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What is the first step for someone who wants to learn how to code a game ?
I recently began trying to find a software to begin to learn to code but there are many and it became hard to find the right one.
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Patrick’s Answer
John thank you for reaching out and asking your questions regarding how to become a code for games. My oldest son was interested in creating his own games and I will use the information that he helped me with, so I hope the information that I have below provides you some insight and/or help. It's wonderful to know you're eager to delve into game development. Embarking on your coding adventure can be daunting due to the multitude of software choices. The initial step is to select a programming language that matches your game development aspirations. Here are some suggestions to steer you in the right direction:
• Start by opting for a Programming Language - Python or JavaScript are ideal for beginners, given their straightforward syntax and extensive supportive community. If you're targeting more intricate game development, consider languages like C# (particularly if Unity game engine piques your interest) or C++ (a common choice in the gaming sector).
• Next, choose a Development Environment - based on your chosen language, pick an appropriate Integrated Development Environment (IDE). PyCharm is a good option for Python, while Visual Studio is favored for C# and C++ development.
• Consider exploring Game Development Frameworks - These can simplify the coding process. Unity (C#) and Godot (compatible with multiple languages) are excellent for those starting out.
• My son began by mastering the Basics - This includes understanding the core principles of programming, such as variables, loops, and conditional statements. He found interactive courses on platforms like Codecademy, Udemy, or freeCodeCamp very helpful.
• He then started building simple projects - This is your chance to put your learning into practice by developing small games or projects. This practical experience is crucial in solidifying your understanding.
• Lastly, he became part of online gaming communities - Engaging with fellow budding game developers is essential. Online forums like Reddit's gamedev or Stack Overflow offer advice, support, and a space to showcase your development.
John, it's important to remember to take things step by step. Don't shy away from asking questions and make sure to enjoy the learning journey.
• Start by opting for a Programming Language - Python or JavaScript are ideal for beginners, given their straightforward syntax and extensive supportive community. If you're targeting more intricate game development, consider languages like C# (particularly if Unity game engine piques your interest) or C++ (a common choice in the gaming sector).
• Next, choose a Development Environment - based on your chosen language, pick an appropriate Integrated Development Environment (IDE). PyCharm is a good option for Python, while Visual Studio is favored for C# and C++ development.
• Consider exploring Game Development Frameworks - These can simplify the coding process. Unity (C#) and Godot (compatible with multiple languages) are excellent for those starting out.
• My son began by mastering the Basics - This includes understanding the core principles of programming, such as variables, loops, and conditional statements. He found interactive courses on platforms like Codecademy, Udemy, or freeCodeCamp very helpful.
• He then started building simple projects - This is your chance to put your learning into practice by developing small games or projects. This practical experience is crucial in solidifying your understanding.
• Lastly, he became part of online gaming communities - Engaging with fellow budding game developers is essential. Online forums like Reddit's gamedev or Stack Overflow offer advice, support, and a space to showcase your development.
John, it's important to remember to take things step by step. Don't shy away from asking questions and make sure to enjoy the learning journey.
Thanks for your encouragement!
John
Updated
Sean’s Answer
Don't spend a huge amount of time trying to find the perfect tool to start with. There are a lot out there, and almost all have pros and cons.
I would jump on youtube and search for "build a game", take a look at some of the videos and find one that shows you how to build something you want to build, and then follow along.
Here is a video that covers building a very simple game in python:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H09PmP5tsy8&pp=ygURYnVpbGQgYSBnYW1lIHdpdGg%3D
I would jump on youtube and search for "build a game", take a look at some of the videos and find one that shows you how to build something you want to build, and then follow along.
Here is a video that covers building a very simple game in python:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H09PmP5tsy8&pp=ygURYnVpbGQgYSBnYW1lIHdpdGg%3D
Updated
Richard’s Answer
This is a great question John, and a hard one to give a concise answer to! When I was first getting into coding myself it was inspired by the gaming industry and it lead me to a career where I code every day.
The easiest way to get started, if I had to do it all over again, is (1) to start with a basic language that's "syntactically-similar" to English, or something human readable (meaning you don't need to know a bunch of specific commands in that language, you would be able to read and understand the code without too much experience). As has been mentioned in a previous comment, Python is a great place to start. I think the key is that you don't need to know the language inside and out - you don't need to know every command and how exactly you would code every piece of logic. Rather you just need to know how to search for it. Python has a great and ENORMOUS community where I guarantee your question has been asked and answered. That will be endlessly helpful as you learn a new language.
