godot-signals-patterns

Godot Signals Patterns

Purpose

Use signals for decoupling without creating hidden event webs, ownership confusion, or lifecycle bugs.

Use When

• signal usage is growing
• scene communication is brittle
• callbacks and node dependencies are hard to debug

Inputs

• scene architecture
• system boundaries
• signal producers and consumers
• lifecycle notes

Process

1. define which signals are stable contracts
2. document who connects, disconnects, and owns signal lifetime
3. avoid using signals when direct ownership is clearer
4. prevent scene-tree timing assumptions from becoming hidden requirements
5. add debug support for signal-heavy flows

Outputs

• signal contract list
• ownership notes
• debugging guidance
• anti-pattern warnings

Quality Bar

• respects scene-tree ownership, autoload boundaries, and resource behavior
• keeps scripts, signals, and resources understandable at scale
• supports export reliability and content iteration without hidden coupling

Common Failure Modes

• autoloads becoming global dumping grounds
• signal webs with no ownership
• shared resources causing accidental state leakage

Related Agents

• godot-reviewer
• tools-programmer
• gameplay-programmer

Related Commands

• godot-review
• godot-scene-audit
• refactor-clean

Notes

• Keep this skill aligned with the relevant rules layer and current project documentation.
• If engine-specific constraints materially change the workflow, hand off to the matching engine skill or engine-specific reviewer.