[IMPROVE] use JsonUtility to serialise and then deserialise into the new type

[Mudloop]

Improvement destription

When changing a type, it would be good to serialise the current value, and then deserialise into the new object instead of using the activator. That way, any properties they share will be retained.

I would also add a “make unique” button that just clones the object (also using jsonutility), useful after a “duplicate array” operation. This could be a little button next to the selector (or a … button that opens a menu).

[Mudloop]

Here's an example of the first suggestion :

public static object SetManagedReference (this SerializedProperty property,Type type) {
	if(property.managedReferenceValue != null)
	{
		var json = UnityEngine.JsonUtility.ToJson(property.managedReferenceValue);
		var clone = UnityEngine.JsonUtility.FromJson(json, type);
		property.managedReferenceValue = clone;
		return clone;
	}
	object obj = (type != null) ? Activator.CreateInstance(type) : null;
	property.managedReferenceValue = obj;
	return obj;
}

And here's something for the second suggestion :

	if(GUI.Button(new(position.x + 20, position.yMax - 20, position.width, 20), "Make unique")) {
		Undo.RecordObject(property.serializedObject.targetObject, "Make unique");
		SerializedObject individualObject = new(property.serializedObject.targetObjects);
		SerializedProperty individualProperty = individualObject.FindProperty(property.propertyPath);
		individualProperty.managedReferenceValue = property.managedReferenceValue.Clone();
		individualObject.ApplyModifiedProperties();
		individualObject.Update();
		EditorUtility.SetDirty(property.serializedObject.targetObject);
	}

[jlaprof]

The asset is excellent, and both are nice suggestions; the first one is highly appreciated if we use a lot of inheritance, and the second one, you usually won't want a duplicate reference. An easy way to make it unique seems logical... not sure how to implement the UI/UX part...

[mackysoft]

Hi @Mudloop
Sorry for the delay.

The latest release supports restoring values from JSON.
https://github.com/mackysoft/Unity-SerializeReferenceExtensions/releases/tag/1.2.0