For developers and artists working to push the boundaries of real-time 3D creation, Unreal Engine is a powerful tool. This is more than just software; it is a comprehensive tool that provides easy alternatives for non-programmers, and a wealth of predefined tools and assets. 

This technology enables the creation of complex virtual worlds with integrity and unparalleled communication. What you see in the editor is what you will get in the final product. You don’t have to wait long before previewing. This iterative functionality allows developers to quickly update and visualise their ideas on the fly. Here’s a look at its technical capabilities.

 What Language Does Unreal Engine Use?

Although Unreal Engine offers a visual script (Blueprint) for beginners, it primarily uses C++. These powerful, well-defined languages enable better control of game engines, memory management, and device interactions. It is the first choice of developers looking for the highest performance and best creativity in the engine. Blueprints are the best choice for coding beginners. This script view allows users to create complex logic by connecting nodes instead of writing lines of code. This allows artists, designers, and even beginners to contribute to the development process without a coding background.

Finally, Unreal Engine meets diverse needs by offering C++ for deep control and Blueprints for various functions. This encourages collaboration within the development team and allows developers at all levels to bring their visions to life.

C++

Unreal Engine is predominantly built using C++. This serves as the primary programming language for developers working within the engine. C++ is chosen for its powerful capabilities in handling system resources and memory management, helping to create complex, resource-intensive 3D games.

When it comes to building robust applications in Unreal Engine, C++ is the right partner. This heavyweight language is all about raw power and fine-tuned control. Imagine it as the engine – it delivers the lightning-fast speed and responsiveness needed for intense, real-time 3D experiences.

Here is a screenshot of C++ programming language 

Benefits of C++

Speed: C++ runs circles around other languages when it comes to execution speed. It gets things done fast, making it ideal for the demanding world of real-time rendering and processing required by 3D games. This translates into smoother gameplay, even in complex environments with tons of action.

Control: With C++, you have the full power. Unlike some other tools, it grants you deep control over system resources. This means you can fine-tune performance to make your project flawless on different hardware setups. 

Industry Standard: C++ is widely adopted across the gaming industry and other high-performance applications. Mastering C++ opens doors to various career opportunities and ensures compatibility with industry standards.

Blueprint: Visual Scripting Language

Unreal Engine’s Blueprints is a game changer for those new to coding or those who prefer a more intuitive approach to game development. This new tool allows users to create complex games by connecting visually rather than writing traditional code. With its simple drag-and-drop approach, Blueprint enables artists, designers, and beginners to contribute to game development without requiring extensive experience. 

Here is a screenshot of Blueprint:

This approach democratizes the development process and ensures design and repeatability, allowing game ideas to be tested and developed quickly. Blueprint lowers the barriers to entry, allowing more creative minds to bring their visions to life in the Unreal Engine ecosystem.

Benefits of Blueprints

Accessibility: Accessibility is a key feature, making this tool truly inclusive. Forget complex coding or arcane syntax. Here, you build workflows by connecting visual nodes that represent actions, events, and conditions. It’s like dragging and dropping building blocks – perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a user-friendly experience. This intuitive approach makes it easy to navigate and understand, empowering everyone to create and automate tasks.

Rapid Prototyping: The visual approach makes it easier to understand how different parts of your game interact and come together to create a fun experience. 

Integration: Blueprint can handle intricate logic, allowing you to build sophisticated systems without needing to dive into full-fledged coding.

Unreal C++

Unreal Engine uses a specialized version of C++ known as Unreal C++, tailored with macros, custom types, and conventions that integrate seamlessly with Unreal’s architecture and systems. While Unreal Engine offers the powerful tools of C++, it also provides a customized version specifically tailored to its environment. It’s like having a special set of wrenches that perfectly fit the unique nuts and bolts of your Unreal Engine project.

Features of Unreal C++

Unreal C++ empowers you to harness the power of C++ while staying comfortably within the Unreal Engine ecosystem. It’s the perfect marriage of muscle and finesse, allowing you to build intricate and engaging games with greater efficiency. 

