---
title: AzAnimator Basics
hide_meta: true
---

The `AzAnimator` is the core system in AzureLib designed to manage the animation logic for various objects, such as entities, block entities, or items. This system provides a reusable framework for integrating MoLang-based animations, custom animation controllers, and smooth transition mechanisms.

## Overview of AzAnimator

The `AzAnimator` is an abstract class with the following key features:
- It manages animation states and transitions for objects (`T`) like entities, blocks, and items.
- It caches and reuses animation data for performance.
- It provides an extensible structure using animation controllers and Molang queries.

### Key Responsibilities
1. **Controller Registration**
   Define and register animation controllers responsible for managing behavioral animations.

2. **Animation Execution**
   Process animations for entities or objects using MoLang queries and baked models.

3. **Custom Animations**
   Overrideable hooks allow custom animations unique to animated objects.

### Core Methods

<Callout variant="info">
    Please see [Animation Controller Builder](../misc/animating/animation_controller_builder) page for all options on the controllers.
</Callout>

#### 1. **`registerControllers`**
- Abstract method where animation controllers must be created and registered:
  ```java
  public abstract void registerControllers(AzAnimationControllerContainer<T> animationControllerContainer);
  ```
- **Example Usage:**
  Define specific controllers (e.g., idle, walking, interactions) for your entity or object.

#### 2. **`getAnimationLocation`**
- Abstract method for locating the animation file for the animatable object:
  ```java
  public abstract @NotNull ResourceLocation getAnimationLocation(T animatable);
  ```

#### 4. **`setCustomAnimations`**
- Override this method to define custom animations or behaviors:
  ```java
  public void setCustomAnimations(T animatable, float partialTicks)
  ```
  This is useful for unique animations that aren't predefined in the animation file.

### MoLang Integration

The `applyMolangQueries` method facilitates MoLang runtime queries that affect animation states

#### MoLang Queries Supported:
- **`LIFE_TIME`**: Determines how long the animation has been running.
- **`TIME_OF_DAY`**: Retrieves the in-game time.
- **`ACTOR_COUNT`**: Returns the number of entities in the world.
- **`MOON_PHASE`**: Identifies the moon cycle.