The checklist

• Use this checklist as a guide to make sure you're not forgetting anything at every stage of your project.

• It is best referred to as you work along rather than at the very end.

• Depending on the editor you use, you can download an extension like ToDo Tree to display the checklist in the sidebar.

1. Scoping the project and getting a prototype review

• I singled out one real problem users have

• In case I'm writing for advanced users:

  • I discussed the topic with users in the target audience

  • I only touched on topics I'm very comfortable with

  • I got in touch with experts/core developers

• I wrote the tutorial header:

  • I made a bullet list with key information (title, pitch, audience, and teaching points)

  • I wrote the tutorial title

  • I listed the things the user will learn

  • I listed the prerequisites

  • I wrote a short introduction

• I created a prototype for the code demo using geometric shapes

• I created a pull request to submit it for review

  • I included the tutorial header in a PR comment

• I got confirmation from peers and members of my target audience on the scope of the tutorial and demo

• I agreed on review milestones if the code will take more than 2 days of work

2. Finalizing the code demo and getting a final review

• I defined the limits of my code instructions

  • I grouped all irrelevant but required assets, scenes, and scripts

  • I created an API to contain all relevant scripts: properties, methods' signatures, docstrings

• I kept my code as simple and readable as possible

  • I did not future-proof

  • I picked one valid solution

  • I favored inline code in functions (over splitting code across many functions)

  • I avoided popular principles that don't create a concrete benefit

  • I know why I chose every line of code over an alternative

• I followed the GDScript code order

  1. class docstrings

  2. class_name

  3. extends

  4. signals

  5. enums

  6. constants

  7. exported variables

  8. public variables

  9. private variables

  10. onready variables

  11. optional built-in virtual _init method

  12. built-in virtual _ready method

  13. remaining built-in virtual methods

  14. public methods

  15. private methods

• I followed the code style guidelines and syntax rules

  • Docstrings start with ##

  • Signals are plain verbs in past tense and do not repeat class names

  • Signals take no parentheses if they do not pass function parameters

  • Signals corresponding to the beginning or end of an action are called <action>_started or <action>_finished

  • Function names are verbs

  • Variable names are nouns

  • Enum type names are in PascalCase and values are ALL_CAPS_SNAKE_CASE

  • Booleans start with is_ , can_ or has_

  • Public variable names are in snake_case

  • Pseudo-private variables names are in _snake_case_with_leading_underscore

  • Setters and getters are defined every time properties alter the object’s state

  • Docstrings are added for setters and getters if they modify the node/class state in a complex way

  • Setters and getters for a private variable start with a leading underscore

  • Onready variables are placed right before _init and/or _ready functions

  • Methods are separated by 2 blank lines

  • Signal callbacks use _on_NodeName_signal_name

  • NodeName is omitted when the object connects to itself

  • Variables have type hints and functions have the correct return type

  • Docstrings are added to public functions to describe what they do and what they return

  • Docstrings describing what a function returns start with Returns

  • Comments and docstrings use the present tense and active voice

  • Early return only occurs at the beginning of a function

  • Variable declarations use a colon : so Godot can infer type whenever possible

  • null references are avoided whenever possible

  • Variable names are simple and unabbreviated

  • Method names and arguments do not repeat the same word

  • Local variables inside a method can have short names

• I reviewed my code for readability and made sure it's self-explanatory

• I used comments whenever there is obscure code, calculations, or a strange bug workaround

• I ran GDScript code formatter before pushing the code for review

• I named and organized files and directories according to our guidelines

  • I used PascalCase to name directories, scenes, and script files

  • I did not leave spaces in filenames

  • I named scripts and scenes after their root node

  • I grouped assets, scripts, and scenes together whenever possible

  • I placed files we may reuse across projects in Godot's addons directory (besides editor plug-ins)

• I submitted my code for final review and at every milestone if necessary

• I included the tutorial header in a comment in each pull request

3. Creating a tutorial outline

• I revised the tutorial header after the scope and code reviews

• I created logical sections for each main teaching point

• I wrote a descriptive heading and sub-headings for each section

  • I did not use new class names and technical titles

  • I did not use headings composed of one or two words

  • My headings capture the problem I'm trying to solve or the game mechanic I'm adding

• I filled each section heading with short notes and code snippets

• I focused on key teaching points and the order in which I'll teach them

• I wrote down questions the reader might have

• I worked with a peer to ensure I'm not forgetting anything

4. Writing the tutorial

4.1 Crafting the tutorial body

• I reread the writing style guidelines (in checklist 5) before getting started

• I put myself in the reader's shoes

  • I started from the users' problem

  • I remembered what it was like when I was trying to learn the concepts

  • I explained why I chose to structure my project this way

  • I mentioned other potential solutions, their advantages, and drawbacks

  • If I'm teaching a pattern, I explained its general form

  • I explained the limits of my example compared to a real-world scenario

  • If I'm writing for beginners:

    • I included spatial indications (where to find buttons, etc.)

