9 replies to this topic

[Dragon_Chinchilla]

Ok, so I'm 25 years old, living in Upstate NY, and working part time at a local Gamestop. I've always been great with computers, taught myself Basic back in Middle School, but haven't touched any programming since. I went to college for East Asian Studies (like an idiot) and never really had an idea for what I wanted to do with my life. As it stands right now I'm looking to get into a job that deals with computers and computer language, I love a challenge and am looking forward to learning a programming language, but I have no idea where to start.

I don't really have the money to go back to school right now but would like to eventually for computer science. I'm a huge gaming nerd but have no idea how high my chances are of landing my dream job of creating video games. Once motivated I'm a very hard and obsessive worker, but like I said I have no experience and no idea if this is even a viable option for me. Can someone here point me in the right direction?

So far from searching on Google I've found that I should start with Small Basic, move on to Visual Basic, and then go on to Python, but that C and C++ are gaming languages. That's literally all I know. I grew up on a computer and am a fast learner when it comes to such things, so I really just need to figure out a path to go and then work towards it. Is there a good website or collection of websites I can go to and learn from? Is there a specific language to start with (like Visual Basic) that I can teach myself for a step in the right direction? I appreciate any and all help and my email is DGaska3@gmail.com if anyone can help me out.

Sorry to sound so desperate but I've been job hunting for months now and have had no luck, and I always put off programming because I figured I'd have to go back to school for it, but after searching online I'm not so sure I would absolutely need to right now to find some work to at least get me on my feet. Sorry also if this is the wrong place to post this sort of thing, I found these forums once again by searching Google so yeah.

[TeenChristian]

Well, first off... welcome to CodeCall! Second off: I'm assuming you want to get into game programming. I would recommend C++, but thats just because thats the language I work with. Someone correct me if there is a better way to go. As far as my suggestions go for Game development I would check out these websites:

C++ Tutorials:
http://www.learncpp.com/
C++ Language Tutorial
Cprogramming.com: How to Get Started with C++

Game Development:
Dark GDK - The Game Creators
UDK - Unreal Development Kit - Epic Games

If I where you I would take these steps:
1)Learn the basics and alittle more of C++ from the tutorials I gave you (or others if you'd like)
2)Start with the Dark GDK (first link) and work with that alittle
3)Then switch over to the UDK.

The only reason I say you should use Dark GDK first is because I've heard that Dark GDK is great for beginners. UDK seems to be more professional.

I Hope I was able to help! If you have any questions PM me or send me an email at bornagain131@gmail.com

Happy Programming,
TeenChristian

[WingedPanther]

Welcome aboard!

I don't see any purpose in tracing up the Basic track if you want to do C++ game programming. Just dive right in.

[Dragon_Chinchilla]

Thanks for the help and friendly welcome. I was wondering if you guys can also suggest a hard copy book to go along with everything online. I saw that C++ Primer seems good but is that a good book for beginners as well as more advanced users? Should I get that and then a good beginner guide too? Can you guys recommend any good/great/must have books I should look for? Thanks again.

[Alexander]

Welcome!

A few books I recommend are

• Effective C++
  
• C++ Primer (3rd Edition)
  
• Modern C++ Design

Learning something such as this will apply to many fields in science including gaming if you ever are able to get back to school for it (I hope you are successful to!), if you need job advice the Lounge on here is a good place to get opinions from others, or else I'd be glad to give a few pointers on what you wish to persue.

[Dragon_Chinchilla]

Sweet, thanks for the suggestions. About the C++ Primer, is the 4th Edition just as good?

[jpconleyiv]

The C++ Programming Language: Special Edition

I do not program in C++ but have been told that this is a great book. I would also consider Java first because it is based off of C and C++ is just an one increment better than C (LOL!!). Plus you can start out by making games in Java then once knowledgable move into C++. Just my thoughts.

[Dragon_Chinchilla]

Ok, so I've been looking through some of the links provided while I'm waiting for my book to arrive and I have a question. Is Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Express the best compiler to use for Windows or is there something else I should look for? Thanks a ton for all the help btw, I really appreciate it from everyone.

Edited by Dragon_Chinchilla, 19 August 2010 - 10:27 PM.

[TeenChristian]

I'm using VC++ 2008 express edition and I really like it. I would say it all depends on what kind of person you are. So many people prefer a wide range of different compilers, and they each have their reasons. I have been told in the past, Visual C++ is what the people at Windows use to program for windows. I'm not sure how true that is, but anyhow: I bet its a nice compiler.

[Alexander]

VC++ is a nice visual language for Windows, as it's Windows-only the VC++ express edition will be the IDE you are looking for. You're learning from a C++ only book so you won't get any trouble with learning the proper basics first, you may wish to purchace or look online for a good VC++ guide to learn the basics of Windows programming (WinAPI, Windows forms etc.)