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Hey everyone. I posted about this before but everyone just seems to argue about all of it. Now, how would I start out as a beginner programmer? I know I need to learn a programming language and it will take years to learn. (As I said before, I am in the 7th grade).
I DO NOT want to hear people saying what I CAN OR CANT DO. I have heard that plenty already and I WILL decide that. Just please tell me the details on how I should start out after I have learned the language I need.
Questions: What programming language should I learn?
What does this have that others don't?
How should I start after learning the language?
What kind of software should I use to write the lines of code?
Any other advice that may prove useful.
Please just answer the questions and provide information about it. I'm not trying to be rude or anything but people have just been giving me a kind of attitude saying my brain isn't big enough or whatever to handlethe code. I have had enough of it so sorry for that. Thanks in advance for any useful info.
My DEV Team:
Me Kaylo Alex and 2 others.
PM me if you want for details or specifics on how the game I plan to program is going to work for more info on how it will all go.
I would start off learning something like Java or C/C#/C++, since all of these can be used to make games.
If you need, like a website for your game, you might want to get into HTML, CSS, Javascript or Php
In a nutshell:
Learn Java : Check out Oracle's official guide or look up Youtube tutorials.
Learn C/C#/C++: Check out Microsoft's guides on their website or look up Youtube tutorials.
Learn HTML, CSS, Javascript, Php: W3schools, codecadamy (google them)
Alternatively, you can just Google something like 'Learn [programming language]'
When it comes to software to use, you can basically use any text editing software, but programs like Microsoft Visual Studio, Sublime Text or Notepad++ would make your life easier.
It really doesn't matter. Just pick one you think you might like and learn.
The important part is not learning a "language" but how to program. The language is unimportant and the skills are always transferable between languages.
Though, if you want something 'friendly', well-documented, and often used for games, my suggestion would be C#. It is probably the most common language used for indie game development.
If you don't mind getting into some of the more details of programming, like understanding how memory management works, you can use C++ which is still the most-used language for professional game development (usually by bigger studios and such, but many, many indie devs use it as well).
...But again, it really doesn't matter. It's your choice. Every language has pros and cons and you should choose the one right for you.
C# has XNA for game-development, which itself is also very highly documented and has numerous tutorials for making simple games, or even game engines, all over the internet.
C++ has SDL and SFML libaries which are also good and well-documented. There are some good tutorials on the web for these as well.
Java has some good libraries as well, but I'm not so familiar with them.
Python is another language that I know has some good libraries and frameworks and lots of tutorials, and is also "user-friendly". I've heard good things about it, but I have never actually used Python myself.
Create simple software first. Do NOT start by making games.
Games are one of the largest software projects you could possibly ever make. They require rather advanced technology compared to practically anything else. You must understand they are, and have always been, at the cutting edge of software-development. They are not an easy thing to make.
A simple game is going to be about 10 times more difficult than a simple program.
A complex game is going to be about a 10 times more difficult than a complex program.
Though it varies quite a bit on what you're doing... Games are, in general, one of the most difficult things to program.
No one learns carpentry by building a house. They start small and might build a chair or a table first.
So to hone your skills, start by making simple things, then work your way towards simple games. Then alter them and make those games more and more complex. Then start a new game project that is more difficult... Eventually you will gather a lot of skills and experience that will be invaluable to you when you actually want to make a "real game".
What kind of software should I use to write the lines of code?
With any language you will use an IDE, like any serious programmer.
An IDE is something like Visual Studio, CodeBlocks, NetBeans, Eclipse, etc.
Don't use something like Notepad++. Only amateurs who don't know any better use things like that.
Notepad++ (or similar things) are for quick, small little edits to things when you don't have your IDE up for some reason.
I will tell you exactly what my college professor (who happens to teach game design) told me, start now. Download Unity and just mess around with it. Watch youtube videos if you need help. However, start small. Don't begin thinking you are instantly going to create the next COD. Just make something simple, then improve. As for languages, C#, C++, or Java, but others wouldn't hurt. But the biggest piece of advice I can give is to GO TO COLLEGE!!! Get a degree in Computer Science. (NOT GAME PROGRAMMING). There is nothing wrong with a degree in game programming, but lets say you discover game programming is not for you. If you have a degree in Computer Science you will be qualified for positions within the gaming industry plus many, many other doors will be open for you to fall back upon. And last but not least, don't give up.
I would use C/C++, Java, or C#
Languages aren't as important as learning the basics of programming as throughout your lifetime you will probably see multiple languages come and go. Learn the basics of programming and you can pick up almost any language and learn the syntax and start using it. Obviously each language has some bonuses and things about them that make them better, but you get the gist.
I would prefer C/C++ or C# but some people love Java so whatever you want.
You need some sort of graphics library/Framework that includes one like OpenGL, DirectX, SDL, SFML, or XNA.
Frameworks kinda have extra tools you can use to help you program a game.
I would advise against DirectX for now as it's a little headachey and definitely not something for a newcomer.
