编辑“模组创作教程”（章节）

== Modding tools ==
=== Tools checklist ===
{{See also|Modding#Tools & utilities}}
There are many valuable tools available for free, including free and open source. This tutorial recommends installing the minimum:
* [[wikipedia:Notepad++|Notepad++]] – Powerful and fast free and open source '''text editor''', with tabs and split-window function.
** <s>[[wikipedia:Sublime Text|Sublime Text]] – Powerful, moddable, hackable '''text editor'''. Install packages as your needs evolve.</s><small> (not free and not that common anymore)</small>
* [[wikipedia:Visual Studio CodeVisual|Studio Code (VSC)]] – Professional-grade freeware '''code editor'''. Do not confuse with Visual Studio.
** [https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=tboby.cwtools-vscode CWTools] – Paradox Games Language syntax database, freeware and open source, can be installed from within Visual Studio Code. Enables automatic checking if written code is valid.
** [https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=tboby.paradox-syntax Paradox Syntax Highlighting] – Colourful syntax highlight, makes code much more readable.
* [[wikipedia:WinMerge|WinMerge]] – Differencing and '''merging tool''', free and open source. Contrasts the difference between two text files or folders.
* [[wikipedia:7-Zip|7-Zip]] – Free and open source file '''archive manager'''.
* [https://www.gimp.org/ GIMP] – Professional-grade free and open source '''image editor'''.
* [https://www.getpaint.net/ Paint.net] – Freeware software for digital '''image editing'''. GUI reminiscent of classic MS Paint.
* [https://github.com/ GitHub] – Freeware '''code management''' and collaboration tools and services.
* [https://discord.com/ Discord] – Freeware '''instant messaging''' and VoIP platform, useful for connecting with other modders on [https://discord.gg/bHVez2C Stellaris Modding Den].
* [https://bcssov.github.io/IronyModManager/ Irony Mod Manager] – Launcher and '''mod manager''' with conflict solver for Paradox Games. More versatile and faster than Paradox Launcher. Free and open source.
* [[wikipedia:File Commander|File Commander]] / [[wikipedia:Total Commander|Total Commander]] (Windows) – Powerful, moddable, hackable '''file manager'''.

All of the above is available for free on Windows, Linux, and macOS (except Paint.net, Notepad++ and GitHub, which have viable alternatives).

=== Setting up CWTools ===
[[File:VSCode extensions installation.png|thumb|right|Visual Studio Code extension installation panel (File > Preferences > Extensions). Four installed extensions are visible, including CWTools and Paradox Syntax Highlighting.]]
CWTools is an extension which works with Visual Studio Code (VSC) and checks Paradox syntax on the go (as you write). It works with most games written for [[wikipedia:Clausewitz Engine|Clausewitz Engine]] (Stellaris being one of them).
Some of the most useful features include:
* Highlighting of errors with tooltip on what is possibly wrong.
* Auto-completion of code, just press TAB when suggestion pops up while writing.
* Generating full list of missing localisation keys.
* Easy commenting and uncommenting of multiple lines. Right click > Command Palette > Toggle Line Comment.
* Auto-formatting of whole file: Right click > Format Document.

Installation steps:
* Download and install [https://code.visualstudio.com/ Visual Studio Code (VSC)]
* When opened select File > Preferences > Extensions
* Click on "Search Extensions in Marketplace" search bar and type in "CWTools". Select "CWTools – Paradox Language Services" and click install in the right window.
* Repeat search for "Paradox Syntax Highlighting" and install it as well.
* Restart Visual Studio Code.