My dream is really to become a video game programmer, and it has been for so long I don't even remember when I started to want to. I have been playing with a couple of clients over the past years (Playerworlds, ORPGE, Realm Crafter.) And I decided it was time to start a programming language.


But I'm not asking which one makes better games.


I am asking which one is easier.

I am only a mere 13 year old, and I haven't learned a lot of math, except a few variables, and no trigeometry. So I ask you, for a 13-year old, which one would be easier?


And the Pros and Cons of both of them please?


Thank you,

Zelker AKA Zephrith

Java is a much better language for beginners. It isn't nearly as useful as C++ but it works with objects and works well with graphics. I recommend learning it first then moving onto C++. C++ is a terrible language to start with, especailly because at 7th grade the most advanced math you've probably taken is pre-algebra.

I'd go c++! I started when I was 8 years old, you'll grab it fine! By the time you need some high level math you'll have learned it in High School. I'm 15 now and I've started on my MMORPG. I wouldnt say Java's easier than c++ they have the same syntax except for a couple difference's in the way things work. You'll be learning the language, and you wont have all that much use for some trig, I didnt use trig until 3 years after I started with some odd ball task an 11 year old (me) was banging his head into the wall trying to figure it out, but my dad just wrote down the equation, and the code and I never thought twice about it, I didnt even understand it, but it worked and was fine! but many beginner projects wont use trig, if you know how to add, subtract, multiply and devide you'll be fine! You can make many projects like snake, pac man, maze finding programs, all sorts of fun stuff without knowing trig! I'd start with c++ because it has more expandablity than Java and in the future if you want to know java its easier to go from c++ to java than vice versa. Wether you use java or c++ you'll run into the same math at the same time. I'd start with c++ do comand prompt aplications using basic input, output, and get used to the language, Then I would pick up a 2D game programming book and really goto town. I made snake, pacman, a snowball fight game, a cell game like how the pokemon games worked without combat, astroids, space invaders all before i became 13, knowing how much you know now will not only make learning a programming language easier but it wont take so long as it did for me, I could hardly understand tutorials and books! Java's boring anyway...(in my opinion)

Tocs, I really like your post, but I think I will go with Java, since you had your dad to support you, while I have no one.


Java, here I come!


I read the first two pages of a C++ guide and just stopped, the first time I wanted to make a MMORPG. The math was far too advanced, and it had be quitting for about 7 months.


But now I am back in Black. With Java that is!


But, is it possible to learn Java first, and then start on C++? Would C++ be either?


-Zelker

Java is based on C so C++ should be a breeze after you learn Java.

I agree, plus learning one programming language allows you to learn a lot of basic need to know concepts on programming in generel... I know there's a better way to explain it, but I can't think of it.

Java's easier, and you can still do some nifty things with it.

-Bryan-

A question though.


Anyone know any guides on the internet to help me start out?


Then, I'll buy a book, but I would like to know the basics of Java first.




-Zelker

You can always start with the Java Tutorial.

http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/

I'm sure this topic (http://www.mmorpg.com/discussion2.cfm/thread/78756) is going to help you. read it carefully.

Well, I guess I am going to Java.


Although, when I quit, I wasted 6 months of time in which I could study. Does it affect this? Will I be able to make it up?



-Zelker

I suggest keep your studying as a priority, programming is something that can be learnt in small parts like say, an hour a day.

Wow.


Already confused.


Anyone know a simple way to explain classes and methods?



-Zelker

Tough thing about going from java to c++ would be grasping c++'s variable differences to java the whoel pointers and no pointers thing...

Anyone please answer my question?




...Please?

i am just like you zelker i am 13 and i want to be a programmer too since i was 10 lol (before that i wanted to be a dentist, belive it or not!) so im gonna go with java too i think then c++ after cuz those 2 seem to be pretty easy and popular but i know there are A LOT of other languages that ive read people alk about. i have an older brotha that 25 (lol) and he works on the comp lots but not on games but he said he knows a bit about languages and prgramming so hes gonna come visit me soon and i hope he can hlp me out. but ya lmao wuteva

So I have been studying Java for about a day now, but now I heard of a funny programming language called C#.


So, this is my new question, C# or Java?


Which is easier, and which one can make better games?



-Zelker

I suggest you find one you like the look of, one that looks easy to read and stick at it. If you carry on changing your mind about which language to choose you'll never get one learnt and once you fully understand one language the rest are a piece of cake trust me.

Wow.


Already confused.


Anyone know a simple way to explain classes and methods?



-Zelker

I realize this is a fairly old post, but I decided that this question should be answered.

A class simply can be thought of as a job description.
A method is a discrete section of code that exists inside a class and performs a task or tasks for the class. The tasks are performed by the object and defined by the class. A method can have data passed into it and can return data if necessary.

My dream is really to become a video game programmer, and it has been for so long I don't even remember when I started to want to. I have been playing with a couple of clients over the past years (Playerworlds, ORPGE, Realm Crafter.) And I decided it was time to start a programming language.


But I'm not asking which one makes better games.


I am asking which one is easier.

I am only a mere 13 year old, and I haven't learned a lot of math, except a few variables, and no trigeometry. So I ask you, for a 13-year old, which one would be easier?


And the Pros and Cons of both of them please?


Thank you,

Zelker AKA Zephrith
Hey we are almost same! im 13 and i just started programming a while ago. Accuatlly i have always have had math problems but im really trying to get better at it. I use C++ but im thinking about Java. Oh yea since you are 13 like me that time u wasted shouldnt be to much of a loss dont worry.
And one question, is Java free and where can I get it???

PS-if you go into C++ get Direct X9 it helps you import audio and GFX.

`for those with questions about Java, go to:
http://forums.devx.com/forumdisplay.php?f=154
This is a Java forum with a very active userbase (well some of the users anyways, me included).

Besides that, you are welcome to add me to your msn (mark_schrijver@hotmail.com). I'll answer any question you might have, if able. Do remember though that I live in Europe, so for US people, the forum might be a better place to look for answers.

Mark