The next key step is (2) don't take on too big of a task right at the start. Don't try to code your first game before you even know how to write "Hello World" (that's a universal step in learning any language, be able to open it and have it print to the screen "Hello World"). My interests, similar to you, started in game design, but when I was learning I would take on basic coding projects to get a handle on the language. Because I went into Engineering, these were using little physics based problems or something math related. Even something as basic as manually coding a sorting algorithm (https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/sorting-algorithms/) - you'd be surprised how many there are and how some are SO much faster than others, so it really teaches you how to optimize. Of course, find a topic you enjoy and try coding something related to that. While these are more advanced projects, you may find this YouTube channel quite interesting: https://www.youtube.com/c/SebastianLague.
And while there is no final step in learning to code, (3) I would find ways you can apply this to a career in the future. The gaming industry is huge and a great option if that is your interest, so try to figure out what experiences would give you an edge as you go through college and begin applying for internships/jobs. Maybe learning higher-level languages like C# and C++ (if, as you advance, you begin learning about game engines like Unity and GoDot, Python and C# will be great languages to know when you get started), or taking courses online or at school in Data Science or Machine Learning. I know those can sound intimidating, but there are so many sources online, and getting started early will make you stand out above the rest.
Coding and software experience can lead to many successful careers, so whatever you choose, keep it up!
The easiest way to get started, if I had to do it all over again, is (1) to start with a basic language that's "syntactically-similar" to English, or something human readable (meaning you don't need to know a bunch of specific commands in that language, you would be able to read and understand the code without too much experience). As has been mentioned in a previous comment, Python is a great place to start. I think the key is that you don't need to know the language inside and out - you don't need to know every command and how exactly you would code every piece of logic. Rather you just need to know how to search for it. Python has a great and ENORMOUS community where I guarantee your question has been asked and answered. That will be endlessly helpful as you learn a new language.
The next key step is (2) don't take on too big of a task right at the start. Don't try to code your first game before you even know how to write "Hello World" (that's a universal step in learning any language, be able to open it and have it print to the screen "Hello World"). My interests, similar to you, started in game design, but when I was learning I would take on basic coding projects to get a handle on the language. Because I went into Engineering, these were using little physics based problems or something math related. Even something as basic as manually coding a sorting algorithm (https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/sorting-algorithms/) - you'd be surprised how many there are and how some are SO much faster than others, so it really teaches you how to optimize. Of course, find a topic you enjoy and try coding something related to that. While these are more advanced projects, you may find this YouTube channel quite interesting: https://www.youtube.com/c/SebastianLague.
And while there is no final step in learning to code, (3) I would find ways you can apply this to a career in the future. The gaming industry is huge and a great option if that is your interest, so try to figure out what experiences would give you an edge as you go through college and begin applying for internships/jobs. Maybe learning higher-level languages like C# and C++ (if, as you advance, you begin learning about game engines like Unity and GoDot, Python and C# will be great languages to know when you get started), or taking courses online or at school in Data Science or Machine Learning. I know those can sound intimidating, but there are so many sources online, and getting started early will make you stand out above the rest.
Coding and software experience can lead to many successful careers, so whatever you choose, keep it up!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
John
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, John !
When looking for anything you must first know at what level you can start at and what your goal is. It sounds like you have been doing a lot of research but it's not exactly what you're looking for and you want advice on how to start. You've already started and that's good because you've eliminated everything that you have found already. Change where you've been looking.
Some suggestions would be to start simply. Join a computer group or club at your school and interact with people who can show you things that may be what you're looking for. Ask a teacher or an IT professional at your school, too. They just may know and have access to what you're looking for.
To start your quest all over again, I would suggest an article on the website Hack.io for which I have left a link to below. This article is especially interesting if you don't want to duplicate or modify a game, but rather want to create your own game. There is also a website called Free Code Camp for which I've provided a Link below. It outlines the six stages of game development which will get you on your way. I can also suggest that you go to your school library which may have some books that you can borrow about this subject. Than take it a step further if you don't find anything there and visit a local college's library or bookstore for the information you are looking for. Never give up !
