Question: What are the differences between Unreal Engine Blueprint and C++?

Answer

In Unreal Engine, you have two primary ways to script game logic: Blueprints Visual Scripting and C++. Understanding the differences between these two can help you decide which to use for different tasks within your project.

Blueprints Visual Scripting: Blueprints is a visual scripting system in Unreal Engine where you can create gameplay elements by "drawing" the logic using a node-based interface. It's designed to be more accessible to those without a programming background and allows for rapid prototyping.

• Pros:

  • Faster iteration time since it's easier to tweak and test ideas.
  • Highly visual and intuitive, especially for designers and artists.
  • Integrated seamlessly into the editor, with support for live debugging and testing.
  • No need for compilation for most changes, leading to quicker testing cycles.

• Cons:

  • Can become visually cluttered with complex logic.
  • Not as performant as C++, which can be an issue for CPU-intensive tasks.
  • Advanced programming concepts can be harder to implement compared to C++.

C++ Programming: C++ is a high-performance language that Unreal Engine is built upon, allowing for more control and access to the engine's core functionalities.

• Pros:

  • More powerful for performance-critical tasks.
  • Greater control over memory management and low-level operations.
  • Allows for deeper integration with the engine's systems and third-party libraries or APIs.
  • Version control is more straightforward compared to visual scripts.

• Cons:

  • Generally, a higher learning curve for those unfamiliar with C++.
  • Longer iteration times due to compile times.
  • Less visual, which might not be as approachable for non-programmers.

Typically, a combination of both Blueprints and C++ is used in projects. Trivial or high-level game logic can be quickly implemented in Blueprints, while performance-sensitive code (like AI calculations, complex algorithms) should be written in C++. You can also expose C++ classes and methods to Blueprints, giving you the best of both worlds.

Here is a simple example of how a function exposed to Blueprint looks like in C++:

UCLASS()
class MYGAME_API AMyActor : public AActor
{
    GENERATED_BODY()

public:
    UFUNCTION(BlueprintCallable, Category = "Test")
    void MyFunction();
};

void AMyActor::MyFunction()
{
    // Function implementation
}

And this function can then be called from a Blueprint node.

Deciding whether to use Blueprint or C++ often comes down to the specific needs of your project, team skills, and performance requirements. Smaller indie teams or solo developers might lean towards Blueprints for its ease of use, while larger studios might favor C++ for its power and efficiency.