Beginning programming

[Luca72]

Long story short - I want to make video games. Oh God, do I want to make video games. I have a substantial art background, but what I really want is the ability to construct a game from the ground up. I've been doing some research and it seems that a good way to go is to learn something basic like Python, then move to a high-level language (I'm thinking Java) before hitting C# and C++. Problem is, I have no experience with programming at all. But I've figured out from my uni experience that I can learn things I previously had no knowledge in, so I'm confident I can apply myself to this.

So any experienced programmers out there? Where should I go to pick up the ABSOLUTE basics? A local community college has a basic course as a prerequisite for it's beginning Java and C++ classes, but if I can get that knowledge down on my own I can immediately jump into the classes I want.

 

[Patrick Dare]

A language like Python won't really help that much with Java or the C languages because it's a scripting language while Java and the Cs are object oriented languages.

A good place to start would be C# with XNA. The XNA framework makes a lot of things much easier but is still pretty robust. It'll be easier than trying to write games with Java or C++ (C++ being the hardest). Not that it isn't good to know a scripting language. They are used in games but I'd probably go with C# first.

 

[thesilentman]

Long story short - I want to make video games. Oh God, do I want to make video games.

C++. Learn that, and all of the mighty other programming languages will kneel before you. It will run on anything that has a processor, and it is very, very powerful as it forces you to know the language before you go on your merry way, making more powerful games as a result. /advertising

Seriously, start with C++. There's also a huge amount of libraries for C++, so there should not be any dearth of functions or other features you need. Here's a compiler (for Windows, Mac and Linux) that is good for beginners should you chose to partake in learning C++: [link]http://www.codeblocks.org/downloads[/link]

Have fun, and I hope to play your game someday! [sub]I should really work on mine...[/sub]

 

[SlaveNumber23]

My recommendation is learn Javascript then learn C++, Javascript is pretty damn easy and it makes learning C++ a LOT easier. Javascript is also very user friendly to write with, all you need is a notepad file and a web browser. You can get an addon for Firefox called firebug which will help you debug your Javascript.

C++ is definitely what you want to learn but its quite a big leap to jump right into it from having no experience, learn some programming basics with Javascript first. A quick Google search should give you more than enough resources to learn the language, don't bother buying a textbook.

I don't have any experience with Java but from what I've heard, don't waste your time with it, its supposedly very inefficient. C++ is pretty much the god of programming languages.

 

[thesilentman]

epicsnip

OP, I just remembered after reading Richard's post to tell you that you might want to start learning how programs work and such. Seriously, disabling hidden files in Windows/Linux/Mac and seeing what they contribute is one way to learn. Even better is to start learning what the insides of a computer do other than simply seeing stuff happen. And if you really are into this, start using Linux. It will force you to know your computer's insides and help in making sure your game works as even the most beginner-level distro has you using the terminal and getting your hands dirty with the insides of your computer.

 

[Luca72]

For now I'm following an MIT course that covers the basics of programming, and starts you off in Python. I know it's not that useful of a language, but it sounds like it's a decent way to learn the basics. My community college has a beginning course, but if you can program in a high level language you can opt out of it. So if I can get the basics done before next semester, I'll just jump directly into C++. I can motivate myself to learn this for awhile, but I think it'll be good to have a schedule that I have to stick to after a few months. Plus, I understand that C++ is pretty difficult, so I'd like some guidance there.

And thesilentman, I dream of being one of those people walking the fine line of being a computing badass/total elitist and running everything on homemade Linux programs! One day.

 

[thesilentman]

For now I'm following an MIT course that covers the basics of programming, and starts you off in Python. I know it's not that useful of a language, but it sounds like it's a decent way to learn the basics. My community college has a beginning course, but if you can program in a high level language you can opt out of it. So if I can get the basics done before next semester, I'll just jump directly into C++. I can motivate myself to learn this for awhile, but I think it'll be good to have a schedule that I have to stick to after a few months. Plus, I understand that C++ is pretty difficult, so I'd like some guidance there.

One, get a good compiler[footnote]CodeBlocks is the one I use that I showed the link to on my first post[/footnote]. Two, watch what you type (some languages are case sensitive like C++). Three, debug like there's no tomorrow. You'll like me more when you start on the big programs. Oh, the horrors you find...

And thesilentman, I dream of being one of those people walking the fine line of being a computing badass/total elitist and running everything on homemade Linux programs! One day.

So do I. I'm actually using Ubuntu right now and it's kicking my ass rather hard. Yup, even the most entry level distro is not as easy as they say to learn Linux...

Once again, wish you good luck on your way.

captcha- topsy turvy

Captcha's psychic.

Captcha's on itz wy to bcmng Skynet. I's jcking my computer!

ASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL.

 

[Luca72]

Code blocks looks pretty slick! If this course goes well I may just skip the Java thing entirely and go to C++. In fact, I just found out that my school offers a decent 3D modeling course. Learn to program while simultaneously letting my creative juices flow!