Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Instantiating scripts
Each script file in Unity defines one main class that is like a blueprint or design
that can be instantiated. It is a collection of related variables, functions, and events
(as we'll see soon). By default, a script file is like any other kind of Unity asset, such
as meshes and audio files. Specifically, it remains dormant in the
Project
folder
and does nothing until it's added to a specific scene (by being added to an object
as a component), where it comes alive at runtime. Now, scripts, being logical and
mathematical in nature, are not added to the scene as tangible, independent objects
as meshes are. You cannot see or hear them directly, because they have no visible or
audible presence. Instead, they're added onto existing game objects as components,
where they define the behavior of those objects. This process of bringing scripts to
life as a specific component on a specific object is known as instantiation. Of course,
a single script file can be instantiated on multiple objects to replicate the behavior for
them all, saving us from making multiple script files for each object, such as when
multiple enemy characters must use the same artificial intelligence. The point of the
script file, ideally, is to define an abstract formula or behavior pattern for an object
that can be reused successfully across many similar objects in all possible scenarios.
To add a script file onto an object, simply drag-and-drop the script from the
Project
panel onto the destination object in the scene. The script will be instantiated as a
component, and its public variables will be visible in the
Object Inspector
whenever
the object is selected, as shown in the following screenshot:
Attaching scripts onto game objects as components
