difference?

If regards to the books, check out the books section here on Gamedev.net :)...here or under the Resources drop-down menu. The books are all rated by people at Gamedev as to their usefulness. I've also heard very good things about the book "Beginning C-Plus-Plus Game Programming"(replace "Plus" with the plus sign), and I myself learned C from "The C Programming Language" by Kernighan and Ritchie and "C-Plus-Plus For Dummies" (call me a commoner, but I love "For Dummies" books; again, replace "Plus" with plus sign...the board apparently doesn't like plus signs at all :-P). If you're interested in more online tutorials, check out the forum FAQ for a bunch of links to various tutorials/overviews.

My thoughts on OpenGL: It's tough work, but it's rewarding. I've learned so much from basic programming paradigms to linear algebra through this.

I understand the "bookstore awe". Happens to me a lot when I get into a new subject. But read around, hang around the forum, and you should be in good shape.

Oh and for 3D animation, try to find out what modeling suite you'll be using. At my uni we use Cinema4D, but the way you learn 3D can vary drastically according to the software you use (although underneath, they are all comprable in some way).

Hope that helped and best of luck,
Aviosity

Quote:

Original post by bluehpt4 A couple of questions: 1) Any thoughts on Open GL, PHP, Python, Game Over.

First of all, I have no idea what "Game Over" is. Secondly, what sort of thoughts? This request is pretty vague.

1) I don't use any of those except for PHP (which I don't use for game programming so I can't help you there).

2) If you're just starting try Beginning C++ Game Programming by Michael Dawson.

Quote:

Original post by Roboguy Quote: Original post by bluehpt4 A couple of questions: 1) Any thoughts on Open GL, PHP, Python, Game Over. First of all, I have no idea what "Game Over" is. Secondly, what sort of thoughts? This request is pretty vague.

OMG I said the exact same thing WTF is that lol...
as far as PHP goes.. why is it listed on a gamedev site. I have never even heard of a game programed in PHP(I don't even think its really possible either). If your thinking web development then I would say go with java or flash. With python I've heard good things about it but haven't really had any sucess with it seems to dependent on c++ extensions and if I have to write them in c++ I might as well just write the whole program in it.

Quote:

Original post by bluehpt4 A couple of questions: 1) Any thoughts on Open GL, PHP, Python, Game Over. 2) Which book of c+++ do you recommend? I saw about 10 different authors. I was at the store and found myself in a daze over the abundance of books. Not too sure what is the best book for a beginner who is about to take classes in game development and 3D animation. Thanks

1)
OpenGL: Thumbs up, cool crossplatform
PHP: I dislike the syntax, but it's easy to work with
Python: <3 python, nice clean syntax, also easy to work with.
Game Over:the two words I dislike seeing in a game, never heard of it if it's a product

2) The C++ Programming Language by Bjarne Stroustrup, goes over pretty much every feature of the language and has lots of little pointers and exercises.