ZenCoder Component

The ZenCoder Component is the heart of the ZenCoder system. It’s a lightweight, self-contained runtime scripting unit that lives inside your GameObject and provides live, context-aware code execution directly within the Unity Inspector.

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How to Add It?

You can add the component in two ways:

• From the Hierarchy
  Right-click on any GameObject in the Hierarchy > Attach ZenCoder`.

• From the Inspector
  Select your GameObject > click Add Component > search for ZenCoder.

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How It Works?

ZenCoder adds a fully integrated code editor inside the Unity Inspector.
You can write C# directly with full IntelliSense, syntax highlighting, and contextual reflection.

ZenCoder supports a wide range of Unity lifecycle methods, including initialization, update loops, physics, rendering, gizmos, input, and more — all working as they would in a standard MonoBehaviour.

Example:

public class ZenCoder
{
    public void Start()
    {
        // Initialization logic
        Debug.Log("ZenCoder started");
    }

    public void Update(float deltaTime)
    {
        // Per-frame logic
        Debug.Log($"Frame updated: {deltaTime}");
    }

    public void OnDrawGizmos()
    {
        // Visual debugging or custom scene visuals
        Gizmos.color = Color.cyan;
        Gizmos.DrawSphere(transform.position, 0.5f);
    }
}

ZenCoder supports both editor-safe and runtime lifecycle events — from Awake() and OnValidate() to OnDrawGizmos(), physics events, and more.

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Writing Code

You can write two main kinds of logic:

• Instant logic — one-time actions such as initialization, value assignment, or logging.

• Continuous logic — frame-based behavior such as movement, animation, timers, or dynamic effects.

Example:

public class ZenCode
{
    private float timer;

    public void Start()
    {
        Debug.Log("Zen initialized");
    }

    public void Update(float deltaTime)
    {
        timer += deltaTime;
        if (timer >= 1f)
        {
            Debug.Log("One second has passed.");
            timer = 0f;
        }
    }
}

ZenCoder runs live. You can modify and re-execute methods instantly without stopping Play Mode or recompiling scripts.

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Context-Aware Suggestions

ZenCoder introduces a contextual keyword: target.
This represents the selected component from the ZenCoder toolbar, giving you full access to its fields, properties, and methods with intelligent auto-completion.

How it works:

• Typing target. inside the editor triggers a reflection-based suggestion list.

• You’ll see all available members, grouped by type (fields, properties, methods).

• Deep reflection is supported — nested members can be explored progressively as you type.

Example:

public void Start()
{
    target.enabled = true;
    Debug.Log(target.name);
}

Reflection updates automatically when you switch the selected component — no setup or caching required.
Suggestions remain lightweight, responsive, and fully aware of your current context.

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Error Handling

ZenCoder provides a streamlined, non-intrusive error reporting system designed for fast feedback and focused debugging — all within the Inspector.

When code contains errors:

• Line Highlights
  Any line that fails compilation will be highlighted with a generic error marker to indicate there's an issue.

• Status Bar Navigation
  The ZenCoder status bar displays the full error message for the currently selected error.
  Use the built-in navigation arrows (< / >) to move between errors. As you navigate, the corresponding line in the code editor is highlighted.

• Optional Unity Console Logging
  If Preferences > Log Compilation Errors is enabled, ZenCoder will also mirror error messages to the Unity Console.
  This gives you the flexibility to track errors through Unity’s native logging system — or keep things fully contained in the Inspector UI for a cleaner workflow.

This flow lets you handle errors without leaving the component or interrupting your coding rhythm. It's fast, minimal, and always focused on the line that needs attention.