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Kresh

Okay, so in school I'm taking programming classes that are based around programming for video games. This year I learned VB, but I don't particularly care for that language. It's now my summer and, to keep from getting rusty in programming, I want to continue in learning a programming language. Although, VB isn't really that useful, which is why I don't particularly like it. So I was wondering, what would be a useful programming language to learn. (Useful in the sense of using it for video game programming.) Oh, and I'm pretty sure next year I'm learning C#. So do you think I should just go ahead, and get a head start on learning it?

pb_destiny

Hmm well to tell you the truth VB is very useful, and can be used for video game programming. I don’t know exactly how much experience you have with the language, but video game programming takes a good understanding of the language before you can use it.

As for learning a new language, I would most likely suggest learning C++ but considering you are taking the C# course next year...well maybe it would be best to start with that. Although, C# is most likely going to be become industry standard, it’s not yet, and C++ is still the most widely used object-oriented programming language, not to mention how powerful it is. So I guess you decide, C# is almost a new language on its own, I've read into it and tried it out, I'm sticking with C++ as long as possible. In the college course I'm taking the options were computer programmer course or a computer science and technology course. The only real difference between to the two was that the computer programmer course taught C# while the other taught C++, which is because if you are going straight into a programmer job they want you to be updated with the most new/efficient language which easier and faster to use, and good for writing software. I still think C++ is more powerful and better suited for system's programming, which is why it is offered in the other more general course covering more subjects.

Overall, C# is another act by Microsoft to try and make everything universal (combining many features/elements of one language into another so all programmers can adapt to one language, which is C#), as long as universal=Microsoft that is. Don’t worry, if you learn C++ its not like you cant continue learning C# next year, its a strong programming language that will teach you lots, and give you an advantage over the next year people in that course. By the way, it’s good to know C# too, because Microsoft will be using it to take over the world.

Good Luck with It,

-PB

P.S. If you have additional questions or need some more help/resources on learning C++ or C#, just pm me or add my msn/email at fast_traxx@hotmail.com

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Kresh

I must say that was a very informative reply. I really appreciate it a lot. The only reason I don't want to continue with VB, and I'm not sure if this is true, is because I've heard it doesn't handle 3D objects. Although, I may just have zoned out when my teacher mentioned it. Or maybe he just left that fact out. Either way I'd rather learn a language that let's me use 3D objects. Seeing as how, last time I checked, people aren't too fond of 2D games any more. So if I only knew how to program 2D games, I don't think I'd be able to get to great of a job with programming. I think I'll go with C++. It seems like it would be the right choice. Thank you. I really do appreciate the time you spent to give me that answer.

kfckaykay

I think VB is good enough cause you can edit TGA files into the game you're going to make which is more beginner style..

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Raiyne

C++ All the way Bwahahaha..

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lothia

Don't listen to PB, he doesn't know that much. Nah he actually does, many people will tell you to go for C++, while others have started to lean towards C#. I have seen this change in the last year or so while reading topics concerning this in various programming forums. I would suggest sticking with VB until you learn gaming concepts (if that is all you want to learn programming for) then move to C++. From what i have heard VB is much more game friendly because you don't have all those daunting tasks as you do in C++.

PB: I disagree well... more of I hope it doesn't change it C# as being the new high. I have actually heard a lot of people saying Java 2.0 being the next big programming language because it has gotten a lot faster, easy to program in and some other very nice upgrades.

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Raiyne

Java? t3h wtf... o.O

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kfckaykay

C++ is Java?? never actually heard of that =_=

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pb_destiny

Well VB is more game friendly, true, and the reason why is because it’s not as strict on syntaxes/declaration and such. The language itself feels more like a powerful scripting tool. Now if you are looking for a programming language that will guide you enough to understand game programming concepts, I wouldn’t use vb. The thing with VB is that it’s designed to write code for more projects other than gaming, and requires more time and work to master the language. Now what I would suggest for learning concepts on game programming would be Byond, that’s right, it maybe simpler scripting but it will teach you a hell of a lot, I believe it was hopedagger that said he too found it helpful. Anyways, like I said before, if C++ comes off as too difficult or confusing at first, start at a higher level programming language like VB. I really recommend you give byond a try, considering your experience with VB will make it that much easier to pick up the scripting code.

As for VB being able to handle 3D objects, well its not impossible but its also not preferred as the language to do 3d programming in, but it can be done using DirectX. Here's an example of such:

Guide/Explanation how to use VB with DirectX8

That’s all from me,

-PB

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WindrunnerX

Consider C++ or Java.

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