I'm looking to start being a computer programmer, i have NO experience whatsoever, and i'm looking for an easy language to learn, with a lot of possibilities, preferably something you can create games from, while still being flexible enough to make ordinary function programs. Could u suggest a language, and if u can, a good, reliable tutorial/book to learn said language from? Thanks

C, C++ are probably the most universal. But you'll also probably need one of the many graphics packages. I can't recommend any personally, but there are a lot to choose from.

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I'd suggest Java language. It is so easy to create GUI Programs, and the syntax is exactly similar to C/C++. So you can easily shift.

Because of the ease in creating GUI programs, you can also create games easier. And with J2ME, you can even write games for your own cell phone.

Java compiler is downloadable from java.sun.com.
There are a lot of good Integrated development environments for Java.
I prefer Eclipse. But there are NetBeans, Intelli J Idea which are equally good.

There are hell a lot of books for Java. The best one i think is from "Deitel and Deitel", the name being "Java: How to program".
If you want to go a little deeper, there is "Advanced Java: How to program"
from the same Deitel publications.

Note that you can make simple games and have fun. For hardcore game programming, you need to learn DirectX or OpenGL, which are based in C/C++. But it has a longer learning curve, and slightly complex for a beginner.

Its your choice. Make it wise.

Regards,
Parameswaran.

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Don't walk behind me, I may not lead.
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is that deitel book really good for super beginners? It's 80 damn bucks on Amazon, and i don't want to get it, then regret it b/c it is confusing the hell outta me >.<

Guess I'll have to pipe up for my choice: Python. It's quicker to learn than C, C++, or Java, is just a powerful (except for low-level system work), you don't have to fight w/ code-compile-debug cycles because it's interpreted, and it includes Tkinter, a GUI building library. Plus you can go to www.pygame.org and get a nice game library pre-built. It's cross-platform so you don't have to worry about most compatibility issues, if that's a concern. I've written some tutorials here on GIDForums if you want take a quick look at it and see if it's something for you.

However, if you want to extend your programming knowledge to get a job, you really should learn C/C++ and/or Java. Python is great because it's easy and powerful, but some of the data structures and low-level memory work is taken out of your hands; many places want you to know how to do things like this because of what they're making.

I'd also recommend the Dietel books; they are my first choice when learning a language because they are actually text books. Then I get some of the O'Reilly books for extra reference. Go to www.alibris.com and look for a used Dietel book of your choice; you should be able to find one for <$40.

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I found a brand new Deitel C++ one, used. The guy bought it, realized he got C++ instead of Java, and put it up used for $54.

Well, C++ is definitely not an easy language to learn lower cost book or not.

Java is a very good choice for a beginner, as Paramesh notes.

Game programming is about the most complex kind of programming possible. I recommend setting out to learn the fundamentals of programming through a language choice such as Java and then figure out how to write games once you understand the language.

Both C and C++ are extremely popular in game programming and for all of the right reasons, too. You need absolute control over the system and the choices for that tends to be assembly language, C and then C++ in that order.

All I can say is good luck. It isn't difficult, it is extremely difficult to go from no programming experience to writing successful games for any target...even with two years of solid programming experience.

Whatever you do, you may wish to decide to use TDD since you're just starting out. If you write the test first, then write the code to pass the test, you're a world ahead of at least 90% of developers everywhere. Chances are though, that even the basics of TDD related tools (such as JUnit, CppUnit and CUnit) are going to be quite a bit above your head.

If you're destined to learn C++ first, I'd recommend a good, used copy of Sam's "Teach Yourself C++ in 24 Hours." They are usually available for around $10 used. You'll need a simple, step-by-step approach and you can always post your questions here in the C++ programming forum. Powells.com is a good choice for used computer books, too. Here is a 3rd edition for $15. A 2nd edition is available at $10.50. www.powells.com

Still, I recommend learning Java first. It is a good OO programming language, it is very clean, the API is very consistent and well documented. Eclipse is available for free on many platforms and Java has a very good API for graphics. Once you can reasonably write your basic graphical applications, you can search out and find open sourced game projects, of which, TripleA is one of them. If you can, become a contributor in such a project and you will quickly come to realize the complexity of writing games.

There are a lot of "talking points" here that I did not explain nor provide links for to help you out. Part of being a good programmer is being able to find for yourself tidbits of useful information using the Internet, which usually means googling for them. Strong investigative skills are required to be a reasonably decent programmer.

Once you have some specific questions to ask, post them in the appropriate forum and you'll likely get some useful help. You'll certainly have a lot of questions regardless of the language you choose.

If at all possible, once you decide on a language, ask someone who is a programmer in that language to help you get started. A couple of hours sitting with a skilled worker is likely to save a lot of hair pulling. One of the biggest challenges for beginners is just getting to the point where they can start typing code and make it so that it will execute on their platform. There are usually many, many tutorials on the web for just about every programming language, so you may want to start by saving book money and spending time reading online.


:davis:

davis, that was a very helpful post, ty much <3

I don't know anyone who's a real good Java programmer, but a good friend of mine is good with Python. How is that in relation to Java?

Very different. If you know someone that knows Python, you might want to go that way and you'll have a resource close to you.

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Age is unimportant -- except in cheese

I can't say. I don't know Python. Learning any programming language is a good start, but I'd probably try to direct you toward a language that is more "commercially viable," but it is up to you. Getting started is more important than language choice. Once you learn the basics of programming, you can apply the lessons learned to any other language.


:davis: