Type hints

Learn type hints in GDScript with the : marker.

Type Hints

GDScript is dynamically typed; however, placing a colon : after a variable name introduces static type hints. This enables the editor to catch type mismatch errors early while authoring code.

var player_name: String = "Hero"
var health: int = 100
var speed: float = 8.5
var is_active: bool = true

Type hints also significantly accelerate Godot's autocomplete and contextual documentation engine.

Type hints in functions

Beyond parameter typing, the exact return type of a function can be declared using the -> arrow. If the function returns no value, its return type is marked as void.

func add_health(current: int, bonus: int) -> int:
    return current + bonus

func reset_game() -> void:
    print("Reset")

This disciplined pattern maximizes maintainability and stability across large projects.

Exercise Declare typed variables and print

Assign "Mage" to a String variable title and 5 to an int variable level. Print Title: Mage | Level: 5 to the console.

Show example solution

extends Node

func _ready():
    var title: String = "Mage"
    var level: int = 5
    print("Title: " + title + " | Level: " + str(level))

Test yourself

Which symbol is used right after the variable name in GDScript to explicitly add a type hint?
- ->
- =>
- : (Colon)
- #
Show answer

: (Colon) — A colon ':' placed immediately after a variable name declares the type acceptable for that variable.

Add integer type hint

var max_health: ____ = 100

Show answer

var max_health: int = 100

Type hint elements

Type Hint

Hint declaring variable data type
String

Type hint representing text data
int

Type hint representing integers
->

Arrow indicating return type

Next lesson: Summary - GDScript

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