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Learning C# by Developing Games with Unity 3D Beginner's Guide
Learning C# by Developing Games with Unity 3D Beginner's Guide

Learning C# by Developing Games with Unity 3D Beginner's Guide: The beauty of this book is that it assumes absolutely no knowledge of coding at all. Starting from very first principles it will end up giving you an excellent grounding in the writing of C# code and scripts.

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Learning C# by Developing Games with Unity 3D Beginner's Guide

Chapter 2. Introducing the Building Blocks for Unity Scripts

A programming language such as C# can appear to be very complicated at first but in reality, there are two parts that form its foundation. These parts are variables and methods. Therefore, understanding these critical parts is a prerequisite for learning any of the other features of C#. Being as critical as they are, they are very simple concepts to understand. Using these variable and method foundation pieces, we'll be introduced to the C# building blocks used to create Unity scripts.

For those people who get sweaty palms just thinking of the word script, wipe your hands and relax. In this chapter, I'm going to use terms that are already familiar to you to introduce the building blocks of programming. The following are the concepts introduced in this chapter:

  • Using variables in a script
  • Using methods in a script
  • The class which is a container for variables and methods
  • Turning a script into a Component
  • Components...

Using the term method instead of function

You are constantly going to see the words function and method used everywhere as you learn Unity.

Note

The words function and method truly mean the same thing in Unity. They do the same thing.

Since you are studying C#, and C# is an Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) language, I will use the word "method" throughout this book, just to be consistent with C# guidelines. It makes sense to learn the correct terminology for C#. Also, UnityScript and Boo are OOP languages. The authors of the Scripting Reference probably should have used the word method instead of function in all documentation.

Note

From now on I'm going to use the words method or methods in this book. When I refer to the functions shown in the Scripting Reference, I'm going to use the word method instead, just to be consistent throughout this book.

Understanding what a variable does in a script

What is a variable? Technically, it's a tiny section of your computer's memory that will hold any information you put there. While a game runs, it keeps track of where the information is stored, the value kept there, and the type of the value. However, for this chapter, all you need to know is how a variable works in a script. It's very simple.

Understanding what a variable does in a script

What's usually in a mailbox, besides air? Well, usually there's nothing but occasionally there is something in it. Sometimes there's money (a paycheck), bills, a picture from aunt Mabel, a spider, and so on. The point is what's in a mailbox can vary. Therefore, let's call each mailbox a variable instead.

Naming a variable

Using the picture of the country mailboxes, if I asked you to see what is in the mailbox, the first thing you'd ask is which one? If I said in the Smith mailbox, or the brown mailbox, or the round mailbox, you'd know exactly which mailbox...

Time for action – creating a variable and seeing how it works

Let's see how this actually works in our script. Don't be concerned about the details of how to write this, just make sure your script is the same as the script shown in the next screenshot.

  1. In the Unity Project panel, double-click on LearningScript.
  2. In MonoDevelop, write the lines 6, 11, and 13 from the next screenshot.
  3. Save the file.
Time for action – creating a variable and seeing how it works

To make this script work, it has to be attached to a GameObject. Currently, in our State Machine project we only have one GameObject, the Main Camera. This will do nicely since this script doesn't affect the Main Camera in any way. The script simply runs by virtue of it being attached to a GameObject.

  1. Drag LearningScript onto the Main Camera.
  2. Select Main Camera so that it appears in the Inspector panel.
  3. Verify whether LearningScript is attached.
  4. Open the Unity Console panel to view the output of the script.
  5. Click on Play.

The preceding steps are shown in the following screenshot:

Time for action – creating a variable and seeing how it works

What...

Time for action – changing the number 9 to a different number

Since myNumber is a variable, the value it stores can vary. If we change what is stored in it, the answer to the equation will change too. Follow the ensuing steps:

  1. Stop the game and change 9 to 19.
  2. Notice that when you restart the game, the answer will be 30.

What just happened?

You learned that a variable works by simple process of substitution. There's nothing more to it than that.

