Understanding localToWorld vs getWorldPosition

You're on the right track with your understanding. Let me clarify the differences between these two methods:

localToWorld

• This is a transformation matrix that converts coordinates from local space to world space
• It's more general-purpose and can transform any point, vector, or direction from local to world space
• When used for position, you typically apply it to Vector3(0,0,0) or another local point
• More versatile but requires more steps for simple position retrieval

getWorldPosition

• A convenience method specifically designed to get an object's position in world space
• Essentially a wrapper that applies the localToWorld matrix to the local origin (0,0,0)
• More direct and easier to use when you just need the object's world position
• Less flexible but more straightforward for the specific task of position retrieval

When to use which

Your assessment is accurate - localToWorld is typically used for more complex transformations where you need to convert various points or vectors, while getWorldPosition is a convenience method specifically for getting an object's world position.

If you just need an object's position in world space, getWorldPosition is cleaner and more readable. If you're doing more complex transformations of multiple points, localToWorld is more appropriate.