I am interested in learning how to write code for games. I am a C.S. student at UNO but I am in freshman classes and they are so slow. Can anyone recommend any languages to start learning first or any other ways to get started? I have Unix with Solaris in the labs at school and I also have Windows XP at home on my pc. Which would be better to use? Should I get the FreeBSD?
i would learn C then C++ and you can move up or down from there.
programming classes teach you how to program simple games but it is up to you to make games much harder.
you can also check your local bookstore for books on game programing.
you can get a C and C++ programming program for both unix and windows. but it does cost $$. so keep your fingers crossed and see what you can come up with. i know borland makes a C and C++ programing package.
Wow yesterday you posted that you're brand new to Unix and don't know anything about it. Now you want to program games.. ambitious!
I don't know if you've taken a programming logic course yet. If you've never programmed before, I'd recommend buying a book on the subject and reading it. That way, you'll know all about loops, arrays, etc. independent of any one language.
The logic of programming is very important for any application you want to develop, so get that down first.
Learn C++ inside and out and how to interface for third party libraries. A majority of games are coded under Win32. More wide range of driver support for DirectX with the high end video gaming cards.
There is a rising number of games being created for Linux, though. I have played Unreal Tournament under Linux with a Voodoo2 card and it was pretty good. The now defunct Loki games also ported several tiles to Linux such as Soldier of Fortune.
You can find references to Linux games at SourceForge (such as TuxRacer). If you are want to code engines, study your mathematics. Multi-variable calculus (it was Calc III for me) and Linear Algebra are paramount (not to mention physics).
The publishing company WordWare produces some books on game programming under Linux. You can purchase these books from the publisher but I can pick these books up for about $5.00 at the local 75% Off Books (one of the greatest book shops ever!).
Yeah, I am taking a class at UNO which describes the basics of Object Oriented Programming but I want to start getting a good background in it now. I just didn't know where to start. Thanks for the help! I'll read up on C and C++ and see what I can do.
Thanks for the help!!