Glossary
Complete reference of BranchPy and technical terms to help you understand every aspect of the toolkit.
A
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Technology that enables computers to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as understanding language, recognizing patterns, and making decisions. In BranchPy, AI features are 100% optional and enhance development with intelligent suggestions, content analysis, and automated assistance.
API (Application Programming Interface)
A set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. BranchPy uses APIs to integrate with VS Code, AI providers, and other tools.
B
Branch
A diverging path in your story where player choices lead to different narrative outcomes. BranchPy analyzes and visualizes all branches in your game to help ensure they're logically sound and reachable.
C
CFG (Control Flow Graph)
A graph that maps every possible path through your story's code—every label, jump, choice, and branch. BranchPy builds a statement-level CFG to analyze your narrative structure, detect unreachable code, validate all jumps lead somewhere valid, and visualize how your story flows from start to finish.
F
Flag
A boolean variable (true/false) used to track story states or player choices. Flags control which content appears based on previous decisions. BranchPy tracks flag usage across your entire project.
Flow Chart
BranchPy's visual representation of your story's structure, showing all scenes, choices, branches, and their connections. Also called a Control Flow Graph (CFG).
L
Label
A named location in your game script that can be jumped to from other parts of the code. Labels organize your story into scenes and sections. BranchPy tracks all labels and their relationships across different game engines.
R
Ren'Py
A popular visual novel engine and programming language. BranchPy started with Ren'Py support and continues to provide advanced tooling and analysis for it, while expanding to support other game engines.
S
Stats
Numeric variables that track character attributes, relationship values, or game state (like affection points, skill levels, money). BranchPy maps how stats change across different story paths.
Story Flow
The overall progression and structure of your narrative, including how scenes connect, choices branch, and paths converge. BranchPy visualizes story flow in interactive flowcharts.
V
Variable
A named storage location for data in your game (text, numbers, true/false values). Variables track character names, stats, flags, and game state. BranchPy maps all variable usage across your project.
Visual Novel (VN)
A narrative-focused game genre that combines text, images, and player choices to tell interactive stories. BranchPy is specifically designed for visual novel development.
VS Code
Visual Studio Code—a popular free code editor. BranchPy integrates with VS Code to provide visual tools, diagnostics, and intelligent assistance for visual novel and narrative game development.