Thread: Where do I start? Learning computer language

I know how to program graphing calculators. I'm pretty darn good at it, I guess. Not only can I make pretty cool triangle solvers and other equation junk, but I can make awesome animations and games using 'basic' style programming, as well. Whether it's a virtual fishtank, an RPG, a high-score arcade game, or a puzzle game, I can crank 'em out in good quality and fun.

But that's the extent of my programming knowledge. As my use of the calculator declines, and my use of computer increases, I want to switch my skills from calc to comp. But I've never taken any courses for computers. I know very little HTML(!). My goal is to learn how to make these simple games and tools on the computer (eventually evolving into cooler stuff). But I have no clue where to begin. What language should I start with? Java? Flash? Which would be easiest? Any good tutorials out there?

Discuss:
-Graphing calculators
-programming n00bs

Or...download a graphing calculator emulator!

C

If you're planning to go into that field then C is a must-know. Almost all programming now-a-days is done in C++. Since you've never had proper classes then I assume that you've never done OOP, which is difficult to teach yourself so C would be the best bet, since C++ is a derivation of C. Java is also OOP, which would make it hard to learn and very few applications are written in it.

You mentioned games. Almost all game engine are written in C, it's the fastest and in gaming speed is everything. The ones that aren't OpenGL use C++, but it's a decreasing amount and will soon become the minority.

Since you're good a BASIC I might recommend an opensource project called FreeBasic. It's a Windows/Linux upgrade to the old QBasic, but much more powerful, I use it from time to time and it's very easy to code it. It's also a good gateway to C because it has a GNU back end and has syntax and commands very similar to C.

Either C or C++

everything is based off of C or C++ to varying degrees
once you know these, anything else is a cinch to pick up

Initially, you may be happier with C
like Basic, it's a procedural language (executes top down, and includes functions and sub-routines)

C++ is an extension to C, and provides a strong object orientated approach as well as the procedural approach
OOP (object orientated programming) requires a different mind-set to work in.


*edit*
as for tutorials,

http://www.cprogramming.com/tutorial.html


*edit 2*
probably the most difficult concept to get to grips with (coming from Basic), is the separate header files
make sure you have a good understanding of why & how code is split into header and source files
and if in doubt, ask

Learn calculator assembly language. Or you can help me and Dan Cook, search up "Antidisassemblage" on ticalc.org.

Originally Posted by Ynot

probably the most difficult concept to get to grips with (coming from Basic), is the separate header files
make sure you have a good understanding of why & how code is split into header and source files
and if in doubt, ask

Basic has separate header files. It's not as imperative with C, I've done small projects (1000 LOC) all in one big files, but it's not good practice. Learn how to do a top down design and modulate your program. Headers are much more imperative in C++ than C, but it's good to have then for both.

Originally Posted by ninja9578

Basic has separate header files.

oh, ok

well, sinclair basic didn't....

Originally Posted by ninja9578

C

If you're planning to go into that field then C is a must-know. Almost all programming now-a-days is done in C++. Since you've never had proper classes then I assume that you've never done OOP, which is difficult to teach yourself so C would be the best bet, since C++ is a derivation of C. Java is also OOP, which would make it hard to learn and very few applications are written in it.

You mentioned games. Almost all game engine are written in C, it's the fastest and in gaming speed is everything. The ones that aren't OpenGL use C++, but it's a decreasing amount and will soon become the minority.

Since you're good a BASIC I might recommend an opensource project called FreeBasic. It's a Windows/Linux upgrade to the old QBasic, but much more powerful, I use it from time to time and it's very easy to code it. It's also a good gateway to C because it has a GNU back end and has syntax and commands very similar to C.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but C++ is becoming more PROMINENT. Not declining. C is a must-klnw, but C++ really is the standard.

well,
what he said was correct (at least, it's also how I understand it)

he said "Almost all programming now-a-days is done in C++"

but, "Almost all game engine are written in C"

both of which are true

game engines, by their very nature, need to be as fast as possible - C is the best choice for them

Assuming I continue this C stuff, would it be pretty easy for me to learn C++?

Originally Posted by Seismosaur

Sorry to burst your bubble, but C++ is becoming more PROMINENT. Not declining. C is a must-klnw, but C++ really is the standard.

You misread my quote. I meant that the number of games using Direct3d is declining compared to OpenGL. I wasn't comparing languages. OpenGL is just better suited for C, DX is better for OOP.

Originally Posted by ninja9578

You misread my quote. I meant that the number of games using Direct3d is declining compared to OpenGL. I wasn't comparing languages. OpenGL is just better suited for C, DX is better for OOP.

Oic. I haven't used OGL w/ C before. I usually use C++ w/ AllegroGL and Classes.