File Organization Guidelines
Purpose
Organizing files in Roblox Studio is crucial for maintaining a clean and efficient development environment. This document outlines best practices for grouping files into folders and naming conventions to ensure clarity and ease of navigation.
Folder Structure
1. Main Folders
Create the following main folders in your project:
- Scripts
- Models
- Assets
- Plugins
- UI
- Services
2. Subfolders
Within each main folder, create subfolders as needed:
Scripts
- Gameplay
- Scripts that control game mechanics (e.g., PlayerHealth.lua).
- Utilities
- Helper scripts and functions (e.g., MathHelpers.lua).
- Events
- Scripts that respond to game events (e.g., PlayerJoined.lua).
Models
- Characters
- Player models and NPCs (e.g., HeroCharacter.model).
- Environment
- Static objects like buildings and trees (e.g., CityBuilding.model).
- Props
- Interactive items (e.g., HealthPack.model).
Assets
- Textures
- Image files for models (e.g., GrassTexture.png).
- SoundEffects
- Audio files (e.g., ExplosionSound.mp3).
UI
- Menus
- Main and pause menus (e.g., MainMenu.ui).
- HUD
- In-game display elements (e.g., HealthBar.ui).
Plugins
- CustomPlugins
- Any custom tools or plugins (e.g., TerrainEditor.plugin).
3. File Grouping
When grouping files, ensure that related items are placed in the appropriate subfolders. For example, all scripts related to player interactions should reside in the Scripts/Gameplay folder.
Naming Conventions
General Guidelines
- Use descriptive names that clearly indicate the purpose of the file.
- Use CamelCase for file names:
- Example:
PlayerHealth,EnemyAI,GameManager.
Specific Examples
- Scripts
- Player health management:
PlayerHealth.lua - Enemy behavior:
EnemyAI.lua -
Game state management:
GameManager.lua -
Models
- Player character model:
HeroCharacter.model -
Static environment object:
StreetLamp.model -
Assets
- Texture for grass:
GrassTexture.png -
Background music:
MainTheme.mp3 -
UI Elements
- Main menu screen:
MainMenu.ui - Health bar display:
HealthBar.ui
Best Practices
- Consistency: Adhere to the naming conventions and folder structures throughout the project.
- Documentation: Include comments within scripts to explain their functionality.
- Version Control: If using version control, commit changes regularly with clear messages that describe what was organized or updated.
Conclusion
By following these guidelines, developers can create a well-organized project in Roblox Studio, making it easier to navigate and collaborate on. Consistent naming conventions and thoughtful folder structures will enhance both individual and team productivity.