How to run a function in another file

[NyeBlock]

Hello, before you guys start judging me on how "noobish" of a question this is note that I am new to lua and I don't really understand the whole concept of it. But I am getting there, so bare with me for now.

The problem that I am having is that the function isn't being triggered when ran from another file. I get a script error in console stating:

[ERROR] LuaCmd:1: attempt to call global 'sm_openMenu' (a nil value)
  1. unknown - LuaCmd:1

Now I am sure that this problem is caused because the file where the function is isn't being included within the file that is trying to run it. Here are my other scripts:

client:

function sm_OpenMenu()
	local serverMenu = vgui.Create( "DFrame" )
	serverMenu:SetPos( 50, 50 )
	serverMenu:SetSize( 100, 200 )
	serverMenu:SetTitle( sm_menuTitle )
	serverMenu:SetVisible( true )
	serverMenu:SetDraggable( true )
	serverMenu:ShowCloseButton( true )
	serverMenu:MakePopup()
end

shared:

if ( SERVER ) then
	sm_openCMD = "servers" --Command to open menu //Ignore, it isn't being use atm
	sm_menuTitle= "Servers Menu" --Title of menu
	include( "sv_servermenu.lua" )
else
	include( "cl_servermenu.lua" )
end

server:

hook.Add( "PlayerSay", "Chatcmd", function( ply, text, pblc ) 
	if string.lower( text ) == "!servers" then
		ply:SendLua("sm_openMenu()")
		return "" // Deletes text from chat
	end
end )

[James]

Lua is a case sensitive language, the function name as an uppercase O, what you are calling doesn't. Instead of sending lua via ply:SendLua, it's generally better regarded to send a net message instead.

Also, Lua in Garrysmod exists in 2 realms: Server and Client (there's a 3rd one called Menu but there isn't much you can do in there thats useful). These realms are seperate, so a global variable in 1 cannot be set from the other. You are setting sm_menuTitle on the server, but using it on the client. That won't work. Shared isn't actually a realm, it just means that the code is run in Both. The previous rule still applies, setting something on the server in a shared file will not set it on the client. This is why net messages are awesome, you could send the DFrame title via a netmessage, and set it that way.

Net messages are useful for triggering events (like opening this DFrame), and sending data to the client (like setting the DFrame's title). This is why I advise you look up this page: [url]http://wiki.garrysmod.com/page/Net_Library_Usage[/url]

[NyeBlock]

[QUOTE=James xX;48026427]-sip-[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the help I completely forgot about net

Edit:
Huh, for some reason the client side isn't receiving the net message. I am sure that this is my fault though. Here is my script:

client:

if CLIENT then
	net.Receive( "SM_OPENMENU", function()
		print( "RECEIVED" )
		local serverMenu = vgui.Create( "DFrame" )
		serverMenu:SetPos( 50, 50 )
		serverMenu:SetSize( 100, 200 )
		serverMenu:SetTitle( sm_menuTitle )
		serverMenu:SetVisible( true )
		serverMenu:SetDraggable( true )
		serverMenu:ShowCloseButton( true )
		serverMenu:MakePopup()
	end )
end

server:

if SERVER then
	util.AddNetworkString( "SM_OPENMENU" )
	hook.Add( "PlayerSay", "Chatcmd", function( ply, text, pblc ) 
		if string.lower( text ) == "!servers" then
			print( "SEND" )
			net.Start( "SM_OPENMENU" )
			net.Send( ply )
			return ""
		end
	end )
end

I added print in to test to see if the client-side was receiving what the server sent. Only SEND is printed in console.

[James]

Works for me, are you sure the clientside file is being included?

[NyeBlock]

[QUOTE=James xX;48027054]Works for me, are you sure the clientside file is being included?[/QUOTE]

Forget what I said above. It was just a problem on my part. Thanks for the help

Solved.