Which type of joint is appropriate for rotating an object around a specific point, like opening a door?

The hinge joint is designed specifically for rotational movement around a single axis, making it the ideal choice for operations such as opening and closing a door. Just like a real door, which pivots around its hinges, this type of joint allows for a straightforward back-and-forth motion. In Unity, using a hinge joint component facilitates this interaction by enabling rotation around a defined pivot point, allowing for realistic simulations of objects that operate in this manner.

In contrast, other joints lack this specific capability. The spring joint, for example, allows for the connection of two rigid bodies with a spring-like behavior but does not facilitate pure rotational movements. A fixed joint is used to lock two objects together so that they move as a single unit, completely restricting movement relative to each other, which is not suitable for a door's operation. The slider joint, on the other hand, allows for linear movement along a specified axis and would be inappropriate for a scenario requiring rotation. Hence, the hinge joint is the most effective choice for this particular application.