[1.4] Turtle commands

compare(), compareUp(), compareDown()
Compares the block in front/above/below with the one in the chosen slot. Returns true if they're the same, false otherwise.
Optionally: Accept an argument A and compare the block with the block in slot A.

compareSlots(a, b )
Compares item in slot A with item in slot B. Returns true if they're the same, false otherwise.

dropCount(n)
Drops N items from the selected slot. If the number is negative, drops all but -N.

zaratustra, on 12 March 2012 - 08:35 PM said:

dropCount(n)
Drops N items from the selected slot. If the number is negative, drops all but -N.

I totally agree with that. When no argument is given, it should drop the whole stack (so that old programs still work). But with an argument it should drop that amount

I personally don't like your other commands, they are not very straightforward (getBlockID() and getBlockDataValue() would be better)

Like someone said in another thread, block ids change between servers for nonstandard items.

and there's the little issue that the staff considers (and i cane to agree with them) that block id detection is magic.
IMO, turtle.detect() should return a numerical code of detected block/item assigned for that block/item by CC and not related to vanilla MC (may even vary depending on installed mods or config options). That way you get no 'real' info about the block, but you can make a turtle store params of typical blocks and be aware of them. You can even make it so that the block params are its physical params, like slipperiness, hardness, light level.

(sarcasm alert!)

Ofcourse getting the ID of a block isn't something magical! The turtle shoots lightwaves of different colors at the material, to test the amount of light it absorbs at different wavelengths (colors, but also UV and IR).
Then it uses a secret fingerprint algorithm to change the data into a positive integer: the block ID.

(At least it is a better explanation than the one for the endless fuel :http://computercraft.info/wiki/index.php?title=Turtle)

thats not magic thats SCIENCE!

I just thought I'd point out that compare is now in and drop now accepts an argument which is the number of items to drop.