StartCoroutine

Learn to start a coroutine with StartCoroutine.

Launching with StartCoroutine

Coroutine methods cannot be invoked like regular functions by simply writing SpawnWave(). They must be registered into Unity's execution loop through the StartCoroutine() method on a MonoBehaviour.

void Start() {
    // Launching the coroutine
    StartCoroutine(SpawnEnemyWave());
}

When StartCoroutine is called, execution runs immediately up to the first yield statement, where pausing begins.

Storing a Coroutine reference

The StartCoroutine method returns a Coroutine handle object. Storing this reference in a variable is vital for identifying and halting that specific routine later.

Coroutine activeRoutine;

void FireSkill() {
    activeRoutine = StartCoroutine(CastSpell());
}

Without caching this reference, targeting and terminating one specific routine among multiple concurrent instances is difficult.

Exercise Print launcher and target method

Assign "StartCoroutine" to launcher and "SpawnWave" to targetRoutine. Print Launcher: StartCoroutine | Routine: SpawnWave to the console.

Show example solution

using System;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        string launcher = "StartCoroutine";
        string targetRoutine = "SpawnWave";
        Console.WriteLine("Launcher: " + launcher + " | Routine: " + targetRoutine);
    }
}

Test yourself

Which is the correct way to run an 'AttackRoutine' coroutine returning IEnumerator in a MonoBehaviour script?
- StartCoroutine(AttackRoutine());
- AttackRoutine();
- run AttackRoutine();
- new AttackRoutine();
Show answer

StartCoroutine(AttackRoutine()); — Coroutines do not execute when called directly; they must be launched through the StartCoroutine wrapper.

Start coroutine and cache reference

Coroutine routine = ____(DoSomething());

Show answer

Coroutine routine = StartCoroutine(DoSomething());

Launch concepts

StartCoroutine

Method to start coroutine
Coroutine

Running coroutine handle
MonoBehaviour

Class with StartCoroutine
Metot Çağrısı

Function passed to StartCoroutine

Next lesson: StopCoroutine

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