Change color of point lights automatically over time

Question

I'm using a gradient script to change the color of a sphere over time, but I want a point light associated to it to change too.

The script I'm using is this:

public class gradient : MonoBehaviour
{
    public Gradient myGradient;
    public float strobeDuration = 2f;

    public void Update()
    {
        float t = Mathf.PingPong(Time.time / strobeDuration, 1f);
        GetComponent<Renderer>().material.color= myGradient.Evaluate(t);
    }
}

The light object accepts the script but it doesn't affect the color.

I assume it's because this script is associated to materials and light has no material...

Answer 1

Your light's color isn't changing because it uses the Light component, not Renderer. Simply add support for the Light component:

if (TryGetComponent(out Light light))
    light.color = myGradient.Evaluate(t);

With that said, I'd recommend that you use TryGetComponent for working with the Renderer component too:

if (TryGetComponent(out Renderer renderer))
    renderer.material.color = myGradient.Evaluate(t);

The use of TryGetComponent will help prevent potential NullReferenceExceptions from occurring.