rawset()

The rawset() function is used to set a value in a table directly, bypassing any custom behavior defined in the table's metatable. This function allows you to manipulate the table without triggering the __newindex metamethod, which is useful for cases where you want to avoid metatable interference.

Syntax

rawset(table, key, value)

Parameters

Return

Returns the value that was set.

Description

rawset() allows you to modify the contents of a table without triggering any of the metatable's methods that may alter the expected behavior of the table. This is particularly useful in scenarios where you want to maintain certain values without being affected by any overridden behaviors specified in the metatable.

Examples

Setting a value in a table with rawset

local myTable = {}
setmetatable(myTable, {
  __newindex = function(t, key, value)
    print("Attempting to set " .. key .. " to " .. value)
  end
})

rawset(myTable, "key", "value")  -- This will not trigger __newindex
print(myTable.key)  -- Output: value

Modifying values without triggering metatable behavior

local myData = { x = 10 }
local myMeta = {
  __newindex = function(t, key, value)
    print("You cannot change " .. key)
  end
}

setmetatable(myData, myMeta)

rawset(myData, "x", 20)  -- This will not trigger __newindex
print(myData.x)  -- Output: 20

See also

• setmetatable(): Sets the metatable for a table, allowing for custom behavior.
• rawget(): Retrieves a value from a table without invoking the metatable's __index.
• getmetatable(): Retrieves the metatable for a given table.