Unreal Engine C++ fundamentals

Unreal C++ is standard C++ augmented by a reflection layer generated by the Unreal Header Tool (UHT). Getting the reflection macros right determines whether your code compiles, appears in Blueprints, replicates correctly, and survives garbage collection.

When to use this skill

• Creating or editing any U*/A* class or F* struct in C++.
• Exposing a member or function to Blueprints, the editor, or network replication.
• Diagnosing UHT errors ("Unrecognized type", "missing generated.h", "GENERATED_BODY missing").
• Deciding between TObjectPtr, raw pointer, TWeakObjectPtr, or TSharedPtr.
• Understanding how the CDO works or why a constructor runs in the editor.

Mental model

Three interlocking pieces: