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SOLID Programming

Open-Closed Principle in Unity

Edward Falzon

Programming of any kind, including in game-development, can get complicated as the size and scope of a project increase. Investigating bugs and expanding the code with new functionality can be almost impossible if the code-structure is not well-thought-out.

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Programming of any kind, including in game-development, can get complicated as the size and scope of a project increase. Investigating bugs and expanding the code with new functionality can be almost impossible if the code-structure is not well-thought-out.

In this one-hour, project-based course, we will cover the second principle of "SOLID" programming: Open-Closed Principle ("OCP") states that a class should be open for extension but closed for modification. It sounds like a contradiction, but it will allow us to add functionality to our sample game without touching existing code. In the project, we will create some "typical" code that is fairly common in game-development, and then restructure it to become compliant with OCP.

This project is part two of a five-part series on SOLID Programming principles, which are:

- Single Responsibility

- Open-Closed (this guided project)

- Liskov's Substitution

- Interface Segregation

- Dependency Inversion

Each of these guided projects stands on its own, but for a full understanding of good coding practices, completing all five guided projects (in order) is recommended.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches Open-Closed Principle, an industry-standard principle for coding, specifically game development
Practical course that helps learners apply Open-Closed Principle to their coding projects
Course is part of a larger series on SOLID programming principles, providing learners with a comprehensive understanding of coding best practices
Taught by Edward Falzon, an experienced game developer and instructor
May require learners to have some prior knowledge of coding and game development

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Reviews summary

Practical ocp in unity game dev

According to learners, this course offers a highly practical and exceptionally clear explanation of the Open-Closed Principle, specifically tailored for Unity game development. Students found the project-based approach to be a super valuable way to apply concepts directly, allowing them to effectively refactor existing code and extend functionality without modification. While praised for its concise, one-hour format, some suggest it's more suited for those new to SOLID principles, as experienced developers might find the content too basic for an in-depth dive into advanced Unity patterns.
A short, one-hour course packed with essential OCP concepts.
"The Unity examples were relevant, but I felt it was a bit too short to go deep into all nuances. I would have liked more complex scenarios for refactoring."
"It’s concise and to the point, which is great for busy developers. Definitely recommend it for anyone working with C# and Unity."
"For a one-hour course, it's packed with value. I was struggling with OCP before, but this short course made it click."
Project-based approach applies OCP directly to Unity scenarios.
"The project-based approach makes it highly practical. I immediately saw how to refactor my own game code."
"I've taken other SOLID courses that were too theoretical, but this one provides practical techniques."
"This project helped me understand OCP better than any textbook. The instructor's approach is highly practical, showing how to apply it step-by-step."
Instructor explains complex OCP concepts with great precision.
"The instructor explains complex concepts with incredible clarity and the project-based approach makes it highly practical."
"Excellent course! The explanation of OCP was very clear and the Unity context made it directly applicable to my work."
"Super clear explanation. I was struggling with OCP before, but this short course made it click."
Some found the pace fast if unfamiliar with refactoring basics.
"I found the pace a bit fast at times, especially if you're not already familiar with the general concepts of refactoring."
"It relies a bit on prior knowledge of SOLID principles."
Ideal for those new to SOLID, less for experienced developers.
"If you already know SOLID principles, it's very basic. I was hoping for more advanced Unity-specific patterns related to OCP."
"Too basic. This course is for absolute beginners in programming principles. If you have any experience with object-oriented design, you won't learn much new here."
"As part of a series, it fits well, but if you're looking for an exhaustive deep dive, this isn't it. It's exactly what it promises: a project-based hour."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in SOLID Programming: Open-Closed Principle in Unity with these activities:
Review 'SOLID Principles'
Review the book 'SOLID Principles in Object-Oriented Design' by Robert C. Martin to increase your understanding of SOLID principles and how to apply them effectively in your software development projects.
View Functional Design: Principles, Patterns, and... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow a copy of the book.
  • Set aside an hour per day to read the book.
  • Take notes on the key concepts and principles.
  • Apply the principles to your own projects.
Design a Game Mechanic with Open-Closed Principle
Create a game mechanic that adheres to the Open-Closed Principle, making it easy to extend and modify without breaking existing code.
Show steps
  • Identify a game mechanic that you want to create.
  • Design the mechanic using the Open-Closed Principle.
  • Implement the mechanic in your game.
  • Test the mechanic to ensure that it works as expected.
  • Share your mechanic with other developers.
Follow a Course on Open-Closed Principle
Enroll in an online course or tutorial that provides a structured approach to learning about the Open-Closed Principle and its applications in software development.
Show steps
  • Choose an online course or tutorial.
  • Complete the course or tutorial.
  • Apply the principles you learned to your own projects.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Solve Coding Challenges on Open-Closed Principle
Practice solving coding challenges that require the application of the Open-Closed Principle to develop solutions that are both extensible and maintainable.
Show steps
  • Find coding challenges that focus on the Open-Closed Principle.
  • Solve the coding challenges.
  • Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement.
Write a Blog Post on Open-Closed Principle
Compose a blog post or article that provides a comprehensive overview of the Open-Closed Principle and its relevance to software development, clarifying key concepts and practical applications.
Show steps
  • Do research on the Open-Closed Principle.
  • Write an outline for your blog post.
  • Draft your blog post.
  • Edit and proofread your blog post.
  • Publish your blog post.
Develop a Small Game Using Open-Closed Principle
Create a small game that demonstrates the application of the Open-Closed Principle, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in designing and implementing extensible software.
Show steps
  • Design the game using the Open-Closed Principle.
  • Develop the game.
  • Test the game.
  • Deploy the game.

