Does :FindFirstChild() run each time it is addressed?

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1

Pretty self explanatory, let’s say I set a variable using :FindFirstChild().

Here is my example:

local Bullet = workspace:FindFirstChild(“Bullet”)

If I do this and I address the Bullet, is it using :FindFirstChild() each time? I understand when using RunService using :FindFirstChild() and :WaitForChild() is incredibly inefficient.

Full example:

local Bullet = workspace:FindFirstChild(“Bullet”)

game:GetService(“RunService”):Connect(function()
if Bullet then
– Do something
end
end)

Would doing if Bullet then be considered inefficient? Or is :FindFirstChild() only called once?

2

In your example :FindFirstChild is only called the once. The result will either be nil or the bullet it found.

3

Yes, but my question is essentially, if I call “Bullet” in a function, would that be calling :FindFirstChild() each time “Bullet” is mentioned? Or is it only called once, when it is initialized?

4

No it won’t look for the first child every time Bullet is referenced. Once bullet has been set it will just use that variable value.

5

Okay epic! Thanks a lot this really helps

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