Getting Started
Note that this does not cover anything related to data changing. Assuming that reader already has understanding of what a LF2 data is and how it works, we can start. In order to do DCing, we need to open a data file. But wait, there are nice visual tools and if we want them to work we should indicate which lf2.exe we are targetting (and where exactly it is). So open Settings window via Options>Settings in the menu or click on the 'gear' icon.
There is a "LF2 Path" setting and there is a button at the right that will bring file dialog when you click.
There are various different ways to open data files (.dat|.txt) with LF2 IDE. "Open with..." command on explorer will work fine and every time a file is opened by LF2 IDE the first process will handle them inside a nice multi tab dock panel view. File>Open on the menu is another way and drag & drop a file onto a LF2 IDE window also works if you drop file somewhere else than code editor (this is due to a behavior in ScintillaNET).
Let's start some coding. Try writing a keyword, and than your mind will blow up seeing the only DCer that supports auto code completion!
Cool but what if you get annoyed? There is an option to disable that in Settings (Trigger autocomplete automatically). There is not much magic in that, let's move on to other things.
You have set your LF2 Path didn't you? then hover the mouse to tabs at edge (such as Design, Frame, Solution Explorer, Media Player, Shape...). Some of them has a visual box which displays the first sprite frame:
