What language should I learn first?

[ScubaSteve]

Hi all!

I am wanting to start learning programming. I am interested in gaming and simulators, and I was wondering what the best language to start learning would be. Also, I would appreciate any tips on how to go about learning the language ( if there is one book that stands out or anything like that )Also, I can't afford 3D Studio Max, is there anything out there I could use besides that? Thanks alot

Peace

ScubaSteve

There is no real programming language that you can learn quickly that has the power to create simulators. The easiest language that I have found to learn is Perl. Perl is usually used for CGI, but you can use it to make VRML. If you really want to kill yourself, try learning C++ and OpenGL. 3DStudioMax will only do you any good if you know how to import the files, although it usually configures C++ automatically if you have Visual C++ 5.x or higher. I've been in programming for 3 years, and I still don't know the basics for creating 3d graphics. MilkShape3D is a cheaper utility, and it's not out of the box compatible with C++, but you can download libraries for that purpose. Just remember that 3DStudioMax and MilkShape3D aren't programs you can just sit down and learn like photoshop, you have to read documentation and tutorials. All I have to say is good luck. Go here to find more information: http://www.opengl.org and http://www.planet-source-code.com.

If you want to make games in the 2d world you can use Visual Basic and Flash. You can learn that stuff in a snap... Visual Basic in 2 or 3 snaps

[Helper]

If you've never programmed before, i'd start with Basic, QBasic, or Pascal.
If you understood the basic rules of programming you can change to c++ or whatever.
But don't expect to be perfect after a few years - cause you know: Nobody is perfect :-)

cu
Helper

[RJ]

Visual Basic will probably be the easiest language to start, and you'll start directly with Windows programming, whereas QBasic for example binds you to DOS.
With a bit training in VB you'll be able to start programming in DirectX quite soon, and DirectX is required for fast graphics applications and games.
If you want to move to another programming language later (when you get experience in programming), I'd recommend you C++, since it's the standard for professional applications and games. Due to the Windows APIs the syntax will be all you have to learn, but the usage of Windows API and DirectX will be 99% the same.

RJ

[LittleAura]

If you want to do games and 3d stuff, on the cheap, there's a program called blender at.
http://www.blender.nl
It's free, but can't say for myself how good it is, but I have heared good stuff

Good stuff Aura!!

[DrZaius]

Hi ScubaSteve,

If you really want to learn programming and the "science" behind it then go for C++. From there you can expand to Visual C++ and Java. If you just want to start making applications then go for Visual Basic which is easier to learn and use. As for 3D programming and software, plenty o' links here:

http://www.3dlinks.com/index.cfm

Just scroll down the left hand column and look at all the info.

Hope that helps.

[fatboyjim]

Right, so now I've decided to learn Visual Basic as a starter... which version should I choose a book on

another thing, do you think it's better to use a book to learn or use some internet site?

Thanks,

Jim

[DrZaius]

Hi fatboyjim,

I would definately get a book. It is much easier to follow the book step-by-step and then use it as a reference (very useful) later on. Internet sites and forums are useful for learning tricks and more complicated problems, but get a book for the basics.

I recommend Beginning Visual Basic 6 by Peter Wright (Amazon has it for $31.99).

[fatboyjim]

Thanks DrZaius,

I'll see if I can get a book out of the library (they're good like that), once I;ve got the book... will I need to pay for anything else (some horrible compiler/reading/editing program?)


Thanks

Jim

[DrZaius]

fatboyjim,

You will need to buy Visual Basic 6, since there are no free compilers for Visual Basic (unlike C++). Microsoft has a learning version for $100. There is also a "lite" version (Visual Basic 6 Programming Starter Kit) that comes with a book for $40, but it is very limited. There are other versions as well (Professional and Enterprise), but those versions cost $200+ and $1,000+ repsectively, if I remember correctly.

[ScubaSteve]

Hey everybody! Just wanted to say thanks for all the replies to my query... one thing I've always liked about the whole computer thing is how readily people extend help. Thanks again.

- Scuba Steve -

[fatboyjim]

So the thing that I actually use to program with won't be included with the book... maybe I should stick with QBasic!

Jim

QBasic is an alright starter I guess, I'd have to say though if you want to get into programming, there is nothing wrong with jumping the gun a little and starting with C++. There are 2 free compilers that are good.

Bloodshed DevC++
and
Borland C++

[fatboyjim]

Are both of these compilers FREE and do they have a tutorial? Will I have to buy anything extra and do you recommend getting a book to learn?

Thanks,

Jim

PS. I trust these compilers are for Windows - where can I get them from?

