Networking Library

This page documents network-variable and message helpers.

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Overview

The networking library synchronises data between the server and clients. It wraps a few Garry’s Mod helpers so global variables can be stored in lia.net.globals and automatically replicated. Any value sent through this system is re-sent to players on spawn via PlayerInitialSpawn and must not contain functions (or tables that contain functions), as they cannot be serialised.

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checkBadType

Purpose

Validates a value before it is networked, recursively ensuring no functions are present.

Parameters

• name (string): Identifier for error reporting.

• object (any): Value to inspect.

Realm

Server

Returns

• boolean: true if a disallowed type was found.

Example Usage

if checkBadType("roundData", someTable) then
    return
end

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setNetVar

Purpose

Stores a value in lia.net.globals and optionally broadcasts the change to clients.

Parameters

• key (string): Name of the variable.

• value (any): Value to store.

• receiver (Player | table | nil): Target player or list of players. nil broadcasts to everyone.

Realm

Server

Returns

• nil: This function does not return a value.

Example Usage

-- Start a new round and store the winner
local nextRound = getNetVar("round", 0) + 1
setNetVar("round", nextRound)

local champion = DetermineWinner()

-- Only the winner receives this variable
setNetVar("last_winner", champion, champion)

hook.Run("RoundStarted", nextRound)

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getNetVar

Purpose

Retrieves a value from lia.net.globals, returning a default if the key is unset.

Parameters

• key (string): Variable name.

• default (any): Fallback value if unset.

Realm

Shared

Returns

• any: Stored value or the supplied default.

Example Usage

-- Inform new players of the current round and previous champion
hook.Add("PlayerInitialSpawn", "ShowRound", function(ply)
    local round = getNetVar("round", 0)
    ply:ChatPrint(("Current round: %s"):format(round))

    local lastWinner = getNetVar("last_winner")
    if IsValid(lastWinner) then
        ply:ChatPrint(("Last round won by %s"):format(lastWinner:Name()))
    end
end)

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