{{description>Reference for all data types used in the Curvy Generator: what they carry, how they relate to each other, and how to create your own.}}
====== Data Types ======
Every module in the Curvy Generator exchanges data through its slots. This page describes all the data types those slots can carry.

===== Type Hierarchy =====
Types can inherit from each other. A slot that accepts a [[#Shape]] will also accept a [[#Path]], because Path extends Shape (it carries everything Shape does, plus more). This lets you connect modules flexibly without needing exact type matches.

Inheritance tree:

<html>
<pre>
Root
├── <a href="#shape">Shape</a>
│   └── <a href="#path">Path</a>
│       └── <a href="#volume">Volume</a>
├── <a href="#bounds">Bounds</a>
│   ├── <a href="#gameobject">GameObject</a>
│   └── <a href="#vmesh">VMesh</a>
├── <a href="#vsubmesh">VSubMesh</a>
└── <a href="#spots">Spots</a>
</pre>
</html>

===== Type Reference =====
Short descriptions of each type, from a user perspective.

==== Shape ====
A 2D outline made of sample points. Used for example as the cross-section in extrusions.

Carries:
  * **Positions** - the 2D points of the outline (on the X/Y plane only)
  * **Normals** - the outward direction at each point
  * **Material and UV settings** - what points belong to which material, and what UV to apply

<note important>Shape must lie strictly on the X/Y plane.</note>

==== Path ====
//Extends [[#Shape]]//

A 3D curve made of sample points. Used for example as the spine along which shapes are extruded or objects are placed.

Carries everything Shape carries, plus:
  * **Directions** - the forward tangent at each point (where the path is heading)

==== Volume ====
//Extends [[#Path]] → [[#Shape]]//

The result of extruding a Shape along a Path. Contains the full 3D surface data needed to build a mesh.

Carries everything Path carries, plus:
  * **Vertices** - 3D positions of the surface points
  * **Vertex normals** - surface normals
  * **Cross distances** - relative positions of each point along the cross-section

==== Bounds ====
A bounding box. Used to know the size of a mesh or GameObject, so other modules (like [[.:modules:volumespots|Volume Spots]]) can place objects without overlap.

Carries:
  * **Bounds** - a Unity [[https://docs.unity3d.com/ScriptReference/Bounds.html|Bounds]] value (center + size)

==== GameObject ====
//Extends [[#Bounds]]//

A reference to a Unity GameObject or Prefab, along with an optional local TRS offset.

Carries everything Bounds carries, plus:
  * **Object** - the GameObject reference
  * **Translate, Rotate, Scale** - optional offset applied when placing the object

==== VMesh ====
//Extends [[#Bounds]]//

Mesh data ready to be turned into a Unity Mesh. One VMesh can contain multiple submeshes (one per material).

Carries everything Bounds carries, plus:
  * **Vertices** - 3D positions
  * **UV, UV2** - texture coordinates
  * **Normals** - surface normals
  * **Tangents** - surface tangents
  * **Sub-meshes** - list of [[#VSubMesh]] entries, one per material

==== VSubMesh ====
One submesh within a [[#VMesh]]. Each submesh is associated to one material slot on the final Unity mesh.

Carries:
  * **Triangles** - vertex index triplets defining the mesh faces
  * **Material** - the Unity material to apply

==== Spots ====
A list of placement points. Each spot tells a module where to place an object and which object from the input array to use.

Carries, per spot:
  * **Index** - which item from the input list to place (0 = first, 1 = second, …)
  * **Position** - where to place it
  * **Rotation** - which way it faces
  * **Scale** - how big it is