# Blueprint

The **Blueprint** language is an object-oriented, statically typed visual scripting tool in Unreal Engine. It enables rapid prototyping and iteration, allowing developers to define gameplay logic visually. 

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The manuals in this section assume you are already familiar with the fundamentals of object-oriented programming. If you're new to programming, consider starting with an introductory tutorial first.
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Blueprints can help you create the following constructs:

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### Under the Hood <a href="#under-the-hood" id="under-the-hood"></a>

**Blueprint** is an interpreted language that runs on a virtual machine. The [**Kismet**](#user-content-fn-1)[^1] **Compiler** compiles **Blueprints** into *byte code* instructions. There are no particular optimization mechanisms in place, and the byte code is executed as-is. The engine maintains a global jump table of *thunks* for all the procedures that are bound to C++ functions. Each call to a function is wrapped in a *frame* and pushed onto the stack. This process—context switching—adds quite a bit of overhead, making **Blueprints** slower than **C++**. You can check out the [**source code**](https://github.com/EpicGames/UnrealEngine/blob/release/Engine/Source/Editor/KismetCompiler/Public/KismetCompiler.h) to learn more.

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[^1]: **Kismet** is the name of the predecessor to **Blueprints** in **Unreal Engine 3**. The name stuck around for some tools and classes in **UE4** and **UE5**.


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