a question about game programming

[feariel]

is game programming different from other forms of programming?

i would like to learn how to make a certain game.

and my question is should i learn c++ just straight or should i learn specific programming inclined towards game programming?

thank you

[kenna]

I am by no means an expert, and you should probably just take my reply as that of the ramblings of a hermit. I have mostly been working with design and theory, rather than actual programming, so I don't have much to say.

I would say that game programming is different since you need to be well versed in several fields of programming, such as general, mathematics, graphics, DSP, etc. Game programming is also (not always, but often) a very large project, which means the source will be quite large as well, and will need to be well structured, in many ways.

I'm sure there are plenty of users who would gladly crucify me for saying this, but I would say start with C (TCC TCC : Tiny C Compiler or GCC MinGW - Home {windows}, GCC, the GNU Compiler Collection - GNU Project - Free Software Foundation (FSF) {unix, linux, etc.}). Throw in SDL (Simple DirectMedia Layer) and you have a pretty good start. There are plenty of OO trolls (no offense) that would frown upon using C, but I say f**k them. Later on if you don't feel that C is right for you, you can always move on to learn the OO model of C++, as C++ is basically nothing more than C with OO features.

If you want something simpler, and aren't too concerned about optimised speed (maybe you're going to work with simpler games), you could use Lua (The Programming Language Lua), which is a lightweight and awesome embedded language -- although it can be used stand-alone as well -- that has bindings to both SDL and OpenGL and many more libraries.

If you're not too concerned about portability (i.e. windows/directx only) you could use DarkBasic (DarkBASIC - Home).

Euphoria (The Euphoria Programming Language) is another easy-to-use programming language (similar to basic) that might be suited for smaller projects.

If I were to pick one, I'd say C, hands down, 6-0. Learning C will give you an excellent foundation in programming. After C I'd pick Pascal (Free Pascal - Advanced open source Pascal compiler for Pascal and Object Pascal - Home Page). For smaller projects either Lua or Euphoria. However, for hardcore, well-designed, top-notch projects, I'd always go for C, any day, any time. Might not be as easy to use as Lua or Euphoria, and might not have all the fancy-s**t features of C++, but it still rocks my socks! ^o^

[feariel]

i will think about that =)

[kenna]

A much better place to ask about game programming/development is devmaster (DevMaster.net - Your source for game development), if you haven't already bookmarked that site, I suggest you do so now ^_^

[systemist]

hey there.

games are coded in the same languages as anything else. i've done a good bit of game programming over the years. i would definitely suggest C++. the main reason - most commercial games' source packs are in C++ so if you want to get into some modding too (highly recommended) you will be ready to go. modding is a great way to learn - have a look at developer dot valvesoftware dotcom. other than that, IMO, C++ is more intuitive and better than C because it is OO, thus ideal for games.

but yeah... go visit the other forum

[WingedPanther]

A large number of popular games are coded in C++. Blizzard does their programming in C++, for example. You can dive directly into C++ as your main language. The main difference between "programming" and "game programming" is the focus on user interface, especially graphics and sound.

[feariel]

thank you for all of the replies.

you have all given me a direction which surely will come handy

thanks again

[persian_GG]

Game Programming is a big work that need several
people to make it .
As a programmer you need Math !
Yes Math is the base of game programming and
second LOVE.
if you had these then you must learn a powerfull language
such a C++ and use powerfull compiler such MSVC.
then must use a game library so i recommended DirectX for
programming Games in PC.

[G_Morgan]

Game programming is one of the more difficult tasks IMHO. Graphics, physics, performance, AI and UI are all among the most testing things in the field.

I say C++ is better suited than C but I'd use it in a procedural way with OOP for the things that are suited to it.