XNA and C# would be my first pick for you. If you want head on over to the Microsoft Student Center(google it) and download Visual Studios 2010 and pick up some youtube series that teaches the basics of programming with C# and then after you make some programs in there for awhile pick up XNA from the Student Center again and watch tutorials on XNA. (http://xbox.create.msdn.com/en-US/education/tutorial/2dgame/getting_started) That link is a great one.
1.) Go to Microsofts website and download Visual Studios ( Full version on student center )
2.) Find a Youtube series on C#. There are millions out there whatever you prefer.
3.) After a good understanding of C# download XNA from Visual Studios.
4.) Start a new project with the template and follow this tutorial (http://xbox.create.msdn.com/en-US/education/tutorial/2dgame/getting_started)
For me(not the fastest way to get started but definitely gave me a good understanding):
I learned basics of programming with C++ ( I believe its nicer to learn the basics of programming in )
I played with SDL and C++
I played with OpenGL and C++
I learned Java
I learned some more basics of programming with C# ( Things that are clearly nicer in C# like classes )
I played with XNA and C#
... DirectX, Objective-C, other random stuff
That was directed towards XNA but if you prefer another I could give you a run down for that as well...
Now, how would I start out as a beginner programmer?
You just start doing it. The most talented people when it comes to just about anything (playing an instrument, programming, writing, drawing, painting, building stuff out of popsicle sticks, whatever), generally don't ask how they should get started or how to get good or what they should do next. I think the one thing they all have in common is they just start doing it.
What programming language should I learn?
The ones that you need.
What does this have that others don't?
What is "this"?
How should I start after learning the language?
That's up to you to decide. There is no right thing to do. Also I feel that you have a misunderstanding here. You don't start after learning a language. You start before learning a language and you learn a language according to what it is you're trying to do.
What kind of software should I use to write the lines of code?
Whatever's appropriate. There are many IDEs out there and they can all be found with simple Google searches. You're the one that's going to be using it, you decide.
Any other advice that may prove useful.
Asking others how to get started is mostly a waste of time. Just start doing things. When you start doing things, you'll have more specific questions and specific questions are the kind that will actually have answers.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Never attribute to malice what can adequately be explained by incompetence.
What programming language should I learn?
Which ever language suits your needs the most. My first language was Java.
What does this have that others don't?
It's just portable as opposed to the C family and whatnot that would need to be recompiled. All languages have their purpose in life, so I guess that'd be Java's as opposed to every other language.
How should I start after learning the language?
Like with any language, just code.. thats the only way to learn
What kind of software should I use to write the lines of code?
Notepad or Eclipse.. Doesnt really matter.
Any other advice that may prove useful.
Java is good for beginners, but definietly not the most efficient language to program a game in. I'd say the best language would be C++ and SDL.
Hey everyone. I posted about this before but everyone just seems to argue about all of it. Now, how would I start out as a beginner programmer? I know I need to learn a programming language and it will take years to learn. (As I said before, I am in the 7th grade).
I DO NOT want to hear people saying what I CAN OR CANT DO. I have heard that plenty already and I WILL decide that. Just please tell me the details on how I should start out after I have learned the language I need.
Questions: What programming language should I learn?
What does this have that others don't?
How should I start after learning the language?
What kind of software should I use to write the lines of code?
Any other advice that may prove useful.
Please just answer the questions and provide information about it. I'm not trying to be rude or anything but people have just been giving me a kind of attitude saying my brain isn't big enough or whatever to handlethe code. I have had enough of it so sorry for that. Thanks in advance for any useful info.
My DEV Team:
Me Kaylo Alex and 2 others.
PM me if you want for details or specifics on how the game I plan to program is going to work for more info on how it will all go.
c++ is probably the most useful but will take a few years to get your head around it properly (yes its quite a commitment of time and effort along with a lot of frustration).
I DO NOT want to hear people saying what I CAN OR CANT DO. I have heard that plenty already and I WILL decide that. Just please tell me the details on how I should start out after I have learned the language I need.
Questions:
What programming language should I learn?
What does this have that others don't?
How should I start after learning the language?
What kind of software should I use to write the lines of code?
Any other advice that may prove useful.
Please just answer the questions and provide information about it. I'm not trying to be rude or anything but people have just been giving me a kind of attitude saying my brain isn't big enough or whatever to handlethe code. I have had enough of it so sorry for that. Thanks in advance for any useful info.
My DEV Team:
Me
Kaylo
Alex
and 2 others.
PM me if you want for details or specifics on how the game I plan to program is going to work for more info on how it will all go.
If you need, like a website for your game, you might want to get into HTML, CSS, Javascript or Php
In a nutshell:
Learn Java : Check out Oracle's official guide or look up Youtube tutorials.
Learn C/C#/C++: Check out Microsoft's guides on their website or look up Youtube tutorials.
Learn HTML, CSS, Javascript, Php: W3schools, codecadamy (google them)
Alternatively, you can just Google something like 'Learn [programming language]'
When it comes to software to use, you can basically use any text editing software, but programs like Microsoft Visual Studio, Sublime Text or Notepad++ would make your life easier.
It really doesn't matter. Just pick one you think you might like and learn.
The important part is not learning a "language" but how to program. The language is unimportant and the skills are always transferable between languages.
