# SyncVar Hook

[![SyncVar hook video tutorial](../../images/video_tutorial.png)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7AoozedYfI&list=PLkx8oFug638oBYF5EOwsSS-gOVBXj1dkP&index=5)

The hook attribute can be used to specify a function to be called when the SyncVar changes value on the client.  This ensures that all clients receive the proper variables from other clients.
-   The Hook method must have a single parameter of the same type as the SyncVar property.  This parameter should have a unique name, e.g. newValue.
-   Reference the hook parameter inside the hook to use the new value.  Referencing the property value will be the old value, in case you need to compare.
-   The property will be updated after the hook completes. You may update the property yourself inside the hook.

Below is a simple example of assigning a random color to each player when they're spawned on the server.  All clients will see all players in the correct colors, even if they join later.

```cs
using UnityEngine;
using UnityEngine.Networking;

public class PlayerController : NetworkBehaviour
{

    [SyncVar(hook = nameof(SetColor))]
    Color playerColor = Color.black;

    // Unity makes a clone of the Material every time GetComponent<Renderer>().material is used.
    // Cache it here and Destroy it in OnDestroy to prevent a memory leak.
    Material cachedMaterial;
    
    public override void OnStartServer()
    {
        base.OnStartServer();
        playerColor = Random.ColorHSV(0f, 1f, 1f, 1f, 0.5f, 1f);
    }

    void SetColor(Color color)
    {
        if (cachedMaterial == null)
            cachedMaterial = GetComponent<Renderer>().material;

        cachedMaterial.color = color;
    }

    void OnDestroy()
    {
        Destroy(cachedMaterial);
    }
}
```