Getting Started!

&#106avascript</a> is a fairly well-featured language, and you don't have to install anything to be able to use it (you can use your web browser to run it). Besides, it's fairly close to C++ in terms of syntax, which means you can carry on most of what you learn to C++.

Most people here would recommend you start with python.
C# is also a good choice coupled with XNA. (Learn c# first then start on XNA).

I'd recommend you experiment with a few different languages and see which one you prefer, then stick with that one.

You say you want to learn c++? I'd say go ahead and have a go at it if you want to. A lot of people don't recommend starting with c++ as it isn't the easiest language to pick up for a beginner, but that's the way I started out.

Just try a few lnguages, see which one you like, then stick with it.

Whatever language you choose, I'd recommend learning object oriented concepts before delving deeper. I don't know a good book on the subject otherwise I'd link you to one, but it's imperative that when you think programming or 'project', one of the first things that come to mind is 'which structure will make my life easier?'.

Also if you want to go on the route to C++, don't start with Python, it's not that it's a bad language, or even bad for a beginner, but C# and Java are much closer to C++ than Python. I plan to learn Python, at least the basics, after I feel as comfortable with C++ as I am with C#.

The reason I want to learn it is because it was used in Civilization IV for the UI and a few high level algorithms, which might start a trend.

Also, as a side note, you could always try to learn Flash, it's pretty powerful and some cool games were created with it, but that's a completely different road from C++. And not the road you want to pick if you want to create 3D games, I've seen a few done with it but I'm not sure what the proficiency required for them is. At least with C++, and even C#, you have dozens of free engines to choose from.

I'd suggest working in C#. It's very beginner friendly, but also very powerful, especially because of XNA. Not to mention that it was heavily influence by C++, and so shares similar syntax and even some similar idioms. But wait, it gets better. You can develop games for the Xbox 360, Zune, and of course, Windows platforms. You can also use Visual C# 2008 Express Edition, a free IDE from Microsoft that's quite powerful. So my advice is to download Visual C# 2008 Express Edition, get some good books on C# programming and C# game development, and go to town!

Of course, if you're on a Mac or Linux, you can always use Java and the Eclipse IDE. Java is similar to C#, but doesn't have the awesomeness of XNA, so although game development in Java is definitely possible, I've found it a super pain in the butt working with 2D/3D in Java.

@ToohrVyk: Your linky is broken.

[edit]

To expand on what DaveMS said: please don't try to make a game in C# before knowing how to program in C#. It's absolutely imperative that you learn the language before you start making games with it (this is true for every language!). So make sure you do plenty of non-XNA programming before moving into XNA.

Thanks for all the responses guys, I think ill stick with java because im thinking of making a small browser mmo with it, nothing to advanced,

If anyone knows where i should get started with java or any links to helpfull sites it would really be appreciated!

How is an MMO not "too advanced" for a beginner? Start smaller. Guess The Number, Tic Tac Toe, Tetris.

For a complete beginner, Tetris is a very advanced project. It could take a couple of months before you gained enough experience to pull it off.

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Original post by MikeTacular @ToohrVyk: Your linky is broken.

It works fine here...

No no, as in not too advanced compared to other browser mmo's.
And obviously that isnt going to be my first project,

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Original post by ToohrVyk Quote: Original post by MikeTacular @ToohrVyk: Your linky is broken. It works fine here...

Weird. Well now it works. I've had trouble accessing your site in the past, but lately it has been fine. Oh well, it works now.

Im having diffuculties finding anything related to java for newbies.. :/

Ill keep searching but if anyone knows any sites please post them here, Thanks.

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im thinking of making a small browser mmo with it, nothing to advanced

I just really have to laugh at this...sorry.

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Im having diffuculties finding anything related to java for newbies.. :/

Last I checked there was alot of tuts on the java site...the sun site. and google java game programming.

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Original post by 2DExtremeOwner Quote: im thinking of making a small browser mmo with it, nothing to advanced I just really have to laugh at this...sorry. Quote: Im having diffuculties finding anything related to java for newbies.. :/ Last I checked there was alot of tuts on the java site...the sun site. and google java game programming.

Thanks , Btw read the 9th post on this thread,

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Thanks , Btw read the 9th post on this thread,

Sure, and that's what makes one laugh all the more. If you do get into programming, you too will one day look back and laugh at what you have said.

I still dont get how its ammusing to state that the mmo im planning to make in the future wont be as advanced as other browser mmo's, *As in the amount of code, functions, the graphics, gameplay*. And im pretty sure i wouldnt laugh at what i said in the future,

Oh and could someone please explain what the difference between using The NetBeans IDE and the command line on windows?

thanks,

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I still dont get how its ammusing to state that the mmo im planning to make in the future wont be as advanced as other browser mmo's, *As in the amount of code, functions, the graphics, gameplay*. And im pretty sure i wouldnt laugh at what i said in the future,

Because its funny, there is really no such thing as a less advanced mmo if its still an mmo, mmo(1,000+) is diferent than multiplayer(124-256,highest I seen).
The amount of knowledge you need for this is quite alot, as in experts with years of experience have difficulty doing it. But well its not impossible =P.

