code to explain what it does and why. This is especially important for complex code or code that is not self-explanatory.

Performance

Performance is another important aspect of writing good code. If your code is not performant, it can cause your server to lag and your players to have a bad experience.

Avoid Unnecessary Loops

Avoid using loops when you don't need to. For example, instead of using a loop to find a specific player, use a more efficient method like a dictionary or a hash map.

Use Events Wisely

Events are a powerful tool, but they can also be a source of performance issues. Avoid triggering events in a loop, and be mindful of how many events you are triggering.

Security

Security is a critical aspect of writing good code. If your code is not secure, it can be exploited by malicious users to cheat, crash your server, or even gain access to your database.

Validate User Input

Always validate user input on the server-side. Never trust data that comes from the client, as it can be easily manipulated.

Protect Your Server Events

Protect your server events to prevent them from being triggered by unauthorized users. You can do this by adding a check to see if the player who triggered the event has the required permissions.

Conclusion

This guide has introduced you to some best practices for writing clean, efficient, and secure code for FiveM. By following these best practices, you can make your code better and your server more stable.