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What coding languages do I need to know for a career in software engineering or video game designing?
I'm interested in a career around tech.
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Zach’s Answer
If you're interested in game development I'd recommend working towards learning C++ and C#. Those are two of the most common languages modern video games are written in.
Python is a good language to get the hang of programming and how logic/control flow works. It's easy to get started with and doesn't require a ton of setup or any expensive hardware/software.
Some other things that would be good to get familiar with early on are various Linux distributions (operating systems) and text editors/IDEs (Integrated Development Environments). They're tools you're likely to use every day with a career in software engineering/game development. I'd check out Ubuntu if you're not familiar already, and something like VS Code or Pycharm.
https://www.python.org/
https://ubuntu.com/
https://code.visualstudio.com/
https://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/
Python is a good language to get the hang of programming and how logic/control flow works. It's easy to get started with and doesn't require a ton of setup or any expensive hardware/software.
Some other things that would be good to get familiar with early on are various Linux distributions (operating systems) and text editors/IDEs (Integrated Development Environments). They're tools you're likely to use every day with a career in software engineering/game development. I'd check out Ubuntu if you're not familiar already, and something like VS Code or Pycharm.
Zach recommends the following next steps:
Great comment by Zach, i would just add to also check out Unity! This is the platform used by many game developers.
https://unity.com/
Jas Jassal
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear David,
To thrive in the realms of software engineering or video game design, it's crucial to build a robust foundation in various coding languages and technologies. The specific languages required may differ based on the industry and project, but typically, the most sought-after and universally utilized programming languages in these fields are:
Java: Owing to its adaptability and platform independence, Java is a preferred choice for software engineering. It's extensively employed for creating enterprise-level applications, Android mobile apps, and web applications.
Python: As a high-level, all-purpose programming language, Python is favored among software engineers and game developers. It's utilized for web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and game scripting.
C++: Known for its power and efficiency, C++ is widely used in game development, system programming, and high-performance applications.
C#: C# is a popular language in software engineering, particularly in the creation of Windows applications, Unity game development, and web applications using ASP.NET.
JavaScript: JavaScript is indispensable for web development, front-end development, and game development, especially in crafting interactive elements and dynamic web pages.
TypeScript: TypeScript, a superset of JavaScript, adds optional static typing and other features, making it a preferred choice for large-scale software development projects.
HTML/CSS/JavaScript: These front-end web development languages are vital for constructing user interfaces and designing responsive websites.
SQL: Proficiency in Structured Query Language (SQL) is crucial for handling and manipulating data in databases, a key aspect of software engineering and game development.
3D Modeling and Animation Languages: For video game design, gaining skills in 3D modeling and animation languages like Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max is beneficial. Although not strictly programming languages, they are essential for creating game assets and environments.
UnrealScript/Lua/C# (Unity): These scripting languages are tailor-made for game development in engines like Unreal Engine and Unity.
Keep in mind that mastering multiple languages and consistently upgrading your skills is vital in the rapidly changing tech industry. Further, expanding your knowledge in areas like software design patterns, data structures, algorithms, and version control systems (like Git) can significantly boost your career prospects in software engineering and video game design.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
To thrive in the realms of software engineering or video game design, it's crucial to build a robust foundation in various coding languages and technologies. The specific languages required may differ based on the industry and project, but typically, the most sought-after and universally utilized programming languages in these fields are:
Java: Owing to its adaptability and platform independence, Java is a preferred choice for software engineering. It's extensively employed for creating enterprise-level applications, Android mobile apps, and web applications.
Python: As a high-level, all-purpose programming language, Python is favored among software engineers and game developers. It's utilized for web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and game scripting.
C++: Known for its power and efficiency, C++ is widely used in game development, system programming, and high-performance applications.
C#: C# is a popular language in software engineering, particularly in the creation of Windows applications, Unity game development, and web applications using ASP.NET.
JavaScript: JavaScript is indispensable for web development, front-end development, and game development, especially in crafting interactive elements and dynamic web pages.
TypeScript: TypeScript, a superset of JavaScript, adds optional static typing and other features, making it a preferred choice for large-scale software development projects.
HTML/CSS/JavaScript: These front-end web development languages are vital for constructing user interfaces and designing responsive websites.
SQL: Proficiency in Structured Query Language (SQL) is crucial for handling and manipulating data in databases, a key aspect of software engineering and game development.
3D Modeling and Animation Languages: For video game design, gaining skills in 3D modeling and animation languages like Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max is beneficial. Although not strictly programming languages, they are essential for creating game assets and environments.
UnrealScript/Lua/C# (Unity): These scripting languages are tailor-made for game development in engines like Unreal Engine and Unity.
Keep in mind that mastering multiple languages and consistently upgrading your skills is vital in the rapidly changing tech industry. Further, expanding your knowledge in areas like software design patterns, data structures, algorithms, and version control systems (like Git) can significantly boost your career prospects in software engineering and video game design.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Updated
Jason’s Answer
To start off in an "easier" or more manageable way, C# and Java are good choices for video game designing programming languages. If you want to be involved in the game engine, C/C++ is the next step.
Updated
Kit’s Answer
Most interviewers know that languages are easily learnable, its the problem solving, design and application of knowledge that matters more. Therefore, I would encourage you to:
- build your own games or contribute to open-source games - that is the best way to learn by doing. Doesn't matter what language. Find a game you love and contribute/build it.
- find a gaming developer community and join it - that is super critical because you are surrounded by people you can learn from
- don't neglect the fundamentals though: If its hard-core third person shooters where you want to make the game engine - look at C++. You also should be strong at Java, C#. Finally, be super familiar with frameworks like Unity.
- build your own games or contribute to open-source games - that is the best way to learn by doing. Doesn't matter what language. Find a game you love and contribute/build it.
- find a gaming developer community and join it - that is super critical because you are surrounded by people you can learn from
- don't neglect the fundamentals though: If its hard-core third person shooters where you want to make the game engine - look at C++. You also should be strong at Java, C#. Finally, be super familiar with frameworks like Unity.
Updated
Xincheng’s Answer
I'd recommend starting with Python as it has one of the simplest coding flows. It's also widely used in machine learning, robotics, and deep learning areas. For games, C++ and C# are more popular, and I'd recommend starting with C#.
Updated
Pramod’s Answer
Python is the most sought after programming language these days and is also a very straight forward to learn. However, C, C++ and C# are still the popular languages used in video games. There are many resources available online for free to learn the above.