How to find all classes deriving from a base class?

Question

I am creating a custom editor window.

I want to find all classes that derive from a base class, and show them in my window.

"Find" similar to how you can use Resources.Load, but my base class does not derive from UnityEngine.Object so I need another way.

I have found several forums showing different ways of using Reflection to find all types that derive from a base type, but I don't understand how to use this.

https://answers.unity.com/questions/983125/c-using-reflection-to-automate-finding-classes.html

I don't know what to do with an array of Types.

How can I use that to get access to the actual classes?

Answer 1

Best Answer

Answer by IggyZuk · Oct 13, 2020 at 05:58 PM

You can create an instance of the class using the base type. Here is an example using LINQ.

 IEnumerable<BaseClass> GetAll()
 {
     return AppDomain.CurrentDomain.GetAssemblies()
         .SelectMany(assembly => assembly.GetTypes())
         .Where(type => type.IsSubclassOf(typeof(BaseClass)))
         .Select(type => Activator.CreateInstance(type) as BaseClass);
 }

 GetAll().ToList().ForEach(x => x.DoStuff());

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bibbis · Oct 14, 2020 at 02:42 PM 0

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Awesome! Just what I needed, thank you!

I found a lot of good reading about the Activator. Very useful tool!

mooumari · Dec 22, 2020 at 06:43 PM 0

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thank you so much i was looking for that the whole day

How to find all classes deriving from a base class?

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