Out of Pod Experience

That's pretty cool. Had an engineer friend who designed avionics (weapons control and/or ECM) for F-16 fighters. Same thing-- he always wanted to take the manual home to study, but never could.

** Languages: **

I've found Python (SHUT UP!) to be a good way to learn basic programming logic. It's very easy to set up and understand.

C is traditional and easy to learn, and there's lots of documentation.

C++ is a little more difficult, but it's very powerful. There's a reason it's still around. Also, your C skills will transfer.

Special mention to Java, which I thought was dying, but then Minecraft exploded. All hail the .jar file I guess...

** Environment: **

Basic programming is taking your code in Notepad or whatever and running a compiler on the file, which converts your code into output (the program).

IDEs (Integrated Development Environment) came about as a way of managing multiple compilers and projects. It replaces obtuse command line stuff with pretty buttons like "Run" and "Save." If you use one, just keep in mind that it's still an elaborate script that takes words and converts them into computer language.

Most languages start with a small baseline of simple commands, but you can add capabilities with the use of "libraries" or "packages" or whatever that particular language calls it. For example, in C++, one of the standard libraries lets me put text on the screen. Another, non-standard library, lets me create windows of whatever resolution and display graphics for making games.

** My 2 cents: **

If you're super new to coding, start with Python. The commands and environment won't translate to other languages very well, but it's a great learning tool.

On the other hand, if you're willing to read and research a little more, find a C compiler and do everything in Notepad. Once you understand how the process works and your projects grow, find an IDE that suits your tastes.

One final note: I find that researching the history of the language I'm working with helps me understand a little bit about its design philosophy and what its capabilities are. Wikipedia is your friend.

Good luck!

You can get VS Express for Free last time I checked and they work pretty good.

Also, Netbeans and Eclipse are free and they are not just for Java! They have plugins that not only let you use other languages, but other platforms too. For example my Netbeans installation has a plugin for programming Android apps.


Further note: this being a game forum, a lot of the stuff for XNA (XBox) is free as is also the Direct X. I wrote a .NET program once using a model of a Tie Interceptor I found on the web - and then I made it launch missiles, but every time I demo it (for other reasons not having anything to do with graphics or games, it's just a test platform) I hear "missiles? They launch missiles?"

The missile itself is a model of an AIM-120 I also found on the web and I programming it do self destruct after it misses the target (but I cannot do explosions - that takes more skill I lack) but best of all, my quaternion camera, the sort that Eve Uses (search the XNA developers forums I posted a copy of the code there) can be set to follow the missiles, something that I wish this game had.


I would like to point out that Graphics programming and actual coding for games are TWO ENTIRELY DIFFERENT worlds!!!!1!! Blessed and quite endowed with skills are those who can do (and mentally handle) both. Every time I use a 3D model, I use a free one from the internet which you can find in various formats. Often times when looking at gigs that involve graphics, there is a demand for people who know how to use the major 3D modelling programs and that should be treated like an entirely different career field. But ANY programmer can code behavior or AI into a model so long as you know what to tell the rendering engine.

If anybody needs to see what an EvE-style Quaternion camera looks like in code let me know and I will see if the XNA forums still have it around.

i second the netbeans comment. love that IDE