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Do I understand this correctly?

#1

If I don’t specify an instrument number, only names, then CSound numbers them on order of their definition?

#2

As far as I know this is correct.

#3

nstrnum opcode reveals the number that Csound is using: https://csound.com/docs/manual/nstrnum.html

#4

I’m actually trying to figure out if I can get away with not using numbers, and just defining the instruments in the order I need them.

I seen to remember having an issue though of trying to use turnoff with a name and not a number, and it seems that you can only turnoff an instrument that was instantiated with a number.

#5

I see what you mean. Numbered instruments can be a hindrance when combining orchestras from different sources when a lot of renumbering becomes necessary. Renumbering instruments might then break in-orchestra event opcodes like event_i etc. I often use the approach of defining instrument numbers in these opcodes as ‘p1 + 1’ to point to the ‘next higher numbered instrument’ and get around this. This will work with named instruments in a list also.
I’ve not really adopted named instruments but I know others use them exclusively.
Your original assertion is correct that Csound numbers named instruments according to the order in which they appear, starting at ‘1’ (if not already defined).

#6

Thanks for the suggestion on using p1. Never really knew it was available to use, but it does make sense.