Macros Shortcuts: Unreal C++ includes elements called macros. These are pre-written code snippets that act like shortcuts. Instead of struggling with complex commands to interact with the engine’s features, you can use these macros to get things done with ease. Think of them as alternatives that save you time and frustration when building game mechanics or managing objects within the engine.

Toolkit: Unreal C++ comes with a special toolkit filled with custom data types. These data types represent things like actors (characters, objects in the game world), materials (textures and visual properties), and animations. Using these custom types ensures your code speaks the engine’s language and lets you create game elements that snap right into place within Unreal’s architecture.

Consistency: While coding freedom is great, a little consistency goes a long way. Unreal C++ follows a set of conventions, like specific coding styles and naming patterns. These maintain consistency with shared vocabulary within Unreal Engine, making your code easier to understand, not just for you, but also for other developers working on the same project.  

Key Differences: Tailored for Unreal’s Needs

While Unreal C++ shares the core DNA of standard C++, it has been specifically adapted to fit seamlessly within Unreal Engine’s framework. Here are some key distinctions that will enhance your development experience:

Memory Management: Standard C++ puts the control of memory management on the developers. This can lead to memory leaks, which can cripple performance and stability. Unreal C++, however, integrates its garbage collection system deeply into its C++ classes. This acts like a built-in safety net, automatically handling memory allocation and deallocation for most objects, saving you time and headaches.

Engine-Specific Building Blocks: Unreal C++ offers a set of predefined classes that function as the fundamental building blocks for your game development. These classes encapsulate core game concepts like actors (characters, objects within the game world), materials (textures and visual properties), and animations. These custom types streamline development and ensure your code speaks the engine’s language. Everything fits together more intuitively, reducing errors and making your creations truly Unreal.

Macros: Standard C++ makes you build everything from scratch. Interacting with the Unreal Engine’s powerful features requires writing complex, line-by-line code. Unreal C++ steps in with a helping hand. It provides shortcuts called macros – pre-written snippets of code that work flawlessly. These macros let you interact with the engine’s functionalities quickly and easily, saving you time and effort. It’s like having a cheat sheet built right into the language!

Hybrid Approach: The Best of Both Worlds

The beauty of Unreal Engine lies in its flexibility. Many projects leverage a hybrid development approach, strategically utilizing both Blueprints and C++ to achieve optimal results. Here’s how this powerful combination plays out:

Blueprint Prototyping: Blueprints help in the early stages of development. With Blueprints, you can create visual logic by connecting nodes instead of writing code. This allows teams to rapidly iterate and validate game concepts without getting bogged down in complex C++ development. It’s perfect for exploring creative ideas, testing gameplay mechanics, and refining the core vision of your game before diving into more intricate C++ programming.

C++ for Optimization: For the critical systems that drive your game, C++ steps up to the plate. C++ offers unparalleled control and optimization capabilities. By strategically converting key aspects to C++, developers ensure their game delivers a consistently stellar experience for all players.

Getting Started

When working with Unreal Engine, developers rely on two main languages: C++ which provides the flexibility to manage complex projects, and Blueprint which makes prototyping and development easier through visual scripting.

C++ and Blueprint also have these communities and provide instructions, discussions, and resources regarding user-generated content. So if you are also planning to get started, you can rely on them for your journey.

Conclusion

Unreal languages use two popular languages C++ and Blueprint. It uses a specialized version of C++ known as Unreal C++.

This  C++ also provides detailed control of memory management and physical usage, making it the right choice for critical operations and complex simulations. 

Unreal Engine also offers easier alternatives like Blueprints, a user-friendly way to write. Blueprints use a node-based interface that allows developers to create logical variables by connecting predefined nodes that represent actions, events, and states. 

While both the languages used for the Unreal engine make things easier for the developers, it is necessary to make the right choice. We hope the blog above helps you make the right choice.