GUILayoutBeginHorizontal

GUILayoutBegin is a Unity UI system that allows for the programmatic creation and manipulation of user interfaces. It is part of Unity's IMGUI (Immediate Mode GUI) system, which draws GUI elements directly on the screen each frame. GUILayoutBegin functions are used to define the start of a layout group, which influences how subsequent GUI elements are arranged.

When GUILayoutBegin is called, it establishes a new area or container within the current GUI window. This container dictates how elements placed within it will be positioned and sized relative to each other. Common parameters for GUILayoutBegin include options for horizontal or vertical arrangement, specifying minimum and maximum sizes, and controlling spacing.

Following a GUILayoutBegin call, developers will typically use other IMGUI functions, such as GUI.Label, GUI.Button, or GUI.TextField, to draw the actual UI elements. These elements are then automatically arranged according to the rules set by the GUILayoutBegin function and its associated parameters.

To end the layout group and return to the previous layout context, GUILayoutEnd must be called. This pairing of GUILayoutBegin and GUILayoutEnd is fundamental to creating structured and organized user interfaces with the IMGUI system. The automatic layout provided by GUILayoutBegin simplifies the process of creating responsive and dynamic UI elements, especially for editor extensions or simple in-game menus.