Unreal C++ Skill

C++ programming for Unreal Engine development.

Overview

This skill provides capabilities for implementing Unreal Engine gameplay and systems using C++, including the reflection system, macros, and engine integration.

Capabilities

UCLASS System

• Implement UCLASS macros
• Handle UPROPERTY specifiers
• Create UFUNCTION methods
• Manage USTRUCT types

Memory Management

• Use smart pointers
• Handle garbage collection
• Manage object lifecycles
• Implement weak references

Engine Integration

• Create Actor classes
• Implement Components
• Handle Subsystems
• Create Plugins

Blueprint Exposure

• Expose C++ to Blueprint
• Handle BlueprintCallable
• Implement BlueprintNativeEvent
• Create Blueprint Function Libraries

Prerequisites

• Unreal Engine 5.0+
• Visual Studio 2022 / Rider
• C++ programming knowledge

Usage Patterns

Actor Class

cpp
UCLASS()
class MYGAME_API AMyCharacter : public ACharacter
{
    GENERATED_BODY()

public:
    AMyCharacter();

    UPROPERTY(EditAnywhere, BlueprintReadWrite, Category = "Stats")
    float Health = 100.f;

    UFUNCTION(BlueprintCallable, Category = "Combat")
    void TakeDamage(float Damage);

protected:
    virtual void BeginPlay() override;
    virtual void Tick(float DeltaTime) override;
};

Component

cpp
UCLASS(ClassGroup=(Custom), meta=(BlueprintSpawnableComponent))
class MYGAME_API UHealthComponent : public UActorComponent
{
    GENERATED_BODY()

public:
    UPROPERTY(BlueprintAssignable)
    FOnHealthChanged OnHealthChanged;

    UFUNCTION(BlueprintCallable)
    void ModifyHealth(float Delta);

private:
    UPROPERTY(EditDefaultsOnly)
    float MaxHealth = 100.f;

    float CurrentHealth;
};

Best Practices

1. Use UPROPERTY for GC visibility
2. Forward declare where possible
3. Use interfaces for decoupling
4. Profile with Unreal Insights
5. Follow Unreal coding standards

References

• Unreal C++ Documentation