C++ Implementation for key handling

[machisuji]

I wanted to avoid using Blueprints at all so looked into how to do this using C++.
I’m not sure if this is the optimal solution. Maybe there’s better one for C++.
But in any case it works just fine:

1. Create a new C++ class based on APlayerController.
2. Implement Tick and use the WasInputKeyJustPressed method there.

Since this is called each frame I added a IsMenuOpen flag to prevent running this multiple times. The flag is reset when the menu is closed (not shown here).

[beegeedee]

This seems to be fine. The keypress is hard-coded however rather than using a project settings action mapping - it means a recompile to change it.
You should be aware that Blueprints are not something to be avoided - for simple tasks like menu interaction, blueprint is perfect. It’s perfectly performant for these tasks.

Normally, if I were implementing a menu I’d not use C++ at all. The second reason being it enables designers to adjust functionality slightly not relying on developers to change the C++ and rebuild the project. On a small project it is not an issue but large scale projects with many developers, Artists and map editors etc, this can be critical.

[machisuji]

You are right, there’s nothing wrong with using Blueprints in principle. I just wanted to challenge myself to avoid it wherever possible.

For anyone who’s interested, I did find a better solution using InputComponent (which the PlayerController already has) and this way the Key can also be freely mapped in the project settings under Engine → Input without needing recompilation:

The code now looks like this:

void APuzzlePlatformsPlayerController::BeginPlay()
{
	Super::BeginPlay();

	if (InputComponent)
	{
		InputComponent->BindAction(
			"InGameMenu",
			IE_Released,
			this,
			&APuzzlePlatformsPlayerController::OpenInGameMenu
		);
	}
}

void APuzzlePlatformsPlayerController::OpenInGameMenu()
{
	if (IsMenuOpen) return;
	
	IsMenuOpen = true;

	UPuzzlePlatformsGameInstance* GameInstance = Cast<UPuzzlePlatformsGameInstance, UGameInstance>(GetGameInstance());

	if (GameInstance)
	{
		GameInstance->LoadInGameMenu();
	}
}

[beegeedee]

Thanks for sharing. This is indeed a better solution.