Convert input text to 2d array

Question

Im trying to make a level editor for the game. Now I can create a new map (using mouse) and click "generate" button to trace map array (string). After that I can simple copy the code from the output and use it to create a new level.

Lets say I have a class called NewLevel.as

I create a new array and paste code from output window, so I have 2d array. Then adding tiles to stage using for loops.

var array:Array = 
// code below is what I get in output window
[ 
[0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0],
[7, 7, 7, 6, 6, 6, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 7],
[7, 7, 7, 6, 6, 6, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 7]
];

for (var row:int = 0; row < array.length; row++)
{
for (var column:int = 0; column < array[row].length; column++)
{
    var tile = new Tile();
    addChild(tile);
    tile.x = column * tile.width;
    tile.y = row * tile.height;
    tile.gotoAndStop(array[row][column] +1);
} 
}

It works without problems,this gives me the map I created using level editor. but what I want is that players input their "map code" and load the map they created. I guess you have seen that in many games.

I have a textarea so users can input their string, how can I convert their input to 2d array and load it (as you see in example)? It should be 2d array.

I also added event listener to textarea

textarea.addEventListener(Event.CHANGE, changes);

function changes(e:Event):void
{
    // convert input text to 2d array to build a new map

// Do not know how to get input to use with JSON
var myStr = levelTextarea.text;

var a2:Array = JSON.parse(myStr) as Array;
trace( a2 );
}

Answer 1

You can use JSON for this kind of job, this class is available in Flash Player 11.

package 
{
    import flash.display.Sprite;
    import flash.events.Event;

    /**
     * ...
     * @author 
     */
    public class Main extends Sprite 
    {

        public function Main():void 
        {
            if (stage) init();
            else addEventListener(Event.ADDED_TO_STAGE, init);
        }

        private function init(e:Event = null):void 
        {
            removeEventListener(Event.ADDED_TO_STAGE, init);
            // entry point

            var a:Array = [ 
[0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0],
[7, 7, 7, 6, 6, 6, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 7],
[7, 7, 7, 6, 6, 6, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 7]
];

            var txt:String = JSON.stringify( a )
            trace( txt );

            var a2:Array = JSON.parse( txt ) as Array;
            trace( a2 );


        }

    }

}