Tier 2 Series 101

101C: The Modular Asset

"If every time you need a new engine part, you have to build it from scratch, your hangar will be overflowing with junk. Professional Engineers use "Molds" to stamp out identical parts. In Unity, we use ScriptableObjects to create data molds instead of duplicating stats on every object."

The Concept: ScriptableObject Architecture

A **ScriptableObject** is a data container that lives in your Project folder, not in the Scene. It allows you to share data between thousands of objects without using extra memory.

* **Data deduplication:** 100 swords share 1 "SwordData" asset.
* **Hot-swapping:** Change the data asset, and all swords update instantly.
* **Persistent Tweaks:** Changes to ScriptableObjects in Play Mode are SAVED.

Red Flag Detected

The AI Trap: "The Duplicate Data"

You ask the AI: "Create a sword script with damage and description."

// AI-Generated Code: Heavy and Repetitive
public class Sword : MonoBehaviour {
    public float damage = 10f;
    public string description = "A sharp blade.";
    // Audit Fail: If you have 100 swords, 
    // this data is copied into memory 100 times.
}

This is "Memory Bloat." You are storing the exact same string "A sharp blade" hundreds of times in RAM. A professional uses a reference to a shared asset.

Elite Telemetry

Research shows "Elite" teams achieve 15% faster lead times by keeping AI on a "very tight leash."

Small Batches Solving one problem at a time prevents logic drift.
Modular Design Localizing the "blast radius" of AI changes.
Tight Loops Rapid iteration with constant code review.

DORA Metrics Source

The Mechanic's Correction

Corrective Protocol

// Corrected: Lightweight Reference
[CreateAssetMenu] // Allows right-click creation
public class SwordData : ScriptableObject {
    public float damage;
    public string description;
}

public class Sword : MonoBehaviour {
    public SwordData data; // Points to the shared asset
}

Your Pilot Command

> Implement an Event-based approach for the Jump action to save CPU cycles.

Take the Controls

Next Mission

Custom Editors