Which language to develop with (not normal which language topic)

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8 comments, last by Antheus 15 years, 12 months ago
OK, so, it has been FOREVER since I last visited this site, and I feel I have grown alot (programming wise) since then. However, I am having problems making one core decision: I currently have a working knowledge of: C# C++/C Java Python Which of these is the most popular for game, and software programming in general? Which is most likely to get me a job?
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How is this not the normal topic?

And the magic 8 ball says C# for no really good reason other than to stay ontopic (and answer your question I suppose).
*Shakes the 8 ball* I got all sources point to java.
C + +

(White Space used for dramatic suspense)
It kind of depends.

I'd reckon almost every game company does its "engine" code in C++. You'll probably find a lot of game companies that are doing the scripting in Python or Lua, and tools in C#. Of course, every studio is different... those are just the general trends I've seen in the past few years.

Which is most likely to get you a game job? C++ if you're serious about becoming a software engineer. Being good with at least one of the other languages would probably help set you apart from the entry level competition, since your skills could be put to use in multiple departments.
Quote:Original post by mohaakilla51
Which is most likely to get me a job?


Search for some jobs, look at the descriptions.

I'm currently trying to find some sort of internship for the summer. Most of them I've found are asking for people familiar with C++, and one or two have mentioned Lua.

What kind of job do you want to get?

"The right, man, in the wrong, place, can make all the dif-fer-rence in the world..." - GMan, Half-Life 2

A blog of my SEGA Megadrive development adventures: http://www.bigevilcorporation.co.uk

wow, I forgot how rapid responses were here. Anyhow, it seems that C++ would be best.

Thanks,
mohaakilla51
There is no single language to learn if you want to get into the games industry. You could make an argument for any of those languages, to give some examples.

c++ can be useful for core game mechanics.
c# can be useful for tool side development.
java can be useful in the form of j2me for mobile game development.
python can be useful for scripting of game logic.

If you really want to get into the games industry my suggestion would be to get a degree in computer science. Programming languages are but a tool in a programmers toolbox. The underlying logic and data structures one learns can be applied to any language. The language is just syntax any language can get the job done.
if you know all those languages listed, whats the problem here?
Quote:Original post by mohaakilla51
wow, I forgot how rapid responses were here. Anyhow, it seems that C++ would be best.


The one requested by your employer would be *best*.

Others just broaden your choice of employers.

Quote:Which is most likely to get me a job?


Some things that matter:
- Degree
- "Expert knowledge" of FooBaz is more likely to get you a job than "working knowledge" of all 4 above.
- Domain experience. Nobody wants to employs programmers, they want domain specialists (AI, shaders, graphics, engine designers, modelers, ....., project managers, administrators, build masters, ...., accountants, sales, ...).
- Past experience

For software in general, and just "getting a job", go with Java, then C#. If you want sysadmin experience, then Python is popular these days. If you want to go into embedded, C. This may land you intern or junior position.

Quote:is the most popular for game, and software programming in general


Go to your jobs bulletin board and look what the openings are. Those are the most popular ones. In one year, there will be others. And in 2 years, others more.....

Hence, get a CS degree so that you can learn to be productive in every language in a matter of days.

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