6 replies to this topic

[Aimar-14]

Hello everyone,
My name is Ammar, I am new to gamedev.net hoping to find it helpful to start development.
I have been thinking to start developing games for ipad, iphone. and I am facing a difficulty where to start.

- What language to start with? C++, C or objective-c ?
and which will be compatible with Xcode?
where to start?
thank you

p.s my programming language skills are 0, however I am a quick learner.

[riverreal]

I think you should start learning C# with XNA or Python with Pygame. And then develop simple 2d games.
Because C, C++ and Objective-C, aren't good for complete beginners.
And if you have understood the real meaning of "programming", you can start learning the other languages.

For iOS development the language required is Objective-C, and also you need a device with MacOSX (mac).
First make simple apps, and then move to games or if you want just move to games.

Video-tutorials:

Objective-C programming Tutorials http://www.youtube.c...40F44F1C97BA581

iPhone Development Tutorials: http://www.youtube.c...3038489615793F7

Cocos2D iPhone Tutorials: http://www.youtube.c...6327E00257AF1D0


Cocos2D is a tool that allow you to make games for iPhone, for more information: http://www.cocos2d-iphone.org/

[frob]

You could also go with cocos2d-x that is cross-platform.

[Aimar-14]

@riverreal, thanks, but on the long term what language do you suggest ? @frob, so it could work on other devices ? (cross platform) ? what do you think of xcode ?

Edited by Aimar-14, 11 October 2012 - 11:32 AM.

[NeoRetro]

@Aimar -

Just to put in my two cents. I'd use the following:

Corona SDK (use free version)- uses Lua programming language.
Lua Glider IDE (use free version) - works GREAT with Lua/Corona SDK (based on Netbeans).
Codea - allows you to program entirely on the Ipad itself. Uses the Lua programming language.
Textastic - code editor for iPad/iPhone, Objective-C and Lua syntax highlighting, and many other languages.
Texturepacker - download free version
Physicseditor - download free version

You should also set up a free GIThub account, do a short GIT tutorial on youtube (you'll need this as you progress in your development).
Also get a free dropbox account (you'll need it).
Sign up for google docs (and search for project management and game design google docs templates).

You'll still need a Mac, Xcode, and an Apple Developer Account if you want to build to an actual hardware device (and not just use a simulator). So running through some youtube tutorials on Xcode installation, Apple developer registration and setup, and device provisioning (complex) should also be an additional priority.

There is a TON of code and training material on the web for these tools. And many of the tools are the same as those you'd use for Cocos2D development (texturepacker, physicseditor, box2d, etc).

Edited by NeoRetro, 11 October 2012 - 12:10 PM.

[Drakonka]

Personally I write in JavaScript and compile in Xcode for deployment on iOS using the Ejecta framework. There are more options to code in your preferred language and deploy to iOS now than before (and deploy without too much hassle or fiddling around). While I'd still like to go on to learn Obj C down the line, the ability to start out with a language you're comfortable with is beneficial. So perhaps starting out with a language that you'll be able to pick up easily (for me that was JS) to learn basic programming concepts might be a better option rather than diving headfirst into a complicated language like Objective C or C++. I know what I've learned from JS has been helpful in navigating other languages thus far.

[Turok]

if you are familiar with JavaScript, Moscrif will most likely suit you best for mobile game development ... If offers free license with no hidden fees.