A question About Java (whats my next Step?)

Hello, My name is Darren and i am 15. I have been codeing varies languages since about 2 years ago and i know a fair ammount about programming (I know alot of basics like a bout what functions,loops are e.t.c.)

I know PHP/Mysql (im currently making a browser game :D) and i know a language called 'Pawno' which is used for SA-MP San Andreas Multiplayer mod for Grand Theft Auto (GTA SA)...


Now, i have used java code before and played with it to make crappy lil calculators and stuff but my question here is What do i do if i want to start to add graphics to Java programs??? I want to be able to make small games (like mario or somthing Pong - lol) then move onto 3d engines to create cool java games...

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The reason i want to learn this is because i cant go straight to harder languages so i supsoe its best to learn enough on java to make games then move on harder languages when im ready....so thanks for anyone who helps


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Btw, in case its not clear..my question is:- how can i start to add Graphics/gaming interface to Java

Hello Darren, you might want to have a look at OpenGL bindings for Java and have a look at kevin's blog | Coke And Code - Java Games and Games Development for some nice tutorials and have a look at Slick - 2D Game Library based on LWJGL which is an api for rendering 2D using OpenGL :)

Enjoy!

// Json

hmm, so I should go learn about OpenGL?

is that somthing you use with java (like you use mysql with PHP)

Lots of 2D games can be created using just Swing components and the Java2D API. Take a look at the link Json provided, as it has some very good and very simple examples on how to do this. Sun has some good tutorials on how to use Swing and Java2D, keep in mind these tutorials from Sun just touch the surface because other things come into play in more advanced games, such as image graphics, user interaction, and threading.
Should you go further into the 3D realm, OpenGL is a good start. There are java libraries that bind Java and OpenGL (such as JOGL) - I'd steer clear of Java3D for a variety of reasons. I might catch some heat for saying this, and its only a personal opinion, but I'd prefer to learn OpenGL from C or C++ (one reason being many examples, as well as the 'source' - the Red Book - are in C), but this isn't to say you can't do so in java - especially if that's what you are more comfortable with.
One final recommendation is to pick up a book of some kind to lead you through the process, at least the beginning part of it (although I'm probably the last person to give suggestions)

Id say if your main goal is to do 3D stuff then OpenGL is your best bet if you intend to use Java. There is a great deal of support out there at the moment and its growing every day.

I never did any Swing or Java2D myself but I'm from a C++ and OpenGL background anyways.

// Json