Unity ECS Skill

Data-Oriented Technology Stack (DOTS) and Entity Component System development for Unity.

Overview

This skill provides capabilities for implementing high-performance gameplay systems using Unity's Entity Component System, Jobs System, and Burst compiler.

Capabilities

Entity Component System

• Create IComponentData structs
• Implement ISystem and SystemBase
• Manage entity archetypes
• Handle entity queries and batching

Jobs System

• Create IJob implementations
• Implement IJobEntity for entity processing
• Handle job dependencies and scheduling
• Manage native containers

Burst Compiler

• Enable Burst compilation for jobs
• Optimize with SIMD instructions
• Profile Burst-compiled code
• Handle Burst limitations

Hybrid Workflow

• Bridge ECS with GameObjects
• Use companion components
• Convert existing systems to ECS
• Implement baking workflow

Prerequisites

• Unity 2022.3+ recommended
• Entities package (1.0+)
• Mathematics package
• Burst package

Usage Patterns

Component Data

public struct MoveSpeed : IComponentData
{
    public float Value;
}

public struct Velocity : IComponentData
{
    public float3 Value;
}

System Implementation

[BurstCompile]
public partial struct MovementSystem : ISystem
{
    [BurstCompile]
    public void OnUpdate(ref SystemState state)
    {
        float deltaTime = SystemAPI.Time.DeltaTime;

        foreach (var (transform, velocity) in
            SystemAPI.Query<RefRW<LocalTransform>, RefRO<Velocity>>())
        {
            transform.ValueRW.Position += velocity.ValueRO.Value * deltaTime;
        }
    }
}

Job Example

[BurstCompile]
public partial struct MovementJob : IJobEntity
{
    public float DeltaTime;

    void Execute(ref LocalTransform transform, in Velocity velocity)
    {
        transform.Position += velocity.Value * DeltaTime;
    }
}

Best Practices

1. Keep components small and focused
2. Use Burst for all performance-critical jobs
3. Batch entity operations
4. Minimize structural changes
5. Profile with Entity Debugger

References

• Unity DOTS Documentation
• Burst Manual