[Aiken]

You may find it interesting: this is an explanation of components installation sequence (_AI_DesignCreation.txt) from AI_DesignCreation CheatSheet by Atraikius:

"When Designing a vehicle, the AI appears to use the following sequence:

1. Verify that all 'Must Have' Abilities are available, and that they are capable of fitting in the current available Hull size.

2. Selects the Latest Hull design researched. At this time the AI also views the Majority Ability to determine if one of the special hull types is to be used.

3. The AI places the required Bridge, Life Support, Crew Quarters, and minimum engines. If the Design is using one of the special hull types the hull specific required components are also placed on the design.

4. The AI placed all 'Must Have' components.

5. The AI places the desired amount of Shields and Armor. Note: The AI may be forced to use Scattering and Emmissive armor by having it place no armor at this point, and then including the specific Ability in the Add. Abilities section.

6. The AI places the desired amount of Majority components, followed by the desired amount of secondary components. Note: The AI does NOT count any 'Must Have' components when placing the desired amount, and when placing weapons will always use the largest mount available.

7. The AI goes through the list of Additional Abilities in numerical order, checking each item and evaluating if there is enough room to place that component. The AI will continue to place the current component on the design until either the desired amount have been placed, or there is not enough room for an additional component. The AI then moves to the next Ability on the list and repeats the placement and evaluation process.

8. If space is still available once the AI has gone through the entire list, the AI will then place additional Majority Weapons (if attack or defense ship, or Base), there appears to be a limit on the number placed since the AI seems to stop after placeing 5-6 Majority Weapons on a design. If the design is not a combat ship, or it has reached its weapon limit, the AI will place additional shields/armor on the design until all remaining space is used."

Probably you have to ask his permission to use it in your FAQ. And another thing - it's about non-Gold AI files, but I believe that such basic thing hadn't changed alot.

[ March 05, 2004, 00:13: Message edited by: aiken ]