The Unreal Engine is a powerful game development platform that supports a variety of programming languages. While it’s true that both C++ and C are used in the Unreal Engine, the answer to this question isn’t as straightforward as one might think. In fact, there are several factors to consider when determining which language is being used for a specific task within the engine.
C++ as the primary language
For many years, C++ was the primary language used in the development of the Unreal Engine. The engine’s core components were written in C++ and it was the main language used for scripting and plugin development. However, with the release of Unreal Engine 4 (UE4), this began to change.
C as a secondary language
With the introduction of UE4, Unreal Engine developers gained access to a new scripting language: C. While C++ remains the primary language for much of the engine’s core components, C was added as a secondary language for game development and plugin development. This means that while C++ is still used for many tasks within the engine, C has become an important tool for Unreal Engine developers.
The benefits of using C
There are several reasons why developers might choose to use C in the Unreal Engine rather than C++. For one, C is a more popular language among game developers and can be easier to learn for those who are already familiar with programming languages like Java or Python. Additionally, C offers better integration with Microsoft’s Visual Studio development environment, which many developers are already using.
The role of C++ in the Unreal Engine
Despite the addition of
C as a secondary language
, C++ remains an important part of the Unreal Engine. The core components of the engine, such as the rendering system and physics engine, are still written in C++ and this language is still used extensively for game development and plugin development. Additionally, many Unreal Engine plugins are still written in C++, which means that developers who prefer this language won’t have to give it up entirely.
In conclusion, the answer to whether the Unreal Engine is built using C++ or C depends on the specific task being performed within the engine. While both languages are used for various tasks, C++ remains the primary language for many components of the engine and is still an important tool for developers who prefer it. Ultimately, the choice between C++ and C will depend on a developer’s personal preference and the needs of their project.