Turbo Future has a list of game making tools that you can use for Android, iOS and PC Games, if that is what you are looking for. I have left the link to the list below. If you still don't find exactly what you are looking for, maybe take a course and learn how to create the code that you desire. Keep at it, though, because it's worth it for the finished product.
Best wishes to you in finding just the right code you are looking for !
HOW TO CODE A GAME https://hackr.io/blog/how-to-code-a-game
FREE CODE CAMP https://hackr.io/blog/how-to-code-a-game
GAME MAKER SOFTWARE FOR ANDROID, iOS AND PC https://turbofuture.com/computers/8-Best-Game-Maker-Software-Programs
When looking for anything you must first know at what level you can start at and what your goal is. It sounds like you have been doing a lot of research but it's not exactly what you're looking for and you want advice on how to start. You've already started and that's good because you've eliminated everything that you have found already. Change where you've been looking.
Some suggestions would be to start simply. Join a computer group or club at your school and interact with people who can show you things that may be what you're looking for. Ask a teacher or an IT professional at your school, too. They just may know and have access to what you're looking for.
To start your quest all over again, I would suggest an article on the website Hack.io for which I have left a link to below. This article is especially interesting if you don't want to duplicate or modify a game, but rather want to create your own game. There is also a website called Free Code Camp for which I've provided a Link below. It outlines the six stages of game development which will get you on your way. I can also suggest that you go to your school library which may have some books that you can borrow about this subject. Than take it a step further if you don't find anything there and visit a local college's library or bookstore for the information you are looking for. Never give up !
Turbo Future has a list of game making tools that you can use for Android, iOS and PC Games, if that is what you are looking for. I have left the link to the list below. If you still don't find exactly what you are looking for, maybe take a course and learn how to create the code that you desire. Keep at it, though, because it's worth it for the finished product.
Best wishes to you in finding just the right code you are looking for !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Akshata’s Answer
Hi John,
A couple years ago I was in your shoes and the way I started to learn code was searching for popular programing language and easy for me to understand with not a lot of syntax issues. My criterias were below:
1. Popular programing language industries are using. (Python worked out best for me)
2. How it would help me in future education and to get jobs?
I started using geeksforgeeks for all my learnings which has good explanations along with code. Here is the link for the same to get started https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/introduction-to-pygame/?ref=lbp
You can start with any language that you are interested in in geeksforgeeks website. They have other programming languages which can help from beginner to advanced level.
I hope this helps to get started! Good luck.
A couple years ago I was in your shoes and the way I started to learn code was searching for popular programing language and easy for me to understand with not a lot of syntax issues. My criterias were below:
1. Popular programing language industries are using. (Python worked out best for me)
2. How it would help me in future education and to get jobs?
I started using geeksforgeeks for all my learnings which has good explanations along with code. Here is the link for the same to get started https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/introduction-to-pygame/?ref=lbp
You can start with any language that you are interested in in geeksforgeeks website. They have other programming languages which can help from beginner to advanced level.
I hope this helps to get started! Good luck.
Thanks for the advice.
John
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
Hello there!
If your main interest is in making games, I believe the best option is to first find a game engine to work with. Be it Unity, Unreal Engine, Godot, etc.
Then from there, start learning how to make games for that engine, which involves learning the Coding Language they use.
This is usually a much more simplified way to learn how to code, since these engines always comes with something called libraries, as well as custom functions made for them, which simplify a lot of the process.
Many years ago I asked myself the same question, and decided to just download Unity and started studying their own course, Unity Learn, thanks to that I learned how to use C# bit by bit, and today I even know how to use it outside of the engines and for a larger variety of projects.
Remember the most important step is to take things easy and one part at a time, learning anything takes time and that`s okay.
Good luck with your endeavors!
If your main interest is in making games, I believe the best option is to first find a game engine to work with. Be it Unity, Unreal Engine, Godot, etc.
Then from there, start learning how to make games for that engine, which involves learning the Coding Language they use.
This is usually a much more simplified way to learn how to code, since these engines always comes with something called libraries, as well as custom functions made for them, which simplify a lot of the process.
Many years ago I asked myself the same question, and decided to just download Unity and started studying their own course, Unity Learn, thanks to that I learned how to use C# bit by bit, and today I even know how to use it outside of the engines and for a larger variety of projects.
Remember the most important step is to take things easy and one part at a time, learning anything takes time and that`s okay.
Good luck with your endeavors!