Getting Started with RedM Development: Creating Your First Script

RedM has revolutionized the way players experience the Wild West in Red Dead Redemption 2's multiplayer environment. Behind every immersive roleplay server and custom feature is a developer who started exactly where you are now. This comprehensive guide will take you from complete beginner to creating your first functional RedM script, opening the door to endless possibilities in the RedM development world.

What is RedM?

RedM is a modification framework for Red Dead Redemption 2, created by the same team behind FiveM (the popular GTA V multiplayer mod). It allows players to join custom servers with unique gameplay experiences, primarily focused on roleplay scenarios set in the Wild West era. For developers, RedM offers a powerful platform to create custom mechanics, features, and entire game modes using Lua and JavaScript.

Prerequisites for RedM Development

Before diving into script creation, here's what you'll need:

• A legal copy of Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC
• RedM client installed
• Basic programming knowledge (Lua is recommended, but JavaScript works too)
• A code editor (Visual Studio Code is highly recommended)
• Patience and creativity (perhaps the most important ingredients!)

Setting Up Your Development Environment

Let's create an optimal environment for RedM script development:

Step 1: Install Visual Studio Code

Download and install Visual Studio Code. This powerful, free code editor offers excellent support for Lua and JavaScript through extensions.

Step 2: Install Helpful Extensions

In VS Code, add these extensions to enhance your development experience:

• Lua Language Server (for Lua syntax highlighting and IntelliSense)
• vscode-lua (additional Lua support)
• GitLens (if you plan to use Git for version control)
• Prettier (code formatting)

Step 3: Set Up a Local Server (Optional but Recommended)

For testing your scripts, a local server is invaluable:

# Create a server directory
mkdir my-redm-server
cd my-redm-server

# Download and set up txAdmin/RedM server
# Follow the official guide at https://docs.fivem.net/docs/server-manual/setting-up-a-server/

Step 4: Create Your Resource Structure

RedM scripts are organized as "resources." Here's how to structure your first one:

my_first_script/
├── fxmanifest.lua  # Resource manifest file
├── client.lua      # Client-side script
├── server.lua      # Server-side script (if needed)
└── config.lua      # Configuration file (optional)

Understanding RedM Development Concepts

Before writing code, familiarize yourself with these essential concepts:

Client vs Server

RedM operates on a client-server model:

• Client-side scripts run on each player's computer and control what they see and experience
• Server-side scripts run on the server and handle data that needs to be synchronized across all players

Events System

Communication between client and server happens through events:

• TriggerEvent - Trigger an event on the same side (client or server)
• TriggerServerEvent - Client triggers an event on the server
• TriggerClientEvent - Server triggers an event on one or all clients

Resource Manifest

The fxmanifest.lua file declares your resource's properties, dependencies, and files:

fx_version 'cerulean'
game 'rdr3'
rdr3_warning 'I acknowledge that this is a prerelease build of RedM, and I am aware my resources *will* become incompatible once RedM ships.'

author 'Your Name'
description 'My First RedM Script'
version '1.0.0'

client_scripts {
    'config.lua',
    'client.lua'
}

server_scripts {
    'config.lua',
    'server.lua'
}

Creating Your First RedM Script: A Simple Notification System

Let's build a practical first script - a custom notification system that players can trigger with a command.

Step 1: Set Up the Resource Structure

Create a directory called my_notifications with these files:

1. fxmanifest.lua
2. config.lua
3. client.lua
4. server.lua

Step 2: Configure the Manifest

Edit fxmanifest.lua:

fx_version 'cerulean'
game 'rdr3'
rdr3_warning 'I acknowledge that this is a prerelease build of RedM, and I am aware my resources *will* become incompatible once RedM ships.'

author 'Your Name'
description 'Custom Notification System'
version '1.0.0'

client_scripts {
    'config.lua',
    'client.lua'
}

server_scripts {
    'config.lua',
    'server.lua'
}

Step 3: Create Configuration Options

Edit config.lua:

Config = {}

Config.NotificationTypes = {
    ['info'] = {
        position = 'top-right',
        backgroundColor = '0, 0, 255',
        textColor = '255, 255, 255',
        duration = 3000
    },
    ['success'] = {
        position = 'top-right',
        backgroundColor = '0, 128, 0',
        textColor = '255, 255, 255',
        duration = 3000
    },
    ['error'] = {
        position = 'top-right',
        backgroundColor = '255, 0, 0',
        textColor = '255, 255, 255',
        duration = 3000
    },
    ['warning'] = {
        position = 'top-right',
        backgroundColor = '255, 165, 0',
        textColor = '0, 0, 0',
        duration = 3000
    }
}

Step 4: Write the Client-Side Script

Edit client.lua:

-- Display notification function
function ShowNotification(type, message)
    if not Config.NotificationTypes[type] then
        type = 'info' -- Default to info if type not found
    end

    local notifConfig = Config.NotificationTypes[type]

    -- Create container div for notification
    local container = CreateDUIObj(
        notifConfig.backgroundColor,
        notifConfig.textColor,
        message
    )

    -- Remove notification after duration
    Citizen.SetTimeout(notifConfig.duration, function()
        DestroyDUIObj(container)
    end)
end

-- Helper function to create DUI object
function CreateDUIObj(bgColor, textColor, message)
    local width, height = 300, 80
    local x, y = 0.98, 0.02 -- top-right position

    -- Create NUI container
    local container = {}
    container.handle = CreateDui(
        "https://cfx-nui-redm_notification/index.html",
        width,
        height
    )

