Defining some terminology

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.