Learning how to code

Wildspark · September 09, 2013, 12:09:31 AM

Is it hard to learn computer programming languages? I want to learn how to make games, but programming seems pretty complex. I've been using a website called codeacademy to learn html and it hasn't been too bad so far, but I'm not really sure what I would have to learn to make games. Can anyone help me out?

MechaGS · September 09, 2013, 12:11:34 AM

Well, it all begins by choosing the sort of games you'd like to make, then choosing a language that best suits the task at hand. It can be a little daunting but it is do-able.

If you have Skype, add me: antwanmedia and I'll give you a few pointers. I'm not a great game coder though, I'm more of a hobbyist in that area.

Wildspark · September 09, 2013, 12:14:32 AM

Quote from: MechaGSWell, it all begins by choosing the sort of games you'd like to make, then choosing a language that best suits the task at hand. It can be a little daunting but it is do-able.

If you have Skype, add me: antwanmedia and I'll give you a few pointers. I'm not a great game coder though, I'm more of a hobbyist in that area.

Thanks for the offer.

Unfortunately, I don't have Skype.

TheRaven · September 09, 2013, 12:15:22 AM

I suggest if you'd want to make games starting out small will help. Game maker is a great place to start, and the language seems to be easy for beginners. Once you learn one language it's pretty easy to pick up the other ones. Always practice and keep reading the tutorials until you got one subject down.

However if you ever wanted to have a career coding games from scratch in the future many use C++ and Python as their languages of choice, though like I said you should start off small to get a feel for things. Hope this helps!

Wildspark · September 09, 2013, 12:19:43 AM

Quote from: TheRavenI suggest if you'd want to make games starting out small will help. Game maker is a great place to start, and the language seems to be easy for beginners. Once you learn one language it's pretty easy to pick up the other ones. Always practice and keep reading the tutorials until you got one subject down. However if you ever wanted to have a career coding games from scratch in the future many use C++ and Python as their languages of choice, though like I said you should start off small to get a feel for things. Hope this helps!

Thanks for your advice

MechaGS · September 09, 2013, 12:21:01 AM

No worries then. I'd recommend looking into a Maker first like Game Maker, RPG Maker or something similar as they can help you quickly get into 2D game making. (both have a language they utilize but it isn't needed to make but these applications do cost)

If you want to hit the ground running though, you can opt for using MonoGame (it's a split from the libraries used to make XBOX 360 Indie Games and works on both Windows and XBOX 360)

If you opt for going the MonoGame way, you'll need to learn C# and using an editor like Microsoft Visual Studio Express.

Whichever route you choose, you'll have quite a lot to learn ahead of you.

Fergal · September 11, 2013, 11:07:18 AM

You could have a look at the "Computer Programming" section of the tutorials on the New Boston. They have a few video series on Java, the videos are free, easy to follow and are really helpful. Once you have done the basic Java ones you could look at the "Java - Game Development" ones.

I haven't watched the Computer Game Development videos myself, but judging by the quality of the New Boston they would probably be worth a look.

Duck · September 11, 2013, 07:59:58 PM

Java isn't currently a good option for game devellopment though, it's a great language, and it has a lot of applications but gaming isn't one imo. Most of the perfomance issues surrounding minecraft are due to it being written in Java. This doesn't mean you absolutely can't use java for gaming though. Unity supports java as a scripting language, and Jmonkey engine is built on it.

If you really want to learn how to program for video games do a college course, or get a higher degree. You can self teach a lot of things allong the way, however game programming is something that's very specialised.

Wildspark · September 12, 2013, 12:40:31 AM

Quote from: DuckJava isn't currently a good option for game devellopment though, it's a great language, and it has a lot of applications but gaming isn't one imo. Most of the perfomance issues surrounding minecraft are due to it being written in Java. This doesn't mean you absolutely can't use java for gaming though. Unity supports java as a scripting language, and Jmonkey engine is built on it.

If you really want to learn how to program for video games do a college course, or get a higher degree. You can self teach a lot of things allong the way, however game programming is something that's very specialised.

My parents were already going to force me to major in computer programming when I got into college, so at least I'll have some motivation to go through with it now haha.