Logging Unity Scripts and Methods During Runtime

It sounds like you’re diving deep into a challenging Unity project! I totally get how overwhelming it can be, especially with a complex codebase. Tracking which scripts are being loaded and what methods are being called at runtime is a great way to understand how everything works together.

Using Debug.Log

Yeah, using Debug.Log is a classic way to log method calls. You can sprinkle Debug.Log("Method Name Called") in key methods to see when they’re executed, but I feel you—this might get tedious if you have to do it for a ton of methods.

Unity Events and Lifecycle Methods

Another approach might be to hook into Unity’s lifecycle methods like Awake, Start, and Update. You could create a base class that all your MonoBehaviours inherit from, where you override these methods and add your logging. It could look something like this:

public class BaseBehaviour : MonoBehaviour {
    protected virtual void Awake() {
        Debug.Log($"{this.GetType().Name} Awake");
    }

    protected virtual void Start() {
        Debug.Log($"{this.GetType().Name} Start");
    }

    protected virtual void Update() {
        Debug.Log($"{this.GetType().Name} Update");
    }
}

    

Then, just have your other scripts inherit from BaseBehaviour instead of MonoBehaviour.

Profiling Tools

Unity also has its built-in Profiler! You can use it to see what’s happening inside your game while it’s running. It might not log every single method, but it gives a good overview if things are running slow or if some scripts are more active than others. Just go to Window > Analysis > Profiler when you play your game.

Custom Logging

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could write a custom logging solution that tracks loaded scripts automatically. Maybe use reflection to inspect all your scripts and log their state. It might take some effort, but it could also be a fun learning experience!

Best Practices

As for inspiration, a lot of developers emphasize breaking the project down into smaller pieces. Try focusing on one particular area, like a specific feature or section of code. Pair that with good documentation as you go along, and you’ll make sense of everything faster! And don’t forget to check out forums or Unity Discord communities; they’re often filled with helpful tips from experienced developers.

Good luck! You’ll find your footing with a bit of exploration and patience.