create gameobject via script and change it's color doesn't work

Hey,
I create a GameObject with a prefab:

Code (CSharp):

1. GameObject cube_prefab = (GameObject)Resources.Load("FiniteElement", typeof(GameObject));
2. GameObject new_cube = Instantiate(cube_prefab,new Vector3(x,y,0),Quaternion.identity);
3. FinitElement fe = new_cube.GetComponent<FinitElement>(); // get the script of the instantiated object
4. fe.setBaseType(FinitElement.BaseType.core); // call the method of the script (this works, I tested it with print())

After creating, I have to declare some variables of this instantiate, e.g. the "BaseType". I don't want to do this directly, but with a method. The reason is that later I can center other things in this methods, e.g. changing the material at the same moment.

The Method in the Script, which is attached on the prefab is:

Code (CSharp):

1. public class FinitElement : MonoBehaviour
2. {
3.   public enum BaseType {core, rock, soil, water, air}
4.   public BaseType myBaseType = BaseType.air;
5.   private Renderer myRenderer;
6.   void Start()
7.   {
8.     myRenderer = GetComponent<Renderer>();myRenderer.material.color = Color.yellow;
9.   }
10.   public void setBaseType(BaseType _BaseType)  // <- this is the method
11.   {
12.     myBaseType = _BaseType;
13.     myRenderer.material.color = Color.yellow; // for testing just a test with the material color
14.   }
15. }

I get an error " NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object FinitElement.setBaseType (BaseType _BaseType)"
Which is produced by the last lin in void setBaseType: myRenderer.material.color = Color.yellow;.
If I comment this out, the engine starts - but of course not with the needed effect.
I can't figure out, what is wrong with my attempt to save the Renderer in myRenderer and acessing it later in the method setBaseType.
Can anyone give me a hint?

 

Most likely setBaseType is being called before Start() has been called, so myRenderer is null. That, or you don't have a renderer component attached to this particular GameObject.

 

Thanks, the first suggestion was right! I changed Start() to Awake() and it worked!