I swear I looked around for existing topics before posting this. I found a nifty topic on how to set up Hammer if you're using a batch compiler, but I'm using ZHLT. I'm confused about what to put under game exec directory, mod directory, game directory, and (build programs tab) game executable.

Batch Compiler is a GUI for ZHLT. Just download BC (there should be a link in the tutorials) and follow the instructions.

Um, heh. Dude, I wasn't seeking help on how to get a batch compiler. I wasn't planning on using a BC. I just need to know what to put in the fields I specified.

OK then, your loss.

Anyway.
Game exec directory: the directory where you can find hl.exe (half-life in this case)
Mod directory: well... as the name says, the directory of the mod (ns in this case)
Game directory: Basically, this one should always point to 'valve'

There, that wasn't so hard. Hell, there are even instructions on the page.
Anyway, then you should setup the Build Programs tab as well if you haven't (which is pretty obvious).

Oh, well I wasn't sure that that's what you had to do when setting up for a mod. I think I though NS had its own executable or something. It's not like I completely ignored the Hammer setup help topic, I just didn't know if it pertained to NS entirely or not. Thank you for clearing that up.

But about the "your loss" thing. I'm tired of getting this crap every time I ask for help on any forum. A forum is intented to help the person posting with the problem they have presented. When I ask how to correctly set up Hammer for NS, I'm expecting replies that help me set up Hammer for NS, not replies that try to persuade me to get a batch compiler. I know you're just trying to help, but I'm honestly just a little fed up with it. Of course, you helped me with me problem, so thanks.