Thread: Starter: what language I should focus on?

Hello, I'm new here. First, I apologize for my bad english.

I'm studying Java at university and I used to program in VB6, and sixth months ago I studied a bit of C for an exam, and now I'd like to keep studying it. But I've a doubt.

I read about .NET, C, C#, C++... I'd like to know what these languages are most good for.

What of these languages are most good for database working, or good for Windows-like interfaces, or good to program games?

For example, I found java good for Internet and database applications, and I could make good GUI-based apps with VB, but I'd like to find a language good for graphics and game programming. I feel Java no good for it. I know that good things can be done with C from this point of view, but it doesnt have polimorphism and overloading;
I read that C++ is more difficult and more POO, but less flexible than C.

Finally: should I focus on C or C++ to have bettergraphic, media and interaction tools? In other words, which is better do write a game?

Thanks a loot
- a noob C programmer

C++ is the game industry standard programming language. Almost every commercial video game is written largley or exclusivly in C or C++. C is was created to parnter the unix operatoing system, and is an excellent tool for learning procedual programming.

If you know C, you should get into C++ easily. It is also an Object Oreintated language and combines a good sense of classes.

If making games if your goal, then go and ahead and learn C++. There are loads of books out there to get you on the right track, and there are also some good tutotials on this site. I learned C at school and now I program in C++, and I am still learning the language. It also includes the STL ( standard template library ) which is also used in a few games.

One book I highly recomend is C++, how to program the 5th edition by Detial productions.

As I said, go with C++ and learn the basics first, then move on the advanced features. And do not expect to learn it a few months. C is a small language compared to C++. Keep working hard and if you have any questions then ask the board, we are always happy to help you if you are stuck. Good luck - pete

IMO database programming is perhaps best done in PHP, with SQL. Very popular.

C# is an updated language that I would describe as C with some VB added to it. It's easier to use than C, but you do lose some of the flexibility of C or C++.

Fine language, but for intensive games, C++ is imo the language of choice.

It has the advantages of using most C code with very little updating, lots of speed, and the ability to add some OOP to it, as you desire. Also, it forces a little better coding practices, although C has tightened that up a bit.

I am NOT a game or professional programmer. These are the opinions I have seen from them, in several places on the web.

Adak

snippets to get you into it:

C++:

Code:

#include <iostream>

using std::cout;
using std::cin;
using std::endl;

int main ( void )
{
   cout << "Hello World" << endl;

   cin.get();

   return 0;
}

Is BASIC still this? I ask as It is ages since I used it:

Code:

print"enter your name: "
input A$
print"Hello " A$
end

I am talking 1995 I did this lol!

Originally Posted by swgh

snippets to get you into it:


Is BASIC still this? I ask as It is ages since I used it:

Code:

print"enter your name: "
input A$
print"Hello " A$
end

I am talking 1995 I did this lol!

Since my last game was in BASIC:

Code:

input "Enter your name: "; user$
print "Hello "; user$

print "Hit Any Key to Exit"
inkey$ = ""
do
loop while inkey$ = ""

No "end" is necessary, but you may include it. Without some input from the user at the end, the console window will shut so fast, you may not see the Hello message at all.

Adak