Career center

Learners who complete SOLID Programming: Open-Closed Principle in Unity will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Game Developer
Game Developers create and program video games for a variety of platforms, including consoles, mobile devices, and personal computers. Knowledge of SOLID programming principles can lead to more efficient and maintainable code, allowing game developers to focus on creating engaging and fun experiences for players. This course provides a strong foundation in Open-Closed Principle, which is essential when working on large or complex game projects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Game Developer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. Understanding and adhering to SOLID programming principles, such as Open-Closed Principle, is crucial for building robust and flexible software applications. This course provides a valuable opportunity for Software Engineers to strengthen their skills in this area and enhance their ability to deliver high-quality software solutions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Technical Architect
Technical Architects design and oversee the development of software systems. A deep understanding of SOLID programming principles, including Open-Closed Principle, is essential for ensuring that software systems are well-structured, maintainable, and extensible. This course can provide Technical Architects with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and guide the development process.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Architect
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts analyze and design business systems. Knowledge of SOLID programming principles, such as Open-Closed Principle, helps Systems Analysts create efficient and effective systems that meet the needs of their clients. This course provides a strong foundation in this area, enabling Systems Analysts to excel in their roles and deliver high-quality solutions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software to ensure that it meets requirements and is free of defects. Understanding SOLID programming principles, such as Open-Closed Principle, allows Quality Assurance Analysts to identify potential issues more efficiently and contribute to the development of high-quality software. This course can provide Quality Assurance Analysts with the skills they need to succeed in their roles and ensure the delivery of reliable and stable software.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst
DevOps Engineer
DevOps Engineers collaborate with software development and operations teams to ensure smooth and efficient software delivery. Knowledge of SOLID programming principles, including Open-Closed Principle, helps DevOps Engineers create automated and reliable deployment processes. This course can provide DevOps Engineers with the skills they need to optimize the software delivery pipeline and deliver high-quality software.
See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer
Data Scientist
Data Scientists analyze and interpret data to extract insights and make informed decisions. Knowledge of SOLID programming principles, such as Open-Closed Principle, helps Data Scientists create scalable and maintainable data pipelines. This course can provide Data Scientists with the skills they need to develop robust data analysis systems and deliver valuable insights.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze and evaluate business processes to identify areas for improvement. Knowledge of SOLID programming principles, such as Open-Closed Principle, helps Business Analysts design and document efficient and effective business systems. This course can provide Business Analysts with the skills they need to succeed in their roles and deliver valuable insights to their organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and control projects to achieve specific goals. Knowledge of SOLID programming principles, such as Open-Closed Principle, helps Project Managers create realistic project plans and manage project dependencies. This course can provide Project Managers with the skills they need to effectively manage software development projects and deliver successful outcomes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
UX Designer
UX Designers design and evaluate user interfaces to ensure that they are intuitive and user-friendly. Knowledge of SOLID programming principles, such as Open-Closed Principle, helps UX Designers create reusable and maintainable UI components. This course can provide UX Designers with the skills they need to develop high-quality user interfaces that meet the needs of users.
See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create and maintain documentation for software and other technical products. Knowledge of SOLID programming principles, such as Open-Closed Principle, helps Technical Writers create clear and concise documentation that is easy to understand and follow. This course can provide Technical Writers with the skills they need to effectively communicate complex technical information.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer
Software Tester
Software Testers evaluate software to identify and report bugs. Knowledge of SOLID programming principles, such as Open-Closed Principle, helps Software Testers create effective test cases and identify potential issues more efficiently. This course can provide Software Testers with the skills they need to contribute to the delivery of high-quality software.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Tester
Database Administrator
Database Administrators design, implement, and maintain databases. Knowledge of SOLID programming principles, such as Open-Closed Principle, helps Database Administrators create scalable and reliable database systems. This course can provide Database Administrators with the skills they need to effectively manage and optimize databases.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator
Network Administrator
Network Administrators design, implement, and maintain computer networks. Knowledge of SOLID programming principles, such as Open-Closed Principle, helps Network Administrators create reliable and secure networks. This course can provide Network Administrators with the skills they need to effectively manage and optimize networks.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator
Technical Support Specialist
Technical Support Specialists provide technical assistance to users of software and other technical products. Knowledge of SOLID programming principles, such as Open-Closed Principle, helps Technical Support Specialists understand and resolve technical issues more efficiently. This course may be useful for Technical Support Specialists who want to enhance their skills in this area and provide better support to their clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Specialist

