Python

**_Martyr_** · 05-03-2006, 19:19

Sounds like you will be well on track then once you familiarise yourself with C++ again. As I said in the previous post, a great place to start is with SDL. It takes the sting out of making a simple game and lets you focus on your game itself rather than testing specific hardware conflicts or something, while still involving you enough so that you learn whats going on.

Download the library here: http://www.libsdl.org/index.php

Good luck!

**edyzmedieval** · 05-04-2006, 09:55

Thanks for the appreciation and feedback.
I really need to get my "minds" back, as I need to learn again C++, on the algorythm part. Even though I did 2 years, I still don't know much unfortunately. Guess I'll have to start again.

Thanks for the SDL Library.

**ZombieFriedNuts** · 05-05-2006, 12:47

I’m learning python in university good luck to you, still haven’t got the hang of it.
I was going to give a link to the worksheets we were using then I realised the lecturer didn’t put them on the web.

**edyzmedieval** · 05-08-2006, 11:33

You need to read those tutorials carefully to understand Python.

I wonder how CA built their TW engine....

**doc_bean** · 05-08-2006, 16:32

Well you probably know this already, but, some general programming advice:

1. learn object orientated programming (if you're using an object orientated language), NOT procedural programming in an object-orientated language. Of course, knowing procedural programming is pretty much essential in itself, but do know the different 'âparadigms of coding and when to use them. Learning how to program is different from just learning a language.

2. Document your code: you have to understand what everything does a year from now, at least, write what your code expects as input and what it gives as output: be complete and write in logic code if possible. This is the part about programming I really hate, but i've seen the benefits...

3. write simple tests for pretty much every function you implement, and keep running them when you change or add things. Correcting a 'completed' program is a *****, even correcting one class can be a huge undertaking. Intermediate testing will save you time in the long run.

4. Have fun ! Don't start a big project where you will only see the results years from now (it takes a year for a modern 3D engine to be build I think, and those are done by experts). Start with little projects and work your way up, or divide a bigger project into little pieces that have results of their own (like a graphical representation, a basic form of abstract game mechanics, a data handling system, input interface, etc.).

Good Luck !

**edyzmedieval** · 05-08-2006, 18:19

1. learn object orientated programming (if you're using an object orientated language), NOT procedural programming in an object-orientated language. Of course, knowing procedural programming is pretty much essential in itself, but do know the different 'âparadigms of coding and when to use them. Learning how to program is different from just learning a language.

Python is an object orientated programming, so that's a big plus.

Plus, it says here it's easy to learn. It might be, but the tutorials are stuffed with material.

2. Document your code: you have to understand what everything does a year from now, at least, write what your code expects as input and what it gives as output: be complete and write in logic code if possible. This is the part about programming I really hate, but i've seen the benefits...

At least I know the logic code good... That's a plus, makes you understand how the stuff works.

Well, I'm learning Python and C++ in parallel with other stuff, and I learn these in my free time. I gave up gaming for these, so I can do my own projects in the summer.

**doc_bean** · 05-08-2006, 18:28

Originally Posted by edyzmedieval

Python is an object orientated programming, so that's a big plus.

Plus, it says here it's easy to learn. It might be, but the tutorials are stuffed with material.

From what I've read about Python it certainly seems like an interesting language. I don't like tutorials much since they're usually to slow for my taste, but they're a necessary evil, most of the time.

Well, I'm learning Python and C++ in parallel with other stuff, and I learn these in my free time. I gave up gaming for these, so I can do my own projects in the summer.

What's the project you are planning, if you don't mind me asking ?