Meta functions returning nil unless file is changed after connection

[Hiruty]

Hello, I've recently been having several issues when trying to access shared meta functions relating to the player. I have found by changing the file then saving it while being connected fixes the issue however, this is only temporary and I need a permanent solution.

Here is what happens when I print out one of the meta functions within the place of allocation before reloading the file.

 Inventory Module Loaded
Item Module Loaded
function: 0x158c4888
nil
nil

However, after reloading they are defined

Inventory Module Loaded
Item Module Loaded
function: 0x1ed15858
function: 0x1ed15858
function: 0x1ed15858
 

Here is the code causing problems

sh_items.lua

--ITEM STUFF--  
meta = FindMetaTable("Player")
print("Item Module Loaded")

..

function meta:PickUpItem(tItem, iAmount)
	
	local tItemOrg = table.Copy(tItem)
	print(tItemOrg.iItemID)

	
	if SERVER then
		if iAmount != nil and iAmount > 0 then
			for i = 1, iAmount do
				self:SendItemInfo(tItemOrg)
				return
			end
		else
			self:SendItemInfo(tItemOrg)
		end
	end
	
	self.inven.curItems	= self.inven.curItems + 1
	
	if self.inven.curItems > self.inven.maxItems then
		self.inven.curItems = self.inven.maxItems
		if self:SearchForStack(tItemOrg.iItemID) != true then
			print("Max items in inventory!")
			return false
		else
			return
		end
	end
	
	if self:SearchForStack(tItemOrg.iItemID) != true then
		table.insert(self.curItemsTab,tItemOrg)
		print("Added Item into list!")
	else
		self.inven.curItems = self.inven.curItems - 1
	end
	
end

print(meta.PickUpItem)

cl_Inventory.lua

local lpl = LocalPlayer()
print(LocalPlayer().PickUpItem) 
print(lpl.PickUpItem)

..

function receiveItem(len)
		local ItemID	= net.ReadInt(8)
		local tRecItem = tItems.types:FindTypeByID(ItemID)
		print(ItemID)
		PrintTable(tRecItem)
		lpl:PickUpItem(tRecItem)
end
net.Receive("ItemInfo",receiveItem)

and finally the error received

[ERROR] gamemodes/dayzripoff/gamemode/cl_inventory.lua:24: attempt to call method 'PickUpItem' (a nil value)
  1. func - gamemodes/dayzripoff/gamemode/cl_inventory.lua:24
   2. unknown - lua/includes/modules/net.lua:31

[thegrb93]

Probably has to do with the ordering of which the files are initially included or loaded.

if cl_Inventory.lua loads before sh_items.lua then this error will occur.

[Hiruty]

That was one of my first assumptions too; however, no matter what order I still receive this error.

EDIT:
It also seems I can access normal functions that don't refer to a metafunction

[thegrb93]

Try instead of lpl:PickUpItem(tRecItem) do LocalPlayer():PickUpItem(tRecItem)