How to Call Update Function from Event Trigger in Unity

Discover an effective solution to call frame-dependent functions from event triggers in Unity without excessive frame updates.
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How to Call Update Function from Event Trigger in Unity

Unity is an incredibly powerful game engine that allows developers to create fun and interactive gaming experiences. However, sometimes we encounter challenges, particularly when it comes to managing different types of functions that operate independently. One such dilemma arises when you want to manage frame-dependent animations using event triggers in your game. This post will tackle this issue, providing a clear path to a solution.

The Problem

In your game, you may find yourself relying on event triggers without using frame-dependent functions. This can make implementing UI animations, which require the use of an Update() function, tricky. The primary challenge lies in the desire to call a function that affects the frame timing from an event trigger without having the Update() function consistently executing, which could lead to performance issues.

You explored a solution that involves creating a boolean flag to control when the Update() function should execute. While this is certainly one way to tackle the problem, you seek a method that avoids unnecessary calls to Update() altogether.

The Solution

Fortunately, there is an efficient way to address this issue by utilizing two separate scripts. Here's how you can implement this solution step-by-step:

Step 1: Create the Scripts

Trigger Script: This will handle the event triggers. It will be in charge of enabling the update function when the event occurs.

Update Script: This will contain the Update() function that your animation logic will depend on.

Step 2: Script Implementation

Trigger Script Example:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Update Script Example:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 3: Integrating the Scripts

Attach both the TriggerScript and UpdateScript to a GameObject in your scene.

Ensure the UpdateScript is disabled by default in the Inspector.

Drag the UpdateScript reference into the TriggerScript's public variable in the Inspector.

Step 4: Running the Game

Now, when your event gets triggered (for example, when a player enters a certain zone), the UpdateScript will activate, allowing animations to be processed only when necessary. Once the animations are complete, disable the UpdateScript again to save on performance.

Conclusion

By separating your triggers and frame-dependent logic into two scripts, you can efficiently and effectively manage animations in Unity without the overhead of an always-active Update() function. This method leads to smoother gameplay and optimizes performance by ensuring that frame-dependent functions run only when needed.

Implementing this approach will not only simplify your code but also enhance the overall performance of your Unity game. Happy coding!