Though, if you want something 'friendly', well-documented, and often used for games, my suggestion would be C#. It is probably the most common language used for indie game development.
If you don't mind getting into some of the more details of programming, like understanding how memory management works, you can use C++ which is still the most-used language for professional game development (usually by bigger studios and such, but many, many indie devs use it as well).
...But again, it really doesn't matter. It's your choice. Every language has pros and cons and you should choose the one right for you.
C# has XNA for game-development, which itself is also very highly documented and has numerous tutorials for making simple games, or even game engines, all over the internet.
C++ has SDL and SFML libaries which are also good and well-documented. There are some good tutorials on the web for these as well.
Java has some good libraries as well, but I'm not so familiar with them.
Python is another language that I know has some good libraries and frameworks and lots of tutorials, and is also "user-friendly". I've heard good things about it, but I have never actually used Python myself.
Create simple software first. Do NOT start by making games.
Games are one of the largest software projects you could possibly ever make. They require rather advanced technology compared to practically anything else. You must understand they are, and have always been, at the cutting edge of software-development. They are not an easy thing to make.
A simple game is going to be about 10 times more difficult than a simple program.
A complex game is going to be about a 10 times more difficult than a complex program.
Though it varies quite a bit on what you're doing... Games are, in general, one of the most difficult things to program.
No one learns carpentry by building a house. They start small and might build a chair or a table first.
So to hone your skills, start by making simple things, then work your way towards simple games. Then alter them and make those games more and more complex. Then start a new game project that is more difficult... Eventually you will gather a lot of skills and experience that will be invaluable to you when you actually want to make a "real game".
With any language you will use an IDE, like any serious programmer.
An IDE is something like Visual Studio, CodeBlocks, NetBeans, Eclipse, etc.
Don't use something like Notepad++. Only amateurs who don't know any better use things like that.
Notepad++ (or similar things) are for quick, small little edits to things when you don't have your IDE up for some reason.
Ask and ye shall receive.
Languages aren't as important as learning the basics of programming as throughout your lifetime you will probably see multiple languages come and go. Learn the basics of programming and you can pick up almost any language and learn the syntax and start using it. Obviously each language has some bonuses and things about them that make them better, but you get the gist.
I would prefer C/C++ or C# but some people love Java so whatever you want.
You need some sort of graphics library/Framework that includes one like OpenGL, DirectX, SDL, SFML, or XNA.
Frameworks kinda have extra tools you can use to help you program a game.
I would advise against DirectX for now as it's a little headachey and definitely not something for a newcomer.
XNA and C# would be my first pick for you. If you want head on over to the Microsoft Student Center(google it) and download Visual Studios 2010 and pick up some youtube series that teaches the basics of programming with C# and then after you make some programs in there for awhile pick up XNA from the Student Center again and watch tutorials on XNA. (http://xbox.create.msdn.com/en-US/education/tutorial/2dgame/getting_started) That link is a great one.
1.) Go to Microsofts website and download Visual Studios ( Full version on student center )
2.) Find a Youtube series on C#. There are millions out there whatever you prefer.
3.) After a good understanding of C# download XNA from Visual Studios.
4.) Start a new project with the template and follow this tutorial (http://xbox.create.msdn.com/en-US/education/tutorial/2dgame/getting_started)
For me(not the fastest way to get started but definitely gave me a good understanding):
I learned basics of programming with C++ ( I believe its nicer to learn the basics of programming in )
I played with SDL and C++
I played with OpenGL and C++
I learned Java
I learned some more basics of programming with C# ( Things that are clearly nicer in C# like classes )
I played with XNA and C#
... DirectX, Objective-C, other random stuff
That was directed towards XNA but if you prefer another I could give you a run down for that as well...
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Retired StaffYou just start doing it. The most talented people when it comes to just about anything (playing an instrument, programming, writing, drawing, painting, building stuff out of popsicle sticks, whatever), generally don't ask how they should get started or how to get good or what they should do next. I think the one thing they all have in common is they just start doing it.
The ones that you need.
What is "this"?
That's up to you to decide. There is no right thing to do. Also I feel that you have a misunderstanding here. You don't start after learning a language. You start before learning a language and you learn a language according to what it is you're trying to do.
Whatever's appropriate. There are many IDEs out there and they can all be found with simple Google searches. You're the one that's going to be using it, you decide.
Asking others how to get started is mostly a waste of time. Just start doing things. When you start doing things, you'll have more specific questions and specific questions are the kind that will actually have answers.
Which ever language suits your needs the most. My first language was Java.
What does this have that others don't?
It's just portable as opposed to the C family and whatnot that would need to be recompiled. All languages have their purpose in life, so I guess that'd be Java's as opposed to every other language.
How should I start after learning the language?
Like with any language, just code.. thats the only way to learn
What kind of software should I use to write the lines of code?
Notepad or Eclipse.. Doesnt really matter.
Any other advice that may prove useful.
Java is good for beginners, but definietly not the most efficient language to program a game in. I'd say the best language would be C++ and SDL.
c++ is probably the most useful but will take a few years to get your head around it properly (yes its quite a commitment of time and effort along with a lot of frustration).