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Assert Log

In the vast realm of game development, checks and balances are vital. Among these checks stands the mighty Assert log, designed to ensure conditions meet our expectations and act as a protective barrier against unforeseen errors.

The Assert function primarily checks if the condition is true. If not, and if asserts are enabled in your settings, it then creates an AssertLog. This log captures the message, the condition state, and any optional context you provide. If set to throw an exception, the code will stop running, allowing you to address the issue immediately.

Parameters

  • condition: This is the heart of the assert function. It's a condition you're checking for, like making sure a player's score isn't negative or ensuring an object isn't null before using it.
  • message: If the condition fails, this message gets logged. It's like the signal flare, alerting you to what went wrong. This parameter is optional, but it's often a good idea to be descriptive. (Optional)
  • throwException: A nifty switch, this determines whether to throw an exception when the condition is false. If you're testing out something critical and want the program to halt at a failure, this is the button you'd press. By default, it's set to true, so it'll throw unless you tell it otherwise.
  • state: Sometimes, you want a snapshot of what's going on when the assert checks out. That's what state is for. It can be any relevant data or context, like the player's position or the current level. (Optional)

When and How to Use

Suppose you're crafting a game where a player has to pick up magical orbs. You want to ensure that the player's orb count never exceeds a set limit:

int MaxOrbs = 100;

void AddOrb(int count)
{
    Log.Assert((player.OrbsCollected + count) <= MaxOrbs, 
        "Player orb count exceeded the limit!");

    player.OrbsCollected += count;
}

In this scenario, if the player somehow collects orbs beyond the MaxOrbs value, the Assert will flag it, the message will be logged, and, if set, an exception thrown which stops the error from propagating further into the system.

The Assert log acts as both a guardian and a detective. While it protects the sanctity of conditions, it also quickly points to areas where things are not as they should be. Equip it wisely in your coding arsenal, and let it be a beacon of assurance in your development journey.