Development builds in Unity refer to versions of the game engine that are used for development purposes. These builds are designed to be stable and reliable, but may not have all the features and functionality of a production build.
There are several types of development builds available in Unity:
- Debug build: A debug build is a version of the engine that contains debugging tools and features, such as breakpoints and variable inspection. This type of build is typically used for testing and debugging code.
- Development build with Profiler: A development build with profiler is similar to a debug build, but also includes performance profiling tools. These tools can be used to identify and optimize performance issues in the game.
- Development build with Profiler and No Obfuscation: A development build with profiler and no obfuscation is a version of the engine that is similar to a debug build, but does not include code obfuscation. This type of build can be used for testing and debugging without worrying about breaking any of the obfuscated code.
- Development build with Profiler, No Obfuscation, and Unity Connect: A development build with profiler, no obfuscation, and Unity Connect is a version of the engine that includes additional features such as remote debugging and crash reporting. These features can be useful for testing and debugging games that are being distributed through Unity’s app store.
It’s important to note that development builds should not be used for distribution or deployment, as they may contain bugs or other issues that could cause the game to crash or otherwise behave unexpectedly. Additionally, using a development build with obfuscation can make it more difficult to debug any issues that arise in the game.
Overall, development builds are an important tool for game developers who want to test and debug their games before they are released to the public. By understanding the different types of development builds available in Unity, developers can choose the right build for their specific needs and ensure that their games are stable and reliable before they are made available to players.