Game Languages

[MayDay]

OK, theres plenty of information on the net about various programming languages, programming apps and games etc. And a plethora of info on beginner programming.

My question is, which language should I use if I'm writing a game (None of this fancy 3D stuff, just a simple, top-down scrolling strategy, shooter or adventure).

I was thinking Java, (Easy to learn, non-proprietry-ie-cheap etc) or maybe C (Small and fast).

I'm want to learn how to program to build my own games (Mostly for my own benefit, I'm too tight to go out and buy the flippin things) but also to pad out my CV (Or resume for our american friends).

And before you all berate me for such a n00b question, I know I can't learn to program overnight, I'm just looking for a point in the right direction.

If anyone could help, I would be most appreciative, thank you.

***To the board Mod's and Admin, sorry for posting this in the wrong forum, was certain I was posting in the PROGRAMMING SIF***

[mjc]

Moved to Programming.......

When I saw the title and the location, I frist thought you were wondering if removing language packs could increase performance...;)

[masterleous]

Hello Friend,
I know about many languages to make a game possible n simple,
VB , C++ & many more...........
for more goto Planet Source Code (http://www.planet-source-code.com) which have many examples i had seen..........
And u will also find other programmers as well as my codes....
Thanks....;)

[saphalline]

Java is an OK language for some things, but it has a few weird quirks and is much too bloated to be desirable for game programming. I agree with masterleous about C and its variants.

Original C is totally compatible with just about every OS and system, but if you're looking for programming games for your own use (I assume in a PC-Windows environment) and for resume purposes, C++ is the way to go. Awesome features and still retains the tight efficiency of C.

Plus, with all the programming websites out there, you will actually require very little original code! :D Usually you can just search for a subroutine that does this-and-that and then slightly alter it for your own specifics or whatever, which saves a lot of time!

To get started, you'll need a compiler and some basic instruction. Game programming sites will often have all the tutorials you need to get started and can point you in the direction of free downloadable C++ compilers. I recommend actually buying a compiler once you figure out which language you want to use, if only for the updates and support and extra features etc, but getting started is free. :cool:

So first you'll need to try a few languages (tho IMO I think you'll find C++ to work quite well) and then learn some basic programming techniques, then move on to producing useful ;) programs, then learn to make actual windowed programs, and finally you'll need to learn 2D graphics programming. Easy, huh? :rolleyes:

I won't lie to you, game programming is probably the most challenging and frustrating type of programming you're likely to ever encounter (save for a few horrible rush projects you might get in your future career) and you're gonna need a lot of help (only the most basic games today are made by just one person) but the result will likely be most fulfilling if you can stick it out (quitting early is the number one game killer!).

I wish you luck and would be willing to beta test if you end up liking game programming. :D