The Unity game engine has been a popular choice for developers since its launch in 2005. It is known for its user-friendly interface and cross-platform support, allowing users to create games that can run on multiple devices and operating systems. However, one of the most frequently asked questions about Unity is whether or not it is developed using C++. In this article, we will explore the history of Unity’s development and answer this question once and for all.
History of Unity’s Development
Unity was created by a team of developers led by Dan Cook in 2005. The initial version of Unity was written entirely in C, a programming language that is similar to C++ but has some key differences. One of the main reasons for choosing C over C++ was its ability to simplify development and allow for faster prototyping.
However, as Unity grew in popularity, the team realized that they needed to provide more performance and flexibility to their users. In 2013, Unity announced that they were adding support for C++ to their engine. This was a major shift for Unity, as it meant that developers could now use both C and C++ to create games within the engine.
The Benefits of Using C++ in Unity
There are several reasons why Unity added support for C++. One of the main benefits is performance. C++ is a low-level language that can be optimized for specific tasks, making it faster and more efficient than other languages like C. This means that developers can use C++ to create games with higher frame rates and smoother gameplay.
Another benefit of using C++ in Unity is flexibility. C++ allows developers to write code that can be used across multiple platforms, which is important for creating games that can run on multiple devices and operating systems. This also means that developers can use existing C++ libraries and tools to create more complex and feature-rich games.
The Future of Unity and C++
Unity’s support for C++ has been widely praised by the developer community, and it is likely that the team will continue to improve and expand their C++ features in the future. In fact, Unity recently announced that they are working on a new version of their engine called Unity 2019, which includes even more support for C++ and improved performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Unity was initially developed using C but added support for C++ in 2013. This has allowed developers to use both languages within the engine, providing better performance and flexibility. The future of Unity and C++ looks bright, with continued improvements and expansions expected in the coming years.