Okay... YES! They are both free! And there are tutorials all over the net for making 3d stuff. Goto http://www.opengl.org and check out some of the beginner tutorials. I've really never used a book for C++, I'd like to buy one, but whenever I get money I blow it on an anime DVD. I'm sure Borland has their own book, but sorry I can't make any real suggestion. I found this book at amazon... it looks nice:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...133889-3905646

The compilers are from windows.

I found bloodshed here:

http://www.zdnet.com/downloads/

here is a good opengl tutorial page:

http://nehe.gamedev.net/opengl.asp

Best of luck to you.

[fatboyjim]

OK Thanks,

But where can I get the COMPILERS from?

Jim

[DrZaius]

fatboyjim,

Borland C++Builder Compiler:
http://www.borland.com/bcppbuilder/freecompiler/

Bloodshed Dev-C++:
http://www.bloodshed.net/devcpp.html

Hope that helps.

[fatboyjim]

Thanks DrZaius,

I'll check out those download sites (I think I'll try BorlandC++ first) and I'll look at the sites and books for tutorials as well.

Cheers,

Jim

[fatboyjim]

Thanks for the link, I'm downloading Borland as I type (I couldn't get Cute_FTP to download it for some reason so I had to do it through the browser)

So where can I find a tutorial for programming in C++? Or should I buy a book/look in the library?


Thanks again (and sorry for the hassle asking questions about stuff that's already been half-answered)

Jim

[DrZaius]

fatboyjim,

I would buy or checkout from the library a book. I recommend Sams Teach Yourself C++ in 21 Days 4th Edition by Jesse Liberty.

For good beginner online tutorials check out this site:
http://www.cprogramming.com/tutorial.html

But again, it's much easier to learn from a book. And if you have any more questions feel free to post them. Hope that helps.

[fatboyjim]

That's great DrZauis,

Oh, is that all that I need (once I get the compiler + debugger) or do I need to download anything else?


Thanks again,

Jim

Ps. I've read the Sam's books before for HTML and JavaScript - they're quite good so I'll see what I can get from my local library

[DrZaius]

fatboyjim,

All you really need is the compiler/debugger to run your programs. To write the code you can use any free text editor (like EditPad or TextPad) and then run the compiler on your saved file. However, using a integrated development environment (IDE) like Bloodshed Dev-C++ is easier because it provides syntax highlighting and one-click compiling features and really come in handy. Hope that helps.

Depends on what you plan to do. If you want to make video games, you'll have to download certain libraries that make it easier to code for games.

[fatboyjim]

The Borland C++ compiler is horrible and DOS based (I think), I'm new to this game so am having difficulty using it (OK, so I haven't tried much yet)

Should I get the Devland thing as well? Is that just a compiler or is it a builder? Apparently the the Borland C++ BUILDER comes with C++ code that you can edit already (I am yet to find any with the compiler although maybe I have missed it - is it in the LIB directory?)

Thanks,

Jim

[Kendall]

The free Borland compiler is just that. The compiler. It's not DOS based but it's command line. You don't get a nice IDE or anything with it. There are some free IDEs out there. One I've heard is really good and designed specially to work with Borland was made by Gnu. VIDE Check it out here:

http://www.objectcentral.com/vide.htm

I haven't used it personally. I have Visual Studio and I also have Visual Slick Edit for my editor but I've heard it's pretty good. Keep in mind that you don't NEED an IDE to compile programs. All you need is just what Borland gave you. But an IDE of some type will make your life easier.

Since I came from a UNIX background all I had then were command line and makefiles which I created by hand so all this stuff now is a luxury

[fatboyjim]

OK thanks, like I said I;m new to this so I don't know all of this stuff. Although I did visit the links given by DrZaius and the Devland one looks like an IDE to me (like I said I'm not sure though)


So could somebody please check out the Devland thing and get back to me - I really want to be able to either say "This programming lark is way too much for me" and sulk or say "WOOHOO!"

I think you get the picture. I'm tired now and am talking rubbish

Jim

[Kendall]

Cool. Well I hope this gives you a good start. Keep in mind though that these solutions are ones for low budgets.

Personally what I would do (And what I did in school) is save up and purchase development environment. These days VC++ is the most popular and would be a good investment. I believe they have different versions like standard or professional and stuff like that.

So while you don't NEED any of that stuff if you were to purchase say VC++ or say Codewarrior Pro then you'd have everything you need to get going all in one package. If you get VC++ you'll find lots of people to help you since as I said it's the popular one.

I use Bloodshed Dev (developer) C++.
And it's a great IDE! repeat: I-D-E!!

And Kendall is right. You don't need an IDE, just the compiler.