How can I make a dispenser that emits a given type of element?

Question

I am creating a dispenser that should be able to spawn anything (enemies, power-ups, etc.)

Fo now, I have this code:

extends Node2D

tool

export(float) var delay: float = 1.0
export(PackedScene) var dispense: PackedScene


func _ready() -> void:
    $Timer.wait_time = delay
    $Timer.start()


func _on_Timer_timeout() -> void:
    var newElement = dispense.new() # This doesn't work


func _get_configuration_warning() -> String:
    if dispense == null:
        return "%s needs an element to dispense" % name
    return ""

The dispense attribute is the thing that is supposed to be emmited every delay seconds.

How do I instanciate a new element based on its type? I tried element.new(), but it doesn't work (Invalid call. Nonexistent function 'new' in base 'PackedScene'. when interpreted).

How do I instanciate it?

Answer 1

You need to use instance() method instead of new(). new() is for scripts, instance() is for nodes.

Comments

Amazing, it works like a charm. Thanks!

Answer 2

You need to create class in order to instantiate it using New().
Take script of your dispenser and define its class by classname keyword, followed by your chosen name, for example : classname dispenser, no more syntax. It should be first line of code right after "extends" keyword.

From this moment You can refer to this class from any script, You don't need to preload it or encrypt within variable. And this will be possible :

func _on_Timer_timeout() -> void:
        var newelement = dispenser(new)

Comments

Nice to know, but it doesn't answer the question. I was looking for a way to instanciate a PackedScene, not the current class. AlexTheRegent answered my question perfectly.