    • I used many pictures to help visualize the steps

    • I anticipated and answered questions

    • I anticipated common mistakes and errors

• I focused on one thing at a time

• I structured the content to make it easy to follow

  • My sections are ordered logically to provide the reader with the most accessible learning flow

• I shared my thought process with the reader

  • I explained "why", not just "how"

  • I told the reader why I picked this approach over another

• Inside each section, I detailed the steps to achieve the results

  • I verified my section headings are descriptive of the problem, not labels

• I supported my teaching with visuals

  • I set up Godot's interface according to the guidelines (in checklist 7) before taking any screenshots

  • I only included relevant detail in image crops

  • The images are as close as possible to the relevant text

  • I labeled and referred to the visuals clearly

  • I kept inline videos and animated gifs to a minimum

• I crafted my code references

  • I tried to append code at the end of existing functions rather than in the middle

  • I highlighted the change if I had to append or substitute code in the middle of a function

  • I included code comments:

    • I explained why I decided to write a function in a chosen way

    • I explained what the code does without paraphrasing it

    • I explained how the implementation affects performance

    • I explained how a function works under the hood or what else it does

    • I explained what edge cases I'm accounting for

  • If I'm writing for beginners:

    • I kept my code listings short

    • I wrote detailed code comments

• I crafted the flow of my tutorial

  • I avoided frequent back-and-forth between files

  • I did not use a robotic structure

  • I added game mechanics and features one after the other

  • I made sure the reader can run their game or edited scene at the end of each section without errors

4.2 Writing a footer

• I gave the reader a recap of what they achieved and learned

• I gave the reader insights on how they can go further and what other lessons they can check out next

4.3 Refining all the elements of the header

• I went back to check that the header still reflects the tutorial

  • The title includes search words for the problem I'm solving

  • The introductory sentences do explain the problem or topic

  • I showed the result in a screenshot or video clip

  • The list of learnings is complete and in a logical order

  • I did not forget any important prerequisites

  • I did follow the sentence or short paragraph in which I explained how I will tackle the problem

5. Reviewing the writing style

• My tone is kind, genuine, clear, accessible, inclusive, and professional

• I avoided exaggerations, unnecessary jargon, and colloquial expressions

• I achieved a welcoming feel without being too close

• I used gender-neutral pronouns

• I avoided generalizations about the presumed desires, capabilities, or actions of some demographic group

• I used American English

• I wrote with the least experienced reader in mind

• I repeated keywords

• I broke down complex or abstract ideas

• I used plain language and avoided uncommon or overly academic words

• I was as clear and precise as possible

• I used the direct voice

• I kept sentences short and limited to one idea each (Under 25 words)

• I used paragraphs to group sentences related to a broader idea

• I broke up paragraphs and used subheadings and lists

• I did not use ambiguous pronouns like "this" and "that" without specifying the noun they refer to

• I used italics to mention labels like node names, dock names, or property names

• I wrote labels as they appear in the interface

• I used inline code for symbols, variable names, function names, values, and any code in a sentence

• I used inline code for absolute and relative paths

• I used parentheses in function names to differentiate them from variables

• I spelled out numbers in words outside of the code

• I used plain English over symbols like & or /

• I used Title Case for the document title

• I capitalized only the first letter of other headings

• I created meaningful links that describe what the user will accomplish if they click

6. Reviewing my work and using editing tools

• I reread and edited my text for clarity

• I followed all the steps I gave and made sure they lead to the expected results

• I used a markdown formatter

• I used a prose linter like write-good to highlight complicated terms and sentence structures

• I used a spellchecker

• I used an online tool like the Hemingway app or Grammarly for sentence length and style

7. Adding great pictures

• I set up Godot's interface following the guidelines

  • I'm using the default editor theme

  • My screen resolution is 1920×1080

  • My editor font size is 22 points

  • My code font size is 24 points

• I used many contextual pictures to illustrate the content

• I cropped pictures to only show what's necessary

• I trimmed pictures to avoid inconsistent borders

• I outlined key areas with a 4 pixels yellow stroke

• I used short inline video clips and animated GIFs sparingly

• I ran the scripts and commands to batch optimize all media files

8. Submitting the tutorial for review

• I submitted my tutorial to an editor

• A reviewer tested my demo

• I incorporated feedback and recommendations

• I re-submitted for a final check