Programming language

[edyzmedieval]

Now, since I restarted the learning of the open source projects (Blender and Python - I really like Blender, I managed to make a nice snowman with a hat ), I was thinking of choosing once and for all a language.

Python is new to me, but the tutorials/manuals are pretty comprehensive, and I think they provide all the necessary stuff I would need. On the other hand, I had previous experiences for 1 year with C++, doing math problems(yuck) and learning the basics.

What programming language would you recommend to stick to?

[drone]

The language you choose depends on the end application. Are you writing math-intensive programs, graphical interfaces, business software, etc.? If you plan on working in the software industry, you will need to know a couple of languages at least, and be able to learn more as time goes on.

[Bijo]

If you've been learning C++ I'd say stick with it or go with D.
(I bet you knew I was going to mention D :) D will catch on anyway.
If you decide to mainly stick to C++ that's good, then when D... "replaces" it your transition won't be difficult because D looks like C/C++.

For games C++ + DirectX (and maybe some scripting language like Python or something) (and in the future possibly D + DirectX (and some scripting language)). But if it's about games nowadays I'd surely have a good look at C# and XNA too -- very interesting.

For normal windows applications (Visual) C# and .NET or something like that.

[edyzmedieval]

I want to get rid of the math-intesive applications. I just want to learn enough to make some simple games, and then move on, to add graphics, sounds etc...

That's my goal.

[Bijo]

I want to get rid of the math-intesive applications. I just want to learn enough to make some simple games, and then move on, to add graphics, sounds etc...

That's my goal.

If that's the goal I'd recommend one particular book: Beginning C++ Game Programming. It takes a learner through C++ basics with game programming in mind. Very good one if y'ask me, and you've had some C++ already anyway.

Then after that I'd recommend using C++ and some game library of your choice. Maybe Allegro, or SDL, or other ones you can find. I happen to have a list handy here I bookmarked: http://abattoir.wolfpaw.net/personal/gamelibs.php .

You could also check out Pygame (if that's what it's called). I've heard good things about it.

[Sigurd]

I would also recommend C++ as the first language you learn.
If you master C++, any other language would be a cake walk.

.Net (C#) is an easy transition. And it will bring in the ca$h

[edyzmedieval]

@Bijo

Do you know if I can find the same thing on the Internet?

@Sigurd

Oh yes, I would love to bring the ca$h.

[Bijo]

@Bijo

Do you know if I can find the same thing on the Internet?

The same thing? You mean Pygame? If so, here's the site: http://www.pygame.org/news.html

Pygame will allow you to make games with the Python scripting language. I've never tried it, but it's probably easier to get into than using and learning C++ with some library. I'm not so sure about running the games with this though... I *think* it'll have to be interpreted, but there are probably ways to compile Python programs into binary.

[doc_bean]

C++

good luck !

[edyzmedieval]

No Bijo, I meant the book on C++ programming.

[DukeofSerbia]

I want to get rid of the math-intesive applications. I just want to learn enough to make some simple games, and then move on, to add graphics, sounds etc...

That's my goal.

Java for video games on cell phones.

[Duke John]

C# for me. With the coming of Windows Programming Foundation I've got everything I need to program simple games and tools (once I have enough spare time). 3D is overrated anyway with the huge amount of production time needed And with XAML you can create quite easily scaleable vector based interfaces.
I haven't looked too much into but WPF/e (or Silverlight) seems to be kinda like the Microsoft version of Flash.

I recall reading somewhere that PyGame seems nice but no game (so not a techdemo) is finished using with it. Panda3D seems better. But when I looked at Python I disliked how you seemingly had to look for dozens of extensions to start programming.

Are you still planning to do a game progamming study?

[edyzmedieval]

Ill be moving to a new school next year, and since my computer time over there will be limited, I will look to do something useful. So, yes, I plan to do such things.