Create "Optional" public variable that won't throw an error

Questions & Answers
1

Hello, I am trying to create a public variable of type GameObject that would be visible in the inspector but not required. With in the code I am checking for it’s value and proceeding accordingly. The problem is, when the script fires (runs on trigger) It errors

_ nassignedReferenceException: The variable TriggerByObject of ObjectMover_Triggers has not been assigned._

I have also tried “Try” and “Catch” with no luck. So I guess the question is “How do I make a public variable optional.” Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[UPDATE]

I managed to work around my problem by creating a fake object then assigning it to my public Object variable at runtime if it was empty. I would still like to know if I missing something when it comes to unassigned public variables though.

2

You shouldn’t have to assign fake objects.

[SerialisedField] GameObject _theObject; // keeping it private but serialised

Then, whenever you need to use it, test if it’s null.

if (_theObject == null)
    return; // exit method for example

Or you can even assign the default value if null in Awake

void Awake ()
{
    if (_theObject == null)
        _theObject = GameObject.Find("defaultObject");
}