FactorableDataUtility

Internal static utility class for creating deep and shallow copies of FactorableData records. Deep copy uses Odin binary serialization for a full value clone including nested references; shallow copy uses C# record with expressions.

Definition

Namespace: Paragon.Core.ScriptableFactory Assembly: Paragon.dll

internal static class FactorableDataUtility

Remarks

This utility is used internally by the factory system (specifically ScriptableFactory<TObject, TData>.Spawn()) to ensure each spawned object receives its own independent copy of data. This prevents mutations on one object from affecting others.

Deep copying is performed via Odin's SerializationUtility — the data is serialized to a binary MemoryStream then deserialized back into a new instance. This correctly handles:

• Nested objects and complex reference graphs

• Unity Object references (preserved via the unityObjects list)

• Custom Odin-serialized types

Shallow copying uses the C# record with { } expression, which creates a memberwise clone (reference fields are shared, not cloned).

Quick Lookup

Goal	How
Deep copy data	FactorableDataUtility.CreateCopy(data)
Shallow copy data	FactorableDataUtility.CreateCopy(data, CopyMode.SHALLOW)
Null-safe copy	Returns null if input is null

Methods

CreateCopy<TData>

Creates a copy of the given data record.

public static TData CreateCopy<TData>(TData data, CopyMode copyMode = CopyMode.DEEP)
    where TData : FactorableData

Parameter	Type	Default	Description
data	TData	—	The data record to copy. Can be null.
copyMode	CopyMode	DEEP	Whether to perform a deep or shallow copy.

Returns: A new TData instance, or null if input was null.

Nested Types

CopyMode (enum)

public enum CopyMode
{
    SHALLOW,  // Memberwise clone via record 'with { }' expression
    DEEP      // Full binary serialization round-trip via Odin
}

Value	Description
SHALLOW	Uses C# record with { } — fast but shares nested references
DEEP	Uses Odin binary serialization — slower but fully independent clone

Common Pitfalls

Shallow copy shares nested references CopyMode.SHALLOW only clones top-level fields. Nested objects (lists, dictionaries, custom classes) will be shared between the original and the copy. Use DEEP when data contains mutable nested references.

Internal access only This class is internal. Game code should not call it directly — it is invoked automatically by the factory's Spawn() method. If you need to copy data in game code, access it through the factory API.

See Also

• FactorableData — the abstract record base this utility copies

• ScriptableFactoryRegistry — central registry of factories