Can't update variable with an "if" statement

Authoring Twine
,
1

Twine version is 2.7.1.0. Very new so sorry if this is a simple question. I am trying to update a variable when the player takes an item to track an inventory system but I’m getting the error that “A (set:) operation can’t have changers like (if:) attached.
Changers placed just before hooks, links and commands will attempt to attach, but in this case it didn’t work.”

my code looks like:

(set:$HandSpace to 2) ```

and then:

``` [Take the candle (if:$Handspace > 0) (set:$Candles to it + 1) (set:$HandSpace to it - 1)] ```

Obviously there's some dialogue and other parts etc but it seems to just be the variables that aren't working and I'm not sure why this operation wouldn't be possible.
2

There might be a more idiomatic Harlowe way, but this worked for me:

Source 
:: StoryTitle
Inv


:: StoryData
{
  "ifid": "8BB6EFEF-DE98-4459-8DF3-B723153063B2",
  "format": "Harlowe",
  "format-version": "3.3.7",
  "start": "Start",
  "zoom": 1
}


:: Init [startup] {"position":"500,225","size":"100,100"}
(set: $handspace to 2)


:: Start {"position":"750,250","size":"100,100"}
Carrying: (print: 2-$handspace)

(if: $handspace > 0)[  (link:"Pick")[(set: $handspace to it -1)(goto: "Start")]  ]
(if: $handspace < 2)[  (link:"Drop")[(set: $handspace to it +1)(goto: "Start")]  ]
3

I’m new so I can’t really decipher this harlowe code, any chance you could put it in twine?

4

Hi, you can import the above code into Twine:

  1. Copy into a text file on notepad.
  2. Save as Inv.twee.
  3. Import from Twine library.
5

@Parils (and @n-n in regards to a “Link with Setter”)
A couple of points:

1: The triple back-quote ``` markers use by this forum’s Code Block markup need to be place at the start of an otherwise empty/blank line…
eg.
```
your code between the two lines that only contain the markers.
```

2: Many Harlowe macros (like (for:) and the (if:) family) need to be associated with a Hook.
eg. (if: $variable is "value")[content to process if the condition is true]

3: One of three “link” macros are generally used to create what’s knows as a “Link with Setter”, which you use depends on:

  • if a Passage Transition should also occur.
  • if the link can be selected multiple times without a Passage Transition occurring.

3a: The (link-reveal-goto:) macro is used if a Passage Transition is wanted.

(link-reveal-goto: "Pick", "Start")[(set: $handspace to it - 1)]

3b: The (link-repeat:) macro is used if multiple selections within the current Passage is wanted.

(link-repeat: "Add one to counter")[(set: $counter to it + 1)]

3c: The (link:) macro (aka (link-replace:)) is used in most other use cases.

(link: "Light the Lamp")[(set: $lampLit to true)]
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