An array implementation for Unity that works both in burst and in managed code without having to copy over data.
Native arrays are slower when used in Managed code, but faster/required in Native code in Unity. This data structure allows you to have the best of both worlds;
- Use a Managed array while doing work in managed code
- Use a Native array while doing work in native code
- Not needing to copy any data
Notes:
- Native Arrays need to be retrieved and then returned when no longer used.
- The Managed array cannot be used at the same time as the Native Array.
- The MixedManagedArray needs to be disposed at the end of its life
int arraySize = 10; // Allocate the array MixedManagedArray<int> myArray = new MixedManagedArray<int>(arraySize); // Write to the Managed array for (int i = 0; i < arraySize; i++) myArray[arraySize] = i; NativeArray<int> myNativeArray = myArray.RetrieveNativeArray(); // Note: can also use RetrieveReadOnlyNativeArray() to retrieve a NativeArray<T>.ReadOnly instead // Note: CANNOT use myArray until we return myNativeArray // .. do some work on Native array for (int i = 0; i < myNativeArray.Length; i++) myNativeArray[arraySize] = arraySize - i; // Return the native array to make use myArray knows that we can use the Managed array again // Note: do not try to dispose myNativeArray! myArray.ReturnNativeArray(ref myNativeArray); // Note: From this point on // - myNativeArray CANNOT be used anymore // - it's safe to use the Managed array (myArray) again // Read from Managed array for (int i = 0; i < arraySize; i++) Debug.Log(myArray[arraySize]);mixed-managed-array is developed by Sander van Rossen (Briganti) and uses the MIT license.