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Hopefully this is just a simple question, and I'm putting it in the right place. How much less efficient is using dbSprite to deal with movement vs using dbMoveSprite?

i.e.

dbSprite(1, 100, 100, 1);
...
dbSprite(1, 100, 110, 1);

vs.

dbSprite(1, 100, 100, 1);
...
dbMoveSprite(1, 10);

When you use dbMoveSprite() by default it will move your sprite either positively or negatively on the Y axis (just up or down). To change this, one must use dbRotateSprite() which can be a pain because that requires reorientating your imported image so you can then rotate it in code to face the direction you want it to without it looking like your sprite is standing on it's head. It is a useful command when you want to move simple projectiles and falling rocks ect. without adding variables and the associated math and dbMoveSprite()will except floating point integers (i.e. dbSpriteMove(spritename, 0.3);

if coded as your example suggests, dbSprite is very innefficient. What you really want is something like this:

//Method 1
int moveX;
int moveY = dbSpriteY (spritename);
moveX += 4;
dbSprite(spritename, moveX, moveY, imagenumber)

//Method 2
int moveX = dbSpritex;
int moveY = dbSpriteY;
dbSprite(spritename, moveX + 4, moveY, imagenumber)


That example will move your sprite from left to right on the screen in a straight line. If you want to change direction you need to write code that changes the values of moveX or moveY. This way gives you far more control over your sprite but at the cost of making you have to think ahead.

Sorry my last post was a little rushed, thus inaccurate.
The following is a better example of how to use the second move method.


and if you wish to implement a jump feature just add two more variables.

It is important to note that without coding in some boundaries such as collision routines and specifics about how you want your sprite to move, it can do all sorts of unpredictable things (like stop suddenly, or fall through the bottom of the screen). There are many threads throughout these forums that give very specific examples (better than mine). If you haven't already checked this out, you should : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVLyQgzXKUg