Looking to start programming, where to start?
I'd say give it a go with C# or javascript using the Unity engine. Python is very easy to learn but also has kinda distinct way of writing, I'd say go with C# if you want to touch your feet in the water or go with javascript if you want to have an easier time ( from what I've seen in the industry artists always pick it up ).
I learned languages in the following order and it works out for me: BASIC (C64), assembler (6502,68000,X86,X64), C, C++.
On the side I learned JS&PHP as well.
OOP was and to a big extent still is the biggest challenge for me, not so much pointers but that's the assembler background I suppose. :-)
On the side I learned JS&PHP as well.
OOP was and to a big extent still is the biggest challenge for me, not so much pointers but that's the assembler background I suppose. :-)
Download Unity3d:
http://unity3d.com/unity/download/
Start learning here:
http://www.walkerboy...g___free__.html
Also more tutorials on Unity Teaching Forums:
http://forum.unity3d...ums/23-Teaching
Good Luck, and Happy Developing
http://unity3d.com/unity/download/
Start learning here:
http://www.walkerboy...g___free__.html
Also more tutorials on Unity Teaching Forums:
http://forum.unity3d...ums/23-Teaching
Good Luck, and Happy Developing
I'd recommend going straight to C++, and learn to do things the correct way right from the start. I also think C++ (due to the fact that it doesn't hide the pointers) will allow you to learn more about how a computer works, rather than if you work with Java, for example, which officially pretends not to use pointers.
C++ is great because the performance can't really be beaten, and it allows you to write small programs as well as huge ones. I believe OOP will stay strong from a long time, and C++ definitely isn't going anywhere since there is nothing that can realistically compete with it anywhere in sight.
And once you know C++, other languages will come naturally. But if you only know a high level language, you'll have a hard time stepping out of the comfort zone and into something that gives you true control.
C++ is great because the performance can't really be beaten, and it allows you to write small programs as well as huge ones. I believe OOP will stay strong from a long time, and C++ definitely isn't going anywhere since there is nothing that can realistically compete with it anywhere in sight.
And once you know C++, other languages will come naturally. But if you only know a high level language, you'll have a hard time stepping out of the comfort zone and into something that gives you true control.
Lots of great advice here, but I thought I'd give my two cents as well.
IMHO, C++ is the worst language to start with; however, it will depend a lot on your personality. If you are more interested in taking your time, learning the absolute basics, and moving up to more advanced concepts slowly, then C++ might be for you.
On the other hand, most people want to see the results of their hard work sooner rather than later and enjoy using what they create. C++ won't really allow you to do that.
I didn't write this article, but it's a perfect place to start out. I highly recommend you read it.
Now that I got that out of the way, here are my recommendations:
Two choices:
1. Start with an engine that does almost all the work for you
2. Learn to use a framework (library, API, etc) in your language of choice
The first option will get you something to play the fastest, but most, if not all, of the programming is abstracted away. You won't learn as much about game programming this way, but you will get the satisfaction of actually working on a project that you'll get to play with.
The second option is the one I prefer. I would recommend going with Python, C#, or Java and using PyGame, XNA, or Slick2D respectively. These libraries give you the framework to start making your game. You'll get to learn much more about development because EVERYTHING isn't done for you. Just the high level stuff that allows you access and use of things like the mouse, keyboard, and graphics.
Well, I hope you like the article and get something from another distinct point of view. Wish you the best and make sure you share your games with us when you get going.
IMHO, C++ is the worst language to start with; however, it will depend a lot on your personality. If you are more interested in taking your time, learning the absolute basics, and moving up to more advanced concepts slowly, then C++ might be for you.
On the other hand, most people want to see the results of their hard work sooner rather than later and enjoy using what they create. C++ won't really allow you to do that.
I didn't write this article, but it's a perfect place to start out. I highly recommend you read it.
Now that I got that out of the way, here are my recommendations:
Two choices:
1. Start with an engine that does almost all the work for you
2. Learn to use a framework (library, API, etc) in your language of choice
The first option will get you something to play the fastest, but most, if not all, of the programming is abstracted away. You won't learn as much about game programming this way, but you will get the satisfaction of actually working on a project that you'll get to play with.
The second option is the one I prefer. I would recommend going with Python, C#, or Java and using PyGame, XNA, or Slick2D respectively. These libraries give you the framework to start making your game. You'll get to learn much more about development because EVERYTHING isn't done for you. Just the high level stuff that allows you access and use of things like the mouse, keyboard, and graphics.
Well, I hope you like the article and get something from another distinct point of view. Wish you the best and make sure you share your games with us when you get going.
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