A programming question

I'm an aspiring game programmer and I do not know which program to study. I was about to start learning C++, but my friend, who knows a good deal about programming. He says that programmers in the gaming industry do not use the C++ language anymore(he says it's outdated) and that they mainly focus on Javascript.

My question is should I start learning Javascript, and if so, what are some good Java programs to use? Thanks in advance.

C++ and java aren't all that different, Java is completely object oriented though unlike c++ (because of pointers).

Who the bloody fuck would bother coding a game in Javascript?

Java is good for more web-based apps, C++ gets to the nitty gritty, and C# is a fusion of both (more like a Java clone with C++ properties) that is primarily used in the XNA Game Studio.

...if you are talking about a highschool class, all they teach in my school is C++

"C++ and java aren't all that different, Java is completely object oriented though unlike c++ (because of pointers)."

There's no disadvantage to learning the language you intend to use primarily first.

C++ is good to learn, but keep in mind that you must be very good in logical stuff.

I learned in Visual Basic, then went into C++... I didn't enjoy it but at least I tried.

Oh god do I hate Visual Basic.

learn java since its easier than c++. use jcreator le, its free.

Im currently doing Visual Basic, im in class now, lol, im gonna blow my head off.

"Im currently doing Visual Basic, im in class now, lol, im gonna blow my head off."

Dude, first I think you should learn what the languages are - Javascript and Java are unrelated.

I suggest you learn C++, it's a very useful language. If you want to go straight to program-building (because doing that in C++ will take a long time to learn) then I suggest C# or Java. But nobody codes *real* games in C# or Java (except browser based ones like Runescape).

Sorry, but Visual Basic is more or less useless.

By the way, I know several people who have been in the field and they unanimously say that you should not become a game programmer - you have strict deadlines, a lot of work, and it isn't close to what you might imagine it to be.

Yup, Visual Basic is useless. But it is easier than C++. It is more for work programs than for gaming. Although I did make some good games in Visual Basic. But I got so tired of For Loops, and If Statements, and Call Statements, and Case Statements... ugh I just gave up on programming.

C++ is a great programming language to learn.

"serbsta said:

"Im currently doing Visual Basic, im in class now, lol, im gonna blow my head off."

It takes like 70 fucking lines to blow your head off in Visual Basic."

I've worked on several shipped games, so I'll provide a bit of insight based on my experiences.  If you're interested in the nitty gritty stuff -- things like physics, the 3d engine, the simulations -- 99.9999% of what you're going to need to know is C and/or C++. If you want to develop for consoles, then C/C++ are really your only options.  Some developers prefer C, some prefer C++.  C++ is slightly more complicated, but if you know C++, you'll know most of what you'll need to know for C.

Many games are moving much of the game logic (what happens when you pull a lever or push a button, what happens when you level up, etc.) to script languages.  Python (Civ 4, some of the Myst games, etc.) and LUA (World of Warcraft) are most of what you're going to find.  These languages are much easier to learn than C++, and consequently these positions are generally easier to hire for.

If you've never programmed before, I'd start out learning Python or LUA.  If you're a WoW player, start off trying to write an addon (or look at some of the ones out there).  The objective here is to learn the basics of programming that are shared across many languages (conditions, loops, variables, functions, etc.)  You'll have a much easier time getting into one of these languages than starting off in C++ in my opinion.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

That's quite a lot to lay on a kid just trying to start in the world :-P

Is LUA used in WoW strictly for add-ons, or is it actually the game's primary language?

"That's quite a lot to lay on a kid just trying to start in the world :-P

Is LUA used in WoW strictly for add-ons, or is it actually the game's primary language?"

Thought so. Thanks.

"Dude, first I think you should learn what the languages are - Javascript and Java are unrelated.

I suggest you learn C++, it's a very useful language. If you want to go straight to program-building (because doing that in C++ will take a long time to learn) then I suggest C# or Java. But nobody codes *real* games in C# or Java (except browser based ones like Runescape).

Sorry, but Visual Basic is more or less useless.

By the way, I know several people who have been in the field and they unanimously say that you should not become a game programmer - you have strict deadlines, a lot of work, and it isn't close to what you might imagine it to be."

"I've worked on several shipped games, so I'll provide a bit of insight based on my experiences.  If you're interested in the nitty gritty stuff -- things like physics, the 3d engine, the simulations -- 99.9999% of what you're going to need to know is C and/or C++. If you want to develop for consoles, then C/C++ are really your only options.  Some developers prefer C, some prefer C++.  C++ is slightly more complicated, but if you know C++, you'll know most of what you'll need to know for C.

Many games are moving much of the game logic (what happens when you pull a lever or push a button, what happens when you level up, etc.) to script languages.  Python (Civ 4, some of the Myst games, etc.) and LUA (World of Warcraft) are most of what you're going to find.  These languages are much easier to learn than C++, and consequently these positions are generally easier to hire for.

If you've never programmed before, I'd start out learning Python or LUA.  If you're a WoW player, start off trying to write an addon (or look at some of the ones out there).  The objective here is to learn the basics of programming that are shared across many languages (conditions, loops, variables, functions, etc.)  You'll have a much easier time getting into one of these languages than starting off in C++ in my opinion.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
"

"...if you are talking about a highschool class, all they teach in my school is C++"

Why would anyone do that though? What does he gain from it?

Learn C++.  It's the industry standard at the moment and even if it does change, it's object oriented nature (as opposed to the procedural nature of C or scripting languages) means that in the very least the theory will still hold true.  There's also a whooooole lot of resources out there on the net specifically about writing games in C++.  The scripting stuff like LUA is really dependant on the project that you're working on and so being comfortable with the theory is important (most of which you'll pick up from learning C++) but knowledge of particular languages is somwhat less so.

I mostly use Java at uni but all of the games companies I've spoken to or read the job descriptions of emphasise that C++ is a must.

"Why would anyone do that though? What does he gain from it?"

"Learn C++.  It's the industry standard at the moment and even if it does change, it's object oriented nature (as opposed to the procedural nature of C or scripting languages) means that in the very least the theory will still hold true.  There's also a whooooole lot of resources out there on the net specifically about writing games in C++.  The scripting stuff like LUA is really dependant on the project that you're working on and so being comfortable with the theory is important (most of which you'll pick up from learning C++) but knowledge of particular languages is somwhat less so.

I mostly use Java at uni but all of the games companies I've spoken to or read the job descriptions of emphasise that C++ is a must."

It's very unlikely that you'd get a job a game developer with only knowing Javascript.

"It's very unlikely that you'd get a job a game developer with only knowing Javascript."