New to programming
 

Hello I am new to the boards and new to programming. I just started at the art institute in there visual & game programming program. I want to start getting ahead and increase my knowledge in programming and do not know where to start. If anyone can please give me some advice where to start. I have access to all autodesk programs, and some game engines. Sorry if this is a common post but I must have overlooked it if it is posted somewhere in here.

-Thank you

What experience do you currently have? Have you programmed/scripted before?

Sorry for the late reply but no I have no experince what so ever.

Well, I started out in highschool learning C# and then Java. C# isn't much of a game programming language, but Java is pretty popular for browser games and the such. It's not too hard to learn either, so that's a language you might want to try out.

You can start with Java as a game programming language. It might require at least 6 months for you to grasp it. After that you can go in for advanced game programming features and with experience you will become a great game programmer. All the Best :p

Didn't spot this.

Start off with GameMaker or Scratch, they will get your head around the logic of programming. Once you are comfortable, then you can start to move on to programming languages.

Thank you very much for the advice. I will definitely try out all your suggestions.

What about only C++
 

Hi total newbie here as well.

I did a bit of visual basic a few years back at a night class and have decided to go for a full time learning but i was led to believe C++ was the best language to learn as the consoles all use this? Please could you confirm if this is so as i will be signing up in a few weeks and would hate to get the wrong course.

Many thanks

Nessie

There is no "wrong course." You need to learn programming, and no learning is "wasted." As for C++ and other languages, read these:

http://archive.gamedev.net/reference/start_here/
http://www.gamedev.net/index.php?app...ion=rules&f=31
http://www.gamefromscratch.com/post/...developer.aspx

Once you understand the basic principles and appreciate the dominant paradigms, learning new languages is very easy.