We didn't get into the details of the wording used to create myNumber, or the types of variables you can create, but that wasn't the intent. This was just to show you how a variable works. It just holds data so you can use that data elsewhere in your script. We'll get into the finer details of variables in Chapter 3, Variables in Detail.

Have a go hero – changing the value of myNumber

In the Inspector panel, try changing the value of myNumber to some other value, even a negative value. Notice the change in answer in...

Using a method in a script

Methods are where the action is and where the tasks are performed. Great, that's really nice to know but what is a method?

What is a method?

When we write a script, we are making lines of code that the computer is going to execute, one line at a time. As we write our code, there will be things we want our game to execute more than once. For example, we can write a code that adds two numbers. Suppose our game needs to add the two numbers together a hundred different times during the game. So you say, "Wow, I have to write the same code a hundred times that adds two numbers together. There has to be a better way."

Let a method take away your typing pain. You just have to write the code to add two numbers once, and then give this chunk of code a name, such as AddTwoNumbers(). Now, every time our game needs to add two numbers, don't write the code over and over, just call the AddTwoNumbers() method.

Time for action – learning how a method works

We're going to edit LearningScript again. In the following screenshot, there are a few lines of code that look strange. We are not going to get into the details of what they mean in this chapter. We will discuss that in Chapter 4, Getting into the Details of Methods. Right now, I am just showing you a method's basic structure and how it works:

  1. In MonoDevelop, select LearningScript for editing.
  2. Edit the file so that it looks exactly like the following screenshot.
  3. Save the file.
Time for action – learning how a method works

What's in this script file?

In the previous screenshot, lines 6 and 7 will look familiar to you; they are variables just as you learned in the previous section. There are two of them this time. These variables store the numbers that are going to be added.

Line 16 may look very strange to you. Don't concern yourself right now with how this works. Just know that it's a line of code that lets the script know when the Return/Enter key is pressed....

Using the term method instead of function

You are constantly going to see the words function and method used everywhere as you learn Unity.

Note

The words function and method truly mean the same thing in Unity. They do the same thing.

Since you are studying C#, and C# is an Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) language, I will use the word "method" throughout this book, just to be consistent with C# guidelines. It makes sense to learn the correct terminology for C#. Also, UnityScript and Boo are OOP languages. The authors of the Scripting Reference probably should have used the word method instead of function in all documentation.

Note

From now on I'm going to use the words method or methods in this book. When I refer to the functions shown in the Scripting Reference, I'm going to use the word method instead, just to be consistent throughout this book.

Understanding what a variable does in a script

What is a variable? Technically, it's a tiny section of your computer's memory that will hold any information you put there. While a game runs, it keeps track of where the information is stored, the value kept there, and the type of the value. However, for this chapter, all you need to know is how a variable works in a script. It's very simple.

What's usually in a mailbox, besides air? Well, usually there's nothing but occasionally there is something in it. Sometimes there's money (a paycheck), bills, a picture from aunt Mabel, a spider, and so on. The point is what's in a mailbox can vary. Therefore, let's call each mailbox a variable instead.

Naming a variable

Using the picture of the country mailboxes, if I asked you to see what is in the mailbox, the first thing you'd ask is which one? If I said in the Smith mailbox, or the brown mailbox, or the round mailbox, you'd know exactly which mailbox to open to retrieve what is inside. Similarly, in...

Time for action – creating a variable and seeing how it works

Let's see how this actually works in our script. Don't be concerned about the details of how to write this, just make sure your script is the same as the script shown in the next screenshot.

  1. In the Unity Project panel, double-click on LearningScript.

  2. In MonoDevelop, write the lines 6, 11, and 13 from the next screenshot.

  3. Save the file.

To make this script work, it has to be attached to a GameObject. Currently, in our State Machine project we only have one GameObject, the Main Camera. This will do nicely since this script doesn't affect the Main Camera in any way. The script simply runs by virtue of it being attached to a GameObject.

