Beginning Programming

[frank_l]

Hello everyone. New member here. I am a network professional and I would like to start learning programming but from a game development standpoint. I was wondering what a good starting point would be. Ive seen many books with titles such as Beginning C++ Game Programming and the like, would a book such as this be a good starter or should I learn programming in general and progress into game programming. Thanks

[v0id]

I'd really recommend that you learn the general concept of the language, before you're processing to something somewhat more advanced, like game programming. It will make everything a lot easier to handle, than if you starts on game programming with no experience.

If you have further questions, feel free to ask!

[frank_l]

Thanks for the advice. Do you know of any good books on the subject? thanks

[v0id]

The series, C++ In Depth is really good! Some of the books are pretty advanced, but others (like Accelerated C++) are for beginners, just like you. The books won't teach you bad practices, like other beginner-books sometimes do. All-in-all some good books!

You can get a list of the books in the series right here!

[WingedPanther]

Thinking in C++ is available for free on the internet and is pretty good. You should definitely tackle general programming before looking at game programming, since there is a lot of overhead that can make things harder if you dive into the game side of things first.

[frank_l]

Thanks alot. I will check those out

[Victor]

I don't know much about game developement but uScript is supposed to be a very good language for it. America's Army is supposed to be written with it, so you can see it's potential.

[awesty]

You could also try learning C# and use XNA.

I have found it really easy to learn (no pointers! YAY!).

[Cynic]

I'd also recommend a book on the math behind it, if you're not up to speed. I have "3D Math Primer for Graphics and Game Development." I like it. It covers a lot of ground, including matrices, vectors, quaterions, euler angles, primitives, intersection tests, etc.

[v0id]

[...] but uScript is supposed to be a very good language for it

I thought it was a library for different languages. It's built on the Unreal Engine. I don't know, maybe I'm wrong. Does anyone have some experience, or know some more about it?