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Thread: Where do I begin?

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    Default Where do I begin?

    Thank you for taking your time to stop and read my post, hopefully you'll be able to answer some questions of mine. If my questions are stupid please ignore them and just answer them honestly or point me in the right direction to learn (I'm new to programming / coding) I've always wanted to create games even since I was very young and now I understand the only way to create games is through coding/programming and I'm more than willing to learn and have plenty of time on my hands outside of work.I'll begin asking my questions.
    What programs do I need to begin my path to coding, I want to learn Java for the project that I want to create but is it easy to learn and is it reliable? Is Java a good language to create a game? What are some projects I should try? Is there a "beginners guide to coding", are there any useful links/guides to help my learn?


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    Default Re: Where do I begin?

    Welcome to the Forum! Please read this topic to learn how to post code correctly and other useful tips for newcomers.

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    Default Re: Where do I begin?

    Java is fine for creating games. Its faster then most other languages, has excellent support for cross plattforms and you have great control.
    Whether its easy to learn or not is hard to say. I would say it is, I like most of what java is doing and I prefer it over other languages I know, but this is just my opinion and others might disagree.

    If you want to get started you should perhaps first learn the basics about programming. Usually you would probably want to use an IDE like eclipse or netbeans; these will help you to make working with java much easier, but before you understand the basic concepts of the language they might not be a good start.
    You can actually write any java program with nothing more then a simple text editor and a command line for compiling your code, and many say that this is the way every newbie should start.

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    Default Re: Where do I begin?

    I personally recommend trying out Processing: http://processing.org/

    Processing is built on top of Java, so you're learning all the same syntax, but it eliminates all of the extra Java boilerplate code that just confuses most beginners. Processing is built to be visual and interactive (it only takes a few lines to have a ball bouncing around on screen), which makes it pretty great for basic games.

    Once you learn Processing you can transition more easily to Java, and then you can try out game development frameworks like libGDX, which should be your eventual goal.

    Shameless self-promotion: I've written tutorials for getting started with Processing here: Static Void Games - Tutorials
    Useful links: How to Ask Questions the Smart Way | Use Code Tags | Java Tutorials
    Static Void Games - Play indie games, learn from game tutorials and source code, upload your own games!

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    Default Re: Where do I begin?

    Can anyone suggest great books for beginners?

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    Default Re: Where do I begin?

    Quote Originally Posted by makemoney View Post
    Can anyone suggest great books for beginners?
    Depends on the individual. Everyone has their own personal preference. Some popular ones are:

    * Head First Java
    * Java How to Program (Deitel)
    * Art and Science of Java (uses ACM package non-standard)
    * Java Programming Conphrensive Edition

    Wishes Ada xx
    If to Err is human - then programmers are most human of us all.
    "The Analytical Engine offers a new, a vast, and a powerful language . . .
    for the purposes of mankind
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    Augusta Ada Byron, Lady Lovelace (1851)

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    Default Re: Where do I begin?

    Quote Originally Posted by Ada Lovelace View Post
    Depends on the individual. Everyone has their own personal preference. Some popular ones are:

    * Head First Java
    * Java How to Program (Deitel)
    * Art and Science of Java (uses ACM package non-standard)
    * Java Programming Conphrensive Edition

    Wishes Ada xx
    Thank you for replying. Are PDFs of these books available? What books should I use after them? I also want to learn all the basic concepts of programming.

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    Default Re: Where do I begin?

    Quote Originally Posted by makemoney View Post
    Are PDFs of these books available?
    Have you tried searching?

    Quote Originally Posted by makemoney View Post
    What books should I use after them?
    We can't recommend an entire curriculum for you. What books you read is entirely up to you, what you're interested in, what you're confused about, etc.

    Asking which book you should read is far less effective than simply reading some tutorials and actually programming. If you want to learn how to program, then go do it.
    Useful links: How to Ask Questions the Smart Way | Use Code Tags | Java Tutorials
    Static Void Games - Play indie games, learn from game tutorials and source code, upload your own games!

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    Default Re: Where do I begin?

    Big thanks to you that asked the question and to you that answered remain bless you have helped me kill two birds with one stone...

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    Default Re: Where do I begin?

    You don't have to donate. It should download as a zip file, which you can unzip anywhere. Then just run the Processing application.
    Useful links: How to Ask Questions the Smart Way | Use Code Tags | Java Tutorials
    Static Void Games - Play indie games, learn from game tutorials and source code, upload your own games!

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