  1. Drag LearningScript onto the Main Camera.

  2. Select Main Camera so that it appears in the Inspector panel.

  3. Verify whether LearningScript is attached.

  4. Open the Unity Console panel to view the output of the script.

  5. Click on Play.

The preceding steps are shown in the following screenshot:

What just happened?

In the...

Time for action – changing the number 9 to a different number

Since myNumber is a variable, the value it stores can vary. If we change what is stored in it, the answer to the equation will change too. Follow the ensuing steps:

  1. Stop the game and change 9 to 19.

  2. Notice that when you restart the game, the answer will be 30.

What just happened?

You learned that a variable works by simple process of substitution. There's nothing more to it than that.

We didn't get into the details of the wording used to create myNumber, or the types of variables you can create, but that wasn't the intent. This was just to show you how a variable works. It just holds data so you can use that data elsewhere in your script. We'll get into the finer details of variables in Chapter 3, Variables in Detail.

Have a go hero – changing the value of myNumber

In the Inspector panel, try changing the value of myNumber to some other value, even a negative value. Notice the change in answer in the Console.

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Page 1 of 11

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Key benefits

  • You've actually been creating scripts in your mind your whole life, you just didn't realize it. Apply this logical ability to write Unity C# scripts
  • Learn how to use the two primary building blocks for writing scripts: the variable and the method. They're not mysterious or intimidating, just a simple form of substitution
  • Learn about GameObjects and Component objects as well as the vital communication between these objects using Dot Syntax. It's easy, just like addressing a postal letter
  • Stay logically organized by utilizing a State Machine for your code. Use the simple concept of a State to control your Unity project. You will definitely save time by knowing where your code is located
  • With your new knowledge of coding, you will be able to look at Unity's Scripting Reference code examples with confidence

Description

For the absolute beginner to any concept of programming, writing a script can appear to be an impossible hurdle to overcome. The truth is, there are only three simple concepts to understand: 1) having some type of information; 2) using the information; and 3) communicating the information. Each of these concepts is very simple and extremely important. These three concepts are combined to access the feature set provided by Unity. "Learning C# by Developing Games with Unity 3D Beginner's Guide" assumes that you know nothing about programming concepts. First you will learn the absolute basics of programming using everyday examples that you already know. As you progress through the book, you will find that C# is not a foreign language after all, because you already know the words. With a few keywords and using substitution, before you know it, you'll be thinking in code. The book starts by explaining in simple terms the three concepts you need for writing C# code and scripts: 1) variables to hold information; 2) methods (functions) to use the information; and 3) Dot Syntax to communicate the information where it's needed. The book builds on these concepts to open up the world of C# coding and Unity scripting. You will use this new power to access the features provided in Unity's Scripting Reference. The first half of this book is devoted to the code writing beginner. The concepts of variables, methods, Dot Syntax, and decision processing are fully explained. Since C# is an actual programming language, we take advantage of this to develop a State Machine to help control and organize each phase of a Unity project. Once the basic programming concepts are established and we have some State Machine organization, the features and power of Unity are accessed using the Scripting Reference. If you're looking to learn C# for Unity then this is the book that offers everything you need and more - so discover what C# offers today and see your work come to life as complete games!

Who is this book for?

This book is for the total beginner to any type of programming, focusing on the writing of C# code and scripts only. There are many parts that make up the Unity game engine. It is assumed that the reader already knows their way around Unity's user interface. The code editor used in this book is the MonoDevelop editor supplied by Unity.

