Before we dive into the interface, and dive further into what we're going to cover in this book, let's clear up some terms (such as distribution channels and platforms):
- Asset: Any element used in your project. An asset can be anything from a graphic to a sound effect MP3.
- Project: The Buildbox file used to create the game.
- Element: The use of a visual asset within Buildbox, for example, a button on a menu screen is considered an element.
- Animation: The movement of an element within Buildbox.
- Animated element: An element consisting of an image sequence giving the appearance of animation, for instance, a running sequence (known as a walk cycle) on the main character to show them running when moving.
- Physics: A type of animation within Buildbox allowing movement based on environmental parameters (falling with gravity, bouncing with collisions, and so on).
- Export: A set of files generated by Buildbox.
- Compile: The act of taking exported files from Buildbox and creating an executable program (or app) from those exported files.
- Compiler: Software used to compile.
- Platform: A system that will run your compiled program or application, for example, an iOS device or a Windows computer.
- Distribution channel: The location where customers will be able to find your compiled game and download it, for example, Google Play, iTunes, Windows Store, Steam, and so on.
- UI: The user interface. This includes menus, buttons, score counters, anything the user interacts with or can derive information from.
