Grid Building Plugin Overview

The Grid Building Plugin is a comprehensive, modular system for implementing grid-based building mechanics in Godot games. It provides everything you need to create complex construction systems with precise grid placement, validation, and state management.

Current 6.0 Health (Developer View)

• ✅ Core: GridBuilding.Core builds cleanly; GridBuilding.Core.Tests are green.
• 🔴 Godot Runtime & Tests: GridBuilding.Godot and GridBuilding.Godot.Tests are under active v6.0 refactor and currently do not build.
• 🔴 Analyzers & Quarantine: GodotToolkit.TestAnalyzer reports structural issues around Quarantine test isolation.

For detailed, up-to-date status, see:

• docs/gridplacement/HEALTH_ASSESSMENT.md (overall plugin health)
• docs/GRIDBUILDING_TEST_HEALTH.md (test/analyzer health snapshot)
• docs/GRIDBUILDING_6_0_RELEASE_ROADMAP.md (what remains for 6.0)

🏗️ Architecture Overview

🎯 Core Features

Grid Management

• Multiple Grid Types: Square, hexagonal, and custom grid shapes
• Flexible Cell Sizes: Configurable cell dimensions and spacing
• Multi-Layer Support: Build complex structures with elevation
• Coordinate Systems: Support for 2D, 3D, and isometric grids

Building System

• Smart Placement: Automatic grid snapping and alignment
• Validation Rules: Customizable placement constraints and validation
• Collision Detection: Built-in collision mapping and physics integration
• Visual Feedback: Real-time preview and placement indicators

State Management

• Persistent State: Save/load grid states and building data
• Context Management: Separate contexts for different building modes
• Undo/Redo: Complete history tracking and reversal
• Network Ready: Designed for multiplayer synchronization

User Interface

• Visual Indicators: Hover states, selection highlights, and placement previews
• Customizable UI: Themeable components and visual settings
• Input Handling: Flexible input mapping and gesture support
• Accessibility: Screen reader support and keyboard navigation

📊 System Components

🎨 Visual Features

Grid Visualization

• Customizable Grid Lines: Color, thickness, and style options
• Cell Highlighting: Dynamic cell states and visual feedback
• Grid Overlays: Optional grid overlay for better visibility
• Theme Support: Light/dark themes and custom color schemes

Building Preview

• Real-time Preview: See buildings before placement
• Ghost Rendering: Semi-transparent preview of pending placements
• Validation Feedback: Visual indicators for valid/invalid placements
• Animation Support: Smooth transitions and placement animations

UI Components

• Context Menus: Right-click context actions and options
• Toolbars: Quick access to building tools and settings
• Status Indicators: Real-time system status and information
• Help System: Integrated tooltips and help documentation

🔧 Technical Specifications

Performance

• Optimized Rendering: Efficient grid rendering with culling
• Memory Management: Smart memory usage and cleanup
• Scalable Design: Handles large grids without performance issues
• Frame Rate: Maintains 60 FPS even with complex grids

Compatibility

• Godot Version: Compatible with Godot 4.x
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Web
• Export Ready: Works with all Godot export templates
• Network Support: Designed for multiplayer games

Integration

• Asset System: Works with Godot’s resource system
• Scene System: Integrates with Godot’s scene tree
• Signal System: Uses Godot’s signal/event system
• Plugin System: Extensible through custom plugins

🚀 Use Cases

Strategy Games

• City Builders: Complex urban planning and construction
• Tower Defense: Strategic placement and grid-based gameplay
• RTS Games: Base building and resource management

Simulation Games

• Farm Simulators: Crop placement and farm management
• Factory Games: Production line and facility planning
• Colony Sims: Habitat construction and expansion

Creative Games

• Sandbox Games: Free-form building and creation
• Level Editors: In-game level design tools
• Puzzle Games: Grid-based puzzle mechanics

📈 Development Roadmap

Current Version (v6.0)

• ✅ Core grid system
• ✅ C# API implementation
• ✅ Visual feedback system
• ✅ Save/load functionality
• ✅ Documentation generation

Upcoming Features

• 🔄 Multiplayer synchronization
• 🔄 Advanced AI building
• 🔄 Procedural generation
• 🔄 Performance optimization
• 🔄 Mobile UI improvements

Future Plans

• 📋 Visual scripting support
• 📋 Plugin marketplace
• 📋 Advanced analytics
• 📋 Cloud integration
• 📋 VR/AR support

🤝 Contributing

We welcome contributions from the community! Whether you’re fixing bugs, adding features, or improving documentation, your help is appreciated.

How to Contribute

1. Fork the Repository: Create your own copy on GitHub
2. Create a Branch: Work on your feature or fix
3. Write Tests: Ensure your changes are well-tested
4. Submit PR: Open a pull request for review

Development Environment

• Language: C# (.NET 6+)
• Engine: Godot 4.x
• Testing: GDUnit4
• Documentation: Auto-generated with Rust

🎯 Next Steps

Ready to dive in? Here’s where to start:

1. Project Architecture - Understand the system structure
2. Getting Started - Follow the guided tutorials
3. API Reference - Browse the complete API documentation
4. Examples - See real-world implementation examples