Unity Game Optimization - Third Edition

Avoid retrieving string properties from GameObjects

Ordinarily, retrieving a string property from an object is the same as retrieving any other reference type property in C#; it should be acquired with no additional memory cost. However, retrieving string properties from GameObjects is another subtle way of accidentally crossing over the Native-Managed Bridge.

The two properties of GameObject affected by this behavior are tag and name. Therefore, it is unwise to use either property during gameplay, and you should only use them in performance-inconsequential areas, such as editor scripts. However, the tag system is commonly used for the runtime identification of objects, which can make this a significant problem for some teams.

For example, ...