What you will learn

  • Understand what a variable is and how it works
  • Learn about methods and functions is and how they are used to manipulate information
  • Learn the concept of an object, a component of a GameObject, and the class they come from
  • Learn about communication between objects using Dot Syntax
  • Understand how to make decisions in code
  • Learn how to use a State Machine to control and organize a Unity project
  • Master the Scripting Reference to bring GameObjects to life
  • Learn how to use the Unity Physics engine for moving and detecting GameObject collisions and triggers
  • Display information on the game screen

Product Details

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Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : Sep 25, 2013
Length: 292 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781849696593
Vendor :
Epic Games
Category :
Game Development
Languages :
C#
Concepts :
3D Game Development
Tools :
Unity

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Publication date : Sep 25, 2013
Length: 292 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781849696593
Vendor :
Epic Games
Category :
Game Development
Languages :
C#
Concepts :
3D Game Development
Tools :
Unity

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Table of Contents

15 Chapters
1. Discovering Your Hidden Scripting Skills Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
1. Discovering Your Hidden Scripting Skills
Prerequisite knowledge for using this book
Dealing with scriptphobia
Choosing to use C# instead of UnityScript
Maneuvering around Unity's documentation
Time for action – opening the Reference Manual documentation for the transform Component
Time for action – opening the scripting reference documentation for the transform component
Working with C# script files
Time for action – create a C# script file
Time for action – opening LearningScript in MonoDevelop
Summary
2. Introducing the Building Blocks for Unity Scripts Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
2. Introducing the Building Blocks for Unity Scripts
Using the term method instead of function
Understanding what a variable does in a script
Time for action – creating a variable and seeing how it works
Time for action – changing the number 9 to a different number
Using a method in a script
Time for action – learning how a method works
Introducing the class
By using a little Unity magic, a script becomes a Component
Components communicating using the Dot Syntax
Summary
3. Getting into the Details of Variables Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
3. Getting into the Details of Variables
Writing C# statements properly
Understanding Component properties in Unity's Inspector
Displaying public variables in the Inspector panel
Time for action – making a variable private
Naming your variables properly
Declaring a variable and its type
Time for action – assigning values while declaring the variable
Summary
4. Getting into the Details of Methods Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
4. Getting into the Details of Methods
Ending a method definition using curly braces
Using methods in a script
Naming methods properly
Defining a method properly
Time for action – adding code between the parentheses
Calling a method
Returning a value from a method
Time for action – returning a value from AddTwoNumbers()
Using Unity's Update and Start methods
Summary
5. Making Decisions in Code Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
5. Making Decisions in Code
Testing conditions with an if statement
Time for action – create a couple of if statements
Time for action – create if statements with more than one condition to check
Using an if-else statement to execute alternate code
Time for action – add "else" to the if statement
Making decisions based on user input
Storing data in an array, a List, or a Dictionary
Time for action – create a List of pony names
Time for action – create a dictionary of pony names and keys
Time for action – adding ponies using a Collection Initializer
Looping though lists to make decisions
Time for action – using foreach loops to retrieve data
Time for action – selecting a pony from a List using a for loop
Time for action – finding data and breakout of the while loop
Summary
6. Using Dot Syntax for Object Communication Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
6. Using Dot Syntax for Object Communication
Using Dot Syntax is like addressing a letter
Working with objects is a class act
Using Dot Syntax in a script
Time for action – accessing a variable in the current Component
