Rename

A method called HandleThing may make sense on day one and become vague once coins, enemies, and doors share the class. Give it the gameplay name it earned.

The problem

A rename changes source identity, so it must be validated against C# naming rules and sibling signatures. It also needs to stay reversible while you are still choosing the name.

When to reach for it

Use in-place rename for an ordinary method or an editable declaration owned by the selected class. The right-rail identity header is the source of the action because it already shows the exact thing being renamed.

A method you make with the Methods + is named once, on its own rail row, when it is made. The row opens as a name box holding the default name (NewMethod, then NewMethod1, NewMethod2), all of it selected. Enter names the method, Escape keeps the default, and an empty name, a keyword, the class’s own name, or a name the class already has shows its reason as you type. Every later rename goes through the identity header described below.

Lifecycle method names are read-only. Their names are the contracts Unity invokes, so changing one would stop the callback from running.

See it

Figure 1. The source-backed identity where F2 starts a rename.

Do it

1. Select the method or editable member so its identity appears at the top of the right rail.
2. Focus the identity header and press F2. Hover or keyboard focus also reveals Rename · F2.
3. Type the new C# identifier. The editor checks it while you type.
4. Press Enter to commit the name into the draft. Clicking away also commits.
5. Press Escape if you want to cancel the active text edit and restore the prior draft name.
6. Read any field-local callout. An invalid identifier or a collision stays in the editor until it is repaired or cancelled.
7. Inspect the graph and the Previewing your changes. state. The .cs file still carries the old name.
8. Press Compile. Round Trip writes the signature edit, imports the file, and reopens the renamed method from parsed source.

You should see

The Explorer row, identity header, and source declaration agree on the new name after Compile. Before Compile, undo can still remove the rename draft.

Change one thing

Rename a small helper twice before compiling. Use Escape during the second text edit, then use Undo on the committed first draft. Confirm that source has not moved.

What it writes

C#

What it writes

C#

private void RefreshCoinDisplay()
{
    _hud.RefreshCoins(_scoreCounter.Coins, _scoreCounter.Score);
}

Only the source-owned identity edit is written. Canvas placement, viewport, and reroute knots are unaffected by the method name change.

When it goes wrong

When it goes wrong

Symptom	Check	Fix
The name field shows a callout	Look for an invalid character, reserved keyword, or colliding signature.	Repair the identifier in place or press Escape.
F2 shows a lock reason	Confirm this is a lifecycle method or inherited member.	Keep the contract name or rename the declaration in the file that owns it.
Source still has the old name	Look for the Previewing your changes. banner.	Press Compile when the draft is ready.

Next

• Preview and Compile
• Edits from outside
• Identity and inspector