Thread: C++ programming can be used for games?

  1. #1
    gkid
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    C++ programming can be used for games?

    i was just making sure that learning C++ would allow me to create my own video games/computer games. is it the main language used in the games industry? thanks

  2. #2
    Registered User abrege's Avatar
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    For the record, C ++ can be used to program just about anything. And yeah, C ++ is pretty popular.
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    Senior Member joshdick's Avatar
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    This sounds like a question for Polymorphic OOP. He's a freshman at Digipen, a college for game programming. He really likes C++ and game programming. He's the one who ought to talk to you. Poly, are you out there?
    FAQ

    "The computer programmer is a creator of universes for which he alone is responsible. Universes of virtually unlimited complexity can be created in the form of computer programs." -- Joseph Weizenbaum.

    "If you cannot grok the overall structure of a program while taking a shower, you are not ready to code it." -- Richard Pattis.

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    Registered User foniks munkee's Avatar
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    C or C++ with a bit of Assembly. They are the most common games programming languages. It depends on the target platform, what dev tools are available and what skill sets the programmers for the company have. Expertise in all or one of the above languages will help towards getting a games programming job.
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    Registered User alex6852's Avatar
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    99% of all games are made using C++, BUT (!) it's not enouph to know only C++. To make a game you should have concrete knowlage of either OpenGL or DirectX graphic library.
    C++ rulez!!!

  6. #6
    Registered User foniks munkee's Avatar
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    99% of all games are made using C++
    Not true at all - there is still a large number of games written in C and Assembly, particularly if you are talking about console markets. C++ has certainly picked up the pace, but there are plenty of games written in pure C. You would be lucky if it was a 60/40 split in favour of C++.
    "Queen and huntress, chaste and fair,
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  7. #7
    gkid
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    alright, thanks. im going to start learning C++ and go over some C nd Assembly. that guy from digipen sounds cool. i want to go to digipen.

  8. #8
    Registered User foniks munkee's Avatar
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    By all means go over C/C++ and ASM. But I would recommend just sticking to one for a while until you feel comfortable with it. But it really depends on your ability to learn and the time you have at your disposal.

    C++ will see you right, but any/all of them can win you a good position. I just recently got burned with two job interviews for Games companies because of my lack of experience with Assembly. Both companies were coding for PS2 and felt that Assembly was going to be a very important part of the job. My sample code was quite competant, but it was OpenGL and C - and they were looking for someone to write a music subsystem for the PS2 title. I guess my point is that you can code in whatever of these languages you like, but it depends on the job as to what will be most appropriate. There is no one universal "Game Programming" banner. Games programming can encompass many disciplines. It probably wouldn't hurt to cover some physics and mathematics as well.

    Some advice I got from the lead games programmer of a games company about three years ago:

    "It doesn't matter what language you are programming in, be it C or Java or Pascal - whatever. If you are talented and can show that you can complete a game - then you have a good chance because there is more to programming than just syntax".

    Unfortunately they haven't been hiring since then!
    Last edited by foniks munkee; 01-01-2003 at 11:49 PM.
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  9. #9
    The robo vacuum cleaner was written in C. (saw it on The Screensavers) Just thought I would share that little bit of info.

  10. #10
    gkid
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    i think what ill do is master C++ and become extremely familiar with ASM and C. i think im going to a summer workshop for digipen and C/C++ is covered, but i want to get a head start.

  11. #11
    Registered User Frobozz's Avatar
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    Originally posted by alex6852
    To make a game you should have concrete knowlage of either OpenGL or DirectX graphic library.
    You don't necessarily have to learn those, you can use libraries like Allegro or SDL. Allegro makes use of DirectX and stuff like MMX (maybe DirectX does automatically, I don't know). And SDL might as well.

    Both Allegro and SDL will port to several systems such as Windows, Linux, etc. Maybe even Machintosh.

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    Registered User alex6852's Avatar
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    Not true at all - there is still a large number of games written in C and Assembly, particularly if you are talking about console markets. C++ has certainly picked up the pace, but there are plenty of games written in pure C. You would be lucky if it was a 60/40 split in favour of C++.
    I'm sorry; I just had no time to type in those letters You're right. But C and C++ are not that different to mention them separately

    You don't necessarily have to learn those, you can use libraries like Allegro or SDL. Allegro makes use of DirectX and stuff like MMX (maybe DirectX does automatically, I don't know). And SDL might as well.
    I agree, but do you know any games out there that use those libraries? If you do, let me know.
    C++ rulez!!!

  13. #13
    gkid
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    do you guys think i should start off with C++, or would it be easier to learn C first? im just trying to figure out what to start with because im gonna go pick up some books soon. speaking of which, anygood books you know of ?

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    Registered User abrege's Avatar
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    No, you shouldn't learn C first, there is a very rough transition between the languages. I suggest SAMS Teach Yourself C++ in 21 Days
    I am against the teaching of evolution in schools. I am also against widespread
    literacy and the refrigeration of food.

  15. #15
    Originally posted by abrege
    No, you shouldn't learn C first, there is a very rough transition between the languages. I suggest SAMS Teach Yourself C++ in 21 Days
    The Fourth Edition.

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