I want to be some kind of programmer, what kind would you recommend and how should I start?
Im a junior in High School and I want to be a programmer. I am starting to learn C# just by reading books and tutorials online. I want to make applications and possibly game development. I am really not sure what to do to start off other than just reading books. So what would you recommend to give me a good start at programming? And is C# a good language to start out with? Also whats the best way to learn a language?
Thanks in advance!!
The only way to learn how to program is to program. You can’t just read the books. You have to also sit down and write, compile, run and debug code. Programming takes hands on practice.
So…get C# Express, which is free, and start writing some code. Try to apply the things you are learning from the books and tutorials.
ETA: I would *not* recommend C++. C++ is much less forgiving of the common mistakes that new programmers tend to make. You will spend lots of time trying to understand why your code compiles but doesn’t work, just because of a silly typo. C# is much better at catching common mistakes and telling you exactly what is wrong.
C# is a good language. It’s a big language, with a lot of complex stuff in it. But you don’t have to learn it all at first. Start with the basics. When you need the more advanced stuff, it will be there.
http://www.blender.org/ is a good way to start learning game design and programming for games. but for programs i would get visual basic 2008 express. its free and you can start to understand programming from repetition of steps and comprehension of what your doing.
hope that helps,,, good luck
If i where you, i would learn C++ not C# becuase C++ is alot more common nowdays and aparently more effective.
The best way to learn a Language, is to muck around with it, just start trying new stuff you learn, don’t just sit on the comp and do nothing with it.
Awesome K
hello,
given your current status (middle schooler), you would benefit by contacting several of the schools that produce game designers. ask them about the requirements of their courses. also, they should be able to suggest study materials that are appropriate for your experience level. some departments may even have sample projects that will give you an idea of what you need to familiarize yourself with.
some good design schools are:
full sail (orlando, florida)
otis (los angeles, california)
usc film school (los angeles, california)
school of visual arts (new york, new york)
university of minnesota (several campuses)
itt technical institute (several campuses)
de vry university (several campuses)
also, you could contact local community colleges and the game companies themselves. often, game companies have forums where you can ask questions and seek advice.
anyway, as far as your specific question regarding C#….. go with C++. this is both a more common and more efficient computer language.
if game design is your goal, it would be in your interest to create games. they don’t have to be elaborate, they just have to be fun and entertaining. be creative! this advice came from the director of admissions for the usc game design dept (a subset of their film school).
so, this should get you started. now go forth and conquer.
thanks
Stick with C#, C++ in dying a slow death. In 5-10 years c++ will be used mainly for toasters and device firmware.
Once you learn C#, you can also develop in Java very easily (Since Microsoft stole 98% of Java’s keywords and syntax)
Managed coding is the way of the future, I’d advise you not to listen to anyone trying to get you into C++ or Python, the performance margin grows smaller with each new release of JVM and/or CLR.
C# also has the added benefit of being able to use unmanaged code as you need to, and access the windows api directly if you want….