grid

[chemslayer]

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum, im new to the site.

I was wondering if anyone could tell me how to make a map-making program for my graph-paper game. Basically, it needs to create a grid (like on graph paper) then put a set number of different letters into random boxes (for example, 5 T's, 3 G's, and 5 F's, spread randomly throughout the grid). I have no programming experience whatsoever, but i am good with computers. Any help is greatly appreciated

[John]

I am assuming you want to do this with C++?

[Xav]

If you use .NET you could use a DataGridView.

[chemslayer]

would C++ be the best language do make it in?

what is .NET?

[Xav]

Microsoft recently released a platform known as the .NET Framework. You can imagine it as a piece of land - you can then write the code to build the houses on it. Whenever you write .NET programs (using languages such as C++, C# and VB.NET), the program uses the .NET Framework to run. Therefore, if a user wants to run a .NET program, they need the .NET Framework installed on their computer.

Some people seem to think the .NET Framework is not such a good idea, as it is not cross-platform. However, there are advantages.

I know you have no experience in programming, but basically, in a division known as OOP (object orientated programming), everything you do is based on virtual objects. For example, there are objects that generate random numbers. There are objects that download data, or read text files, or display message boxes. The .NET Framework provides lots of templates for objects, known as classes. This makes it very useful.

There is a class called System.Random, which you can use to generate random numbers, which you could use to write your program. You can use the .NET Framework's languages by downloading the software required at Visual Studio 2008 Express Editions. It's quite complex, so you might need a book to start you off. However, once you get to grips with it, you can create some really amazing programs.

Xav

P.S. The .NET Framework also provides visual objects, for making your windows in (known as forms). The object known as "DataGridView" is a grid of data that you can fill with data, either manually or from a database. It is called a control - something you can see in the window of your program. Other examples of controls include buttons, textboxes and check boxes.

P.P.S. It is actually against the forum rules to post two posts back to back. if you want to add something, use the 'Edit' button.

[chemslayer]

k thx, that should help alot
srry about the double post, i wont do it again

[John]

Originally Posted by chemslayer

k thx, that should help alot
srry about the double post, i wont do it again

I would recommend Java - it would be fairly easy to solve your problem.

Originally Posted by Xav

P.P.S. It is actually against the forum rules to post two posts back to back. if you want to add something, use the 'Edit' button.

You are learning!

[WingedPanther]

There are already open-source map programs in Java that you could probably use as the basis. Check out MapTool.

[Xav]

I learnt the forum rules the hard way - when three infractions appeared in my CP. Oo la la!