How do you access SKNode subclass methods from SKNode.children array? - swift

Question

I have a scene with a number of children which are sub-classed SKNodes. I am trying to access a method for each of the child nodes, but am getting the error "Value of type 'SKNode' has no member '[member name]".
All on Swift 5 on Xcode 10.2 (if that's relevant?).
import SpriteKit
class GameScene: SKScene {
override func didMove(to view: SKView) {
let slim = NamedNode(name: "Slim Shady")
let snoop = NamedNode(name: "Snoop Dog")
let shaggy = NamedNode(name: "Shaggy")
self.addChild(slim)
self.addChild(snoop)
self.addChild(shaggy)
for child in self.children {
child.whatsMyName()
// ERROR: Value of type 'SKNode' has no member 'whatsMyName'
}
}
}
class NamedNode: SKNode {
var standup = false
init(name: String) {
super.init()
self.name = name
}
required init?(coder aDecoder: NSCoder) {
fatalError("init(coder:) has not been implemented")
}
func whatsMyName() {
print("My name is ", name as Any)
if self.name == "Slim Shady" {
standup = true
}
}
}
How can I access these methods from the Scene.children array? Is it possible or should I change tact?
Thanks!

Answer 1

It is said here that
The children of an SKScene are of SKNode type. You want to access a property of an SKNode subclass. At compile time, the children are seen as SKNodes.
You should try casting your child, something like
for child in self.children {
(child as? NamedNode).whatsMyName()
}
Have in mind that downcasting is usually a code smell.