Time for action – communicating with another Component on the Main Camera
Time for action – creating two GameObjects and a new script
Accessing GameObjects using drag-and-drop versus writing code
Time for action – trying drag-and-drop to assign a GameObject
Summary
7. Creating the Gameplay is Just a Part of the Game Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
7. Creating the Gameplay is Just a Part of the Game
Applying your new coding skills to a State Machine
Understanding the concepts of a State Machine
Following the State Machine logic flow
Creating Components objects and C# objects
Time for action – creating a script and a class
Time for action – instantiating the BeginState class
Introducing the C# interface
Time for action – implementing an interface
Summary
8. Developing the State Machine Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
8. Developing the State Machine
Creating four State classes
Time for action – modifying BeginState and add three more States
Setting up the StateManager controller
Time for action – modify StateManager
Time for action – modifying PlayState to add another State
Time for action – adding OnGUI to StateManager
Changing the active State and controlling the Scene
Time for action – adding GameObjects and a button to the Scene
Time for action – adding code to pause the game Scene
Time for action – creating a timer in BeginState
Changing Scenes
Time for action – setting up another Scene
Time for action – adding the Awake method to StateManager
Time for action – adding the code to change the Scenes
Summary
9. Start Building a Game and Get the Basic Structure Running Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
9. Start Building a Game and Get the Basic Structure Running
Easing into Unity's scripting documentation
Setup the State Machine and add a Player GameObject
Time for action – setting up nine States and three Scenes
Time for action - adding a Player GameObject
Time for action – creating a GameData script
Controlling the Player GameObject
Time for action – rotating Player in SetupState
Time for action – changing the color using GUI buttons
Time for action – setting the Lives for Player
Summary
10. Moving Around, Collisions, and Keeping Score Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
10. Moving Around, Collisions, and Keeping Score
Visualizing the completed game
Switching to the first play State and playable scene
Adding cameras for different viewing options
Time for action – setting up two additional cameras in the scene
Time for actioning – attach the LookAtPlayer camera script
Time for action – attaching the FollowingPlayer camera script
Moving the Player using Rigidbody physics
Time for action – adding a Rigidbody to the Player
Keeping score during the game
Time for action – creating a good and bad prefab
Shooting projectiles at the orbs
Time for action – creating the EnergyPulse prefab
Summary
11. Summarizing Your New Coding Skills Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
11. Summarizing Your New Coding Skills
Coding a Unity Project
Scratching the surface of C# programming
Controlling the game with a State Machine
Learning more after this book
Summary
A. Initial State Machine files Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
A. Initial State Machine files
BeginState
SetupState
PlayStateScene1_1: (1 of 2 available States in Scene1)
PlayStateScene1_2: (2 of 2 available States in Scene1)
WonStateScene1
LostStateScene1
PlayStateScene2
WonStateScene2
LostStateScene2
StateManager
IStateBase
B. Completed code files for Chapters 9 and 10 Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
BeginState
SetupState
PlayStateScene1_1: (1 of 2 available States in Scene1)
PlayStateScene1_2: (2 of 2 available States in Scene1)
WonStateScene1
LostStateScene1
PlayStateScene2
WonStateScene2
LostStateScene2
StateManager
PlayerControl
GameData
LookAtPlayer
FollowingPlayer
EnergyPulsePower
IStateBase
C. Pop Quiz Answers Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 1, Discovering Your Hidden Scripting Skills
Chapter 2, Introducing the Building Blocks for Unity Scripts
Chapter 3, Getting into the Details of Variables
Chapter 4, Getting into the Details of Methods
Chapter 5, Making Decisions in Code
Chapter 6, Using Dot Syntax for Object Communication
Chapter 7, Creating the Gameplay is Just a Part of the Game
Chapter 8, Developing the State Machine
Chapter 9, Start Building a Game and Get the Basic Structure Running
Chapter 10, Moving Around, Collisions, and Keeping Score
Index Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Index