    -- Send notification data to NUI
    SendDuiMessage(container.handle, json.encode({
        type = 'showNotification',
        backgroundColor = bgColor,
        textColor = textColor,
        message = message
    }))

    return container
end

function DestroyDUIObj(obj)
    DestroyDui(obj.handle)
end

-- Register command to test notifications
RegisterCommand('notify', function(source, args, rawCommand)
    local type = args[1] or 'info'
    table.remove(args, 1)
    local message = table.concat(args, ' ')

    if message == '' then
        message = 'This is a test notification!'
    end

    ShowNotification(type, message)
end, false)

-- Register event for other resources to use
RegisterNetEvent('myNotifications:show')
AddEventHandler('myNotifications:show', function(type, message)
    ShowNotification(type, message)
end)

-- Display welcome notification when resource starts
AddEventHandler('onClientResourceStart', function(resourceName)
    if GetCurrentResourceName() ~= resourceName then return end

    ShowNotification('info', 'Notification system loaded successfully!')
end)

Step 5: Write the Server-Side Script

Edit server.lua:

-- Register server command to send notifications to specific players
RegisterCommand('servernotify', function(source, args, rawCommand)
    if source == 0 then -- Command was executed from server console
        local playerId = tonumber(args[1])
        local type = args[2] or 'info'

        table.remove(args, 1)
        table.remove(args, 1)

        local message = table.concat(args, ' ')

        if message == '' then
            message = 'This is a test notification from the server!'
        end

        if playerId then
            TriggerClientEvent('myNotifications:show', playerId, type, message)
        else
            print('Invalid player ID')
        end
    else
        -- Only allow admins to use this command in-game
        -- Here you would check if the player has admin permissions
    end
end, true)

-- Event for other server resources to use
RegisterNetEvent('myNotifications:showToPlayer')
AddEventHandler('myNotifications:showToPlayer', function(playerId, type, message)
    TriggerClientEvent('myNotifications:show', playerId, type, message)
end)

-- Event to broadcast notification to all players
RegisterNetEvent('myNotifications:showToAll')
AddEventHandler('myNotifications:showToAll', function(type, message)
    TriggerClientEvent('myNotifications:show', -1, type, message)
end)

print('Notification system loaded on server.')

Step 6: Debugging and Testing

To test your notification system:

1. Place your resource in your server's resources folder
2. Add ensure my_notifications to your server.cfg
3. Start your server and connect to it
4. Use the /notify command in-game with different types:
   • /notify info This is an information message
   • /notify success Mission completed successfully!
   • /notify error Something went wrong!
   • /notify warning Be careful!

Common Challenges for New RedM Developers

As you begin your RedM development journey, be prepared for these common challenges:

CH 1: Understanding the Native Functions

RedM uses "natives" - core game functions you can call from your scripts. The challenge is learning which natives exist and how to use them correctly.

Solution: Reference the Native DB for RedM to find available functions.

CH 2: Client-Server Synchronization

Keeping data synchronized between server and clients can be tricky, especially with complex systems.

Solution: Use a state management approach and clearly define which data lives where.

CH 3: Performance Optimization

Poorly optimized scripts can cause lag for players.

Solution:

• Use the Citizen.Wait() function in loops to prevent script hanging
• Minimize server calls when possible
• Use local variables instead of globals when appropriate

CH 4: Debugging

Finding and fixing bugs is challenging in any development environment.

Solution:

• Use print() statements liberally
• Check your server console for errors
• Test in controlled environments

Advanced RedM Development Topics

Once you're comfortable with the basics, explore these more advanced concepts:

Database Integration

Most serious servers use a database like MySQL to store persistent data:

-- Example using oxmysql (a popular database wrapper)
exports.oxmysql:execute('SELECT * FROM players WHERE identifier = @identifier', {
    ['@identifier'] = GetPlayerIdentifier(source, 0)
}, function(result)
    if result[1] then
        print('Player data loaded')
    end
end)

UI Development with NUI

Create custom interfaces using HTML, CSS and JavaScript:

-- Client-side script
RegisterNetEvent('openMyUI')
AddEventHandler('openMyUI', function()
    SetNuiFocus(true, true)
    SendNUIMessage({
        type = "openUI",
        data = {
            playerName = GetPlayerName(PlayerId())
        }
    })
end)

-- Receiving data from UI
RegisterNUICallback('closeUI', function(data, cb)
    SetNuiFocus(false, false)
    cb('ok')
end)

Framework Integration

Many servers use frameworks like RedEM or RedEM:RP. Learning to work with these frameworks can save you time:

-- Example using RedEM's player object
RedEM.GetPlayerFromId(source).addMoney(100)

Building Your Development Career

Want to turn your RedM development skills into something more? Consider these paths:

Join Existing Projects

Many RedM communities welcome new developers like BLN Studio. Contribute to open-source projects to build your portfolio.

Create Resources for the Community

Develop unique scripts and share them on platforms like GitHub, the CFX forums, or the RedM Discord.

Offer Development Services

Many server owners hire developers to create custom features. This can be a viable income source.

Start Your Own Server

Apply your development skills to create a unique server experience that stands out from others.

Conclusion

RedM development offers a unique blend of game modding and web development skills. By starting with simple scripts like the notification system we built, you'll gain the foundational knowledge needed to create more complex systems. Remember that development is an iterative process - don't be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them.

Whether you're looking to enhance your favorite roleplay server, build a portfolio of work, or even make a career out of game modification, RedM provides an accessible and rewarding platform to showcase your creativity and technical skills.

Happy coding, and welcome to the RedM development community!

Resources for Continued Learning

• RedM/FiveM Documentation
• RedM Native Database
• CFX Forums
• GitHub repositories with RedM resources