I have learned recently that (graph)shaders can also be used to make an object move or “animate” the transparency, colour etc. of it, to give it some cool effects. However I can also go to Window → Animation and press record to animate the colour, movement etc. of an object. So I guess u should use them depending on what situation ur in. Therefore I need to know in what situation u should choose one over the other. And therefore I need to understand how they work, or where the difference is between them. So if someone could explain me that then I would really appreciate that. (I have in my situation a forest with grass and a campfire that only needs to be moved. I’am targeting mobile devices so I value performance over control/looks.)
Shader graph is used for creating much complex materials, like holograms, lava, portal surface etc. It has a Time node to animate those changes. Animations of Unity are used in moving, rotating or coloring gameobjects with simplicity.