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Beginning C++ Game Programming
Beginning C++ Game Programming
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May 2024 648 pages
Full star icon 4.5 (24)
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OpenGL 4 Shading Language Cookbook
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Sep 2018 472 pages
Full star icon 3.6 (9)
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Customer reviews

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Rating distribution
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Empty star icon 3.8
(50 Ratings)
5 star 34%
4 star 32%
3 star 20%
2 star 4%
1 star 10%
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Justin Mar 09, 2014
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
To start this book does not cover the unity interface per the title. I just learned Unity's interface & was ready to build some projects! However when it came time to make my new GameObjects do any thing I was stuck.It was like I hit a brick wall & though there is a lot of documentation on the web I did not fully understand the code "C#" or how it was to be applied.This book really did it for me while I was climbing over the wall I had hit.Not only will it help you draw some life out of your project , you will also learn some true C# fundamentals.I think even if you know some about C# in the Desktop , App World this will still help you to harness your abilities in the unity framework.Last Note: I recommend getting some where quiet with the book as when any book & just read it, If you can not be in front of a computer none stop , this is also a great book to travel with.Well worth the price IMO.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Jennifer Nov 08, 2013
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
This book is what got me over the "hump" of understanding general programming. It's a great intro into C# scripting with unity. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with no to a very basic understanding of unity and C#. Terry Norton did a great job.The only qualm with it so far is that a few times I was pulling my hair out trying to figure out why an example didn't work or what you expect to happen doesn't. Only to find out a page later that it wasn't supposed to. A little warning would be nice. Maybe bold letters before the example stating that it isn't supposed to work right. Aside from that great book.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Doug warner May 25, 2014
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
I think the one thing I liked about this book is how it describes using the state machine to easily translate between scenes and states. I tried doing other video games and as they got bigger and bigger they became extremely difficult to handle. Setting up the unity game engine using a state machine would make building a medium to large scale game at least more manageable. If you are trying to make a simple little game then this would probably still be useful but not as necessary. this book also made me change the way I look at making a video game; I would normally just jump in and start coding with my normal right brain approach. this book seemed to get me to incorporate my left brain to provide a more structured code instead of my usually trial and error approach where I would usually have to go back and re-code and reorganize my files to help make sense of what is going on.Cons: 1.) It sometimes over-explains things. Note: It does do a good job of explaining(for the most part) but does it in a very tedious manner. 2.) It really just explains basic C# and how to begin making a game using a state machine. Which is all I needed (I already knew C and some C++ so chapters 1-4 and 1/2 of chapter 5 was stuff I already knew ), but if you are looking to get a high polished game out of this book then you should look elsewhere. 3.) He sometimes leaves out steps, which was easy enough for me to figure out; but, if you are brand new to programming and/or using Unity then it may be a little difficult to know how resolve these issues.Despite these cons I still gave it a 5 because they were insignificant to me.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
DavidStrife Jun 22, 2014
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
I bought it with an expectation that there'd be direct examples or explanations of things to carry out in Unity using C#, but actually the book really focuses solely on C#, and puts it in a Unity contextual environment.You won't see any example projects or direct tutorials, but it does show you different implementations of how to execute well known functions and procedures such as limited/numbered loops, and basic programming concepts anyone should know when starting out.A stellar book that basically helped me climb over the final steep part of my learning curve with programming, and finally gave me that "eureka" moment with programming in general, and not just C#.If you've tried to learn programming, but are just finding it a tad bit difficult, and are looking for that "holy grail" book to finally sink it into your head, this book will knock you over to the other side of the fence you're standing on. If you're a programmer but are trying to learn C# specifically for Unity, you'll breeze through this in days.
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Israel S. Dec 01, 2014
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Good Product
Amazon Verified review Amazon

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About the author

Profile icon Norton
Norton
Terry Norton was born and raised in California. During the Vietnam era, he served six and half years in the US Air Force. While in the military, he was trained in electronics for electronic counter-measures. Upon discharge, he earned his Electrical Engineering degree, and later working for Joslyn Defense Systems in Vermont, designing and developing test equipment for the US Navy. When personal computers came on the scene, he took an interest in building computers, but never quite delved deep into the programming side. It wasn't until 2004 that programming peaked his interest. He began writing articles for OS/2 Magazine to teach C++ programming. Unfortunately, damaging his left hand in a snowblower accident in 2005 ended his writing for a couple years. IBM abandoned OS/2, so Terry bought his first Apple computer in early 2006. He tried a few times to learn Objective-C, but work and family always seemed to sidetrack his efforts. It wasn't until about 2010 when he discovered Unity and the need to write scripts, that he finally made some progress into the programming world. He began writing an online tutorial for UnityScript titled UnityScript for Noobs. It was a basic tutorial for beginners made available just before Unite 2011. Since then, Terry has been learning C# for writing scripts for Unity. Packt Publishing noticed UnityScript for Noobs and asked if he would be interested in writing a book about learning UnityScript. He declined. He felt that C# was a better language, and his heart just wasn't into UnityScript any longer. Two weeks later, Packt offered him the opportunity to write a book about learning C# for Unity. He jumped on it.
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