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in SOLID Programming: Open-Closed Principle in Unity.
Design Patterns
Save
Classic in the field of software design and is considered a must-read for anyone interested in learning about design patterns. It provides a comprehensive overview of the most common design patterns and how to apply them in practice.
Design Patterns
Paperback
Check
Design Patterns
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Head First Design Patterns
Save
More accessible introduction to design patterns than the previous one. It uses a conversational and humorous style to explain the concepts of design patterns in a way that is easy to understand.
Head First Design Patterns: Building Extensible and...
Paperback
$$
Head First Design Patterns: A Brain-Friendly Guide
Paperback
$$$
Head First Design Patterns: Building Extensible and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Functional Design
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of agile principles, patterns, and practices. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about agile development.
Functional Design: Principles, Patterns, and...
Kindle Edition
$$
CLEAN CODE
Save
Provides practical advice on how to write clean and maintainable code. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their coding skills.
CLEAN CODE
Paperback
Check
CLEAN CODE
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Effective Modern C++
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of effective C++ programming techniques. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their C++ coding skills.
Effective Modern C++: 42 Specific Ways to Improve...
Kindle Edition
$$
(中文) Effective Modern C++：改善C++11和C++14的42个具体做法（影印版 英文版）
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
The Pragmatic Programmer
Save
Provides practical advice on how to become a more effective software developer. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their skills and knowledge.
The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey To Mastery,...
Hardcover
$$
Pragmatic Programmer, The: From Journeyman to Master
Kindle Edition
$$
(Italiano) Pragmatic Programmer - Edizione del 20°...
Kindle Edition
$$
(Italiano) Il Pragmatic Programmer: Guida per manovali del...
Kindle Edition
$$
(中文) The Pragmatic Programmer: access to the highest...
Paperback
$$
Pragmatic programmer (Korean Edition)
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
The Art of Computer Programming
Save
Classic in the field of computer science. It provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental concepts of computer programming.
Art of Computer Programming, The: Combinatorial...
Hardcover
$$$
Cover image
Introduction to Programming in Java
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of algorithms and data structures. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the fundamental concepts of computer science.
Introduction to Programming in Java: An...
Paperback
$$$
Introduction to Programming in Java: An...
Paperback
$$$
Introduction to Programming in Java: An...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Introduction to Algorithms, fourth edition
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of algorithms and data structures. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the fundamental concepts of computer science.
Introduction to Algorithms, fourth edition
Paperback
Check
Introduction to Algorithms, fourth edition
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Concrete Mathematics
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the mathematical foundations of computer science. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the fundamental concepts of computer science.
Concrete Mathematics: A Foundation for Computer...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications (Eighth...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of discrete mathematics. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the fundamental concepts of computer science.
(中文) Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications (in...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Mathematics for Computer Science
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the mathematical foundations of computer science. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the fundamental concepts of computer science.
Mathematics for Computer Science
Hardcover
$$$

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1.5 hours
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Introductory
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Coursera
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Coursera Project Network
Instructor
Edward Falzon
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches Open-Closed Principle, an industry-standard principle for coding, specifically game development
Practical course that helps learners apply Open-Closed Principle to their coding projects
Course is part of a larger series on SOLID programming principles, providing learners with a comprehensive understanding of coding best practices
Taught by Edward Falzon, an experienced game developer and instructor
May require learners to have some prior knowledge of coding and game development
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