As a lil example, you cant make a game MMO by inserting MMO 'functions' 'whatever' into it after its done, the game must be made from the get-go MMO capable, everything(players,objects,world) must be updated for everyone around to see/know and the same for them to the player(you), as efficiently as possible. I really dont know much about it and hopefully someone here will shed some light as to how the design really goes into an MMO, atleast the basics. Or search online.

And I personally and honestly wish you the best of luck.

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Oh and could someone please explain what the difference between using The NetBeans IDE and the command line on windows?

Dont really use Java, tho I do have some interest in learning it sooner or later but the basic is, and IDE makes things easier for the programmer to code in than just the command line. I guess you havent openned either one, because I think it is quiet obvious lol. Command line is just a black window that you can write in. An IDE is a program filled with helpful functions and debugging among others(intellisence, in some) that makes programming easier on, dum dum dum... programmers.

If you have a windows platform DON'T use netbeans, last time I used it that thing was a bloated monstrosity. If at this early stage you wish to test yourself with the proverbial baptism of fire (Which you are, considering you want to start with an MMO), use JCreatorLE. It's a great teaching tool, simply because it doesn't try to make your life easier. It's best features are an inbuilt compiler and the fact that it marks keywords, everything else, you're on your own.

Btw, there's a big difference between Java and &#106avascript. A really big one. If you want to do browser based games, you can always use java applets, you can even create something as advanced as Runescape (After a lot of hard work, tears, gnashing of teeth). However &#106avascript is just the thing that underlines all the misspellings in red when you're editing a post here. You can do a lot of cool stuff with it, but an MMO? forget it. The most advanced programming feature it has is a timer. If you want to do an MMO with it, you have to postback to get information &#111;n the other players, you can use AJAX to -hide- the postback (Ajax doesn't get rid of postback, it's just an illusion) but a browser is no place for an MMO unless you use Java applets.<br><br>You might also want to look into Javafx, it does wonders with &#106avascript and Ajax.<br><br>Btw, question, why a browser based MMO?, is there a particular game you're trying to emulate.<br><br>P.S. Java and &#106avascript have little or nothing to do with each other, except they both use C Syntax. You don't need a compiler for &#106avascript, just notepad. You basically just write some code and html in there, save it as html, open it and viola. For example, copy and paste the following into your favourite text editor, save it as mytest.html and open it in firefox (I haven't tested it in IE but it should work)<br><br><pre><br>&lt;html&gt;<br> &lt;head&gt;<br> &lt;title&gt;<br> Hello World<br> &lt;/title&gt;<br> &lt;/head&gt;<br> &lt;body&gt;<br> &lt;div name="helloText"&gt;Hello&lt;/div&gt;<br> &lt;/body&gt;<br> <br> &lt;script type="text/&#106avascript"&gt;<br><br> Repeat();<br><br> function Repeat()<br> {<br> var myDiv = document.getElementsByName('helloText')[0];<br><br> if(myDiv.innerHTML == 'World')<br> {<br> myDiv.innerHTML = 'Hello';<br> }<br> else<br> {<br> myDiv.innerHTML = 'World'; <br> }<br> <br> setTimeout("Repeat()", 200);<br> }<br> <br> &lt;/script&gt;<br><br> <br>&lt;/html&gt;<br></pre><br><br><!--EDIT--><span class=editedby><!--/EDIT-->[Edited by - WazzatMan on December 15, 2008 12:12:16 PM]<!--EDIT--></span><!--/EDIT-->

I want it to be browser based because it will be easier for people to test the game ect, and i dont want to spend too much time with c++ because using java would be easier,

And ive read that if i were to learn Java now, learning C++ would be easier because there are some similarities.

So i want to start of with a browser mmo and then maybe advance to one that youd have to download.

And thanks for your tips!

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Original post by Kodexx I want it to be browser based because it will be easier for people to test the game ect, and i dont want to spend too much time with c++ because using java would be easier,

I think you are mistaken about ease of testing. In any case, suitable programming projects for a beginner are easily testable by that beginner. Also, you do understand that Java and &#106avascript actually have nothing to do with each other, right?<br/><br/><!--QUOTE--><blockquote><span class="smallfont">Quote:</span><table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="95%"><tr><td class="quote"><!--/QUOTE--><!--STARTQUOTE-->So i want to start of with a browser mmo and then maybe advance to one that youd have to download.<!--QUOTE--></td></tr></table></blockquote><!--/QUOTE--><!--ENDQUOTE--><br/><br/>"I'd like to start off with a Ferrari with an automatic transmission and then maybe learn to drive a manual."<br/><br/>It doesn't work that way. Bite off what you can chew, and consider that people who've been doing this for a while are better qualified to estimate how hard something is.

Somewhere in the thread i said this obviously isnt going to be my first project , There will be many more small programs ect. Im not planning to bite off more then i can chew, Infact im not going to even start on the mmo untill i feel confident enough that i could make one, *Which would probably be years*.

Although im planning ahead and i want to be in the right direction,

Im going to start by using the tutorials on the sun java website, then proceed by reading Head First Java - Second Edition. By then ill find a couple of more Java programming books, then ill start making many small programs with a reference book and trial n error,

And THEN if im confident enough to even get started on making an mmo , Ill give it a shot!