Using the Destroy() Function

Having too many items in a game could slow down the computer and its frame rate. This is especially apparent in games where objects are created during gameplay.

The Destroy() Function

To remove a game object or components of a game object, use the Destroy() function.

In the examples below, the following variables are used:

public GameObject thing;
public Transform thingTransform;

Example of deleting a game object:

Destroy(thing);

Example of deleting a game object of a transform:

Destroy(thingTransform.gameObject);

The Destroy() function can also delete components (colliders, Rigidbody, scripts, etc.).

Example of deleting a Rigidbody component on a game object:

Destroy(thing.GetComponent<Rigidbody>());

Self-Destruction

You can destroy the object the script is attached to. This is a great way of controlling prefabs that need to delete themselves.

Use this code:

Destroy(gameObject);

Deleting parent objects will delete their child objects. Child objects can be moved to another parent if needed. Read more about Parenting.

Avoiding Errors

You will get an error if you try to remove an object or component that is not there.

You can check to see if an object or component is there by using this script.

Example of checking if a variable has been assigned and if the associated game object exists:

if (thing != null)
{
     // There is an object assigned to the variable thing
}

Example of checking for a Rigidbody component:

if (thing.GetComponent<Rigidbody>() != null)
{
    // There is a Rigidbody component
}

Accessing Components Through ScriptsCreating Custom Components and ScriptsIntro to Scripts