Variables on a Node

Part of the Nodes and Scenes section of Coddy's Godot journey. Lesson 13 of 27.

A variable made at the top of a script, outside any function, belongs to the node. It keeps its value from frame to frame, and every function of the script can use it:

extends Node2D

var speed = 150

func _process(delta):
	position.x += speed * delta

Because it lasts, a node variable can change over time. Add to speed on every frame and the node goes faster and faster:

func _process(delta):
	speed += 50 * delta

A var made inside a function is made again on every call and forgotten at the end.

Challenge

Easy

The script has a variable speed that starts at 0. Make the robot speed up:

On every frame, add 200 every second to speed.
Move the robot right at speed pixels a second.

After one second it moves at 200 pixels a second, after two at 400.

Try it yourself

extends Node2D

var speed = 0

func _process(delta):
	position.x += 100 * delta

Test yourself

This lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.

All lessons in Nodes and Scenes

1Your First Godot Game

What Is Godot?Ready Runs Once Print in Godot The Scene Tree Set a Position Move a Node Once

4Finding Nodes

The Dollar Sign Node Paths Onready Change a Color Hide and Show

2Every Frame

Process Runs Every Frame Delta Pixels per Second Move Diagonally Spin With Rotation Grow With Scale

5Project: Screensaver

Screensaver: Drift Screensaver: Side Walls

Screensaver: Top and Bottom

Screensaver: New Colors

3Values You Can Tune

Variables on a NodeConstants Export Variables Vector2 Math Wrap Around the Screen Your Own Functions

Practice on your own: Godot playground