The Howdy Glossary

Godot is an open-source 2D and 3D game development engine. The engine offers a simple interface with the ability to use a node-based system for creating game scenes, making it easy to set up different elements in a game environment and connect them logically. Godot lets developers code in GDScript (a Python-like scripting language designed specifically for the engine), C# or VisualScript (a visual programming language). It has tools for animation, physics simulation, networking, visual shaders and audio processing that can be used independently or all together in one project. The engine can export games to multiple platforms including but not limited to Windows, macOS, Linux and mobile devices while providing optimizations needed for these varied targets. As an open-source tool backed by a vibrant community of developers contributing tutorials, plugins and general support through active forums and social media groups, Godot has evolved into a serious competitor alongside industry giants like Unity or Unreal Engine. Despite its free nature without any royalty requirements on shipped titles — Godot remains less mainstream but rapidly gaining attention due to its affordability for indie developers as well as educators looking to introduce students to game design principles without sacrificing sophisticated technical capabilities typically associated with more expensive engines.