EPTScreenshot of the issue:
+ Show Spoiler +
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/zYGud.jpg)
My content container has the grey background, whereas the website body has the near-black.
The Big Programming Thread - Page 121
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Thread Rules 1. This is not a "do my homework for me" thread. If you have specific questions, ask, but don't post an assignment or homework problem and expect an exact solution. 2. No recruiting for your cockamamie projects (you won't replace facebook with 3 dudes you found on the internet and $20) 3. If you can't articulate why a language is bad, don't start slinging shit about it. Just remember that nothing is worse than making CSS IE6 compatible. 4. Use [code] tags to format code blocks. | ||
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holdthephone
United States523 Posts
Screenshot of the issue: + Show Spoiler + My content container has the grey background, whereas the website body has the near-black. | ||
tofucake
Hyrule19030 Posts
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holdthephone
United States523 Posts
edit: hm, well, now dealing with the unwanted scroll bar. i'll figure this out though. | ||
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tec27
United States3696 Posts
Also, I recommend you use something like Chrome Developer Tools, Opera Dragonfly, or Firebug to look at issues like these. They can tell you where certain elements are picking styles up from and what their metrics are and stuff, pretty useful for debugging this sort of thing. | ||
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Isualin
Germany1903 Posts
private void merge(aranacak ara, int left, int mid, int right) { int n1 = mid - left + 1; int n2 = right - mid; int[] L = new int[n1 + 1]; int[] R = new int[n2 + 1]; for (int i = 1; i <= n1; i++) { L[i - 1] = ara.dizi[left + i - 1]; } for (int i = 1; i <= n2; i++) { R[i - 1] = ara.dizi[mid + i]; } L[n1] = int.MaxValue; R[n2] = int.MaxValue; int index1=0; int index2=0; for(int k=left;k<=right;k++) { if (L[index1] <= R[index2]) { ara.dizi[k] = L[index1]; index1++; } else ![[image loading]](http://imgur.com/nF6vM) { ara.dizi[k] = R[index2]; index2++; } } } ara.dizi is basically an array. i am trying to implement the merge sort algorithm in this picture. can you see wahat i am doing wrong? thanks in advance http://imgur.com/nF6vM | ||
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uNiGNoRe
Germany1115 Posts
On March 05 2012 20:14 Isualin wrote: + Show Spoiler + private void merge(aranacak ara, int left, int mid, int right) { int n1 = mid - left + 1; int n2 = right - mid; int[] L = new int[n1 + 1]; int[] R = new int[n2 + 1]; for (int i = 1; i <= n1; i++) { L[i - 1] = ara.dizi[left + i - 1]; } for (int i = 1; i <= n2; i++) { R[i - 1] = ara.dizi[mid + i]; } L[n1] = int.MaxValue; R[n2] = int.MaxValue; int index1=0; int index2=0; for(int k=left;k<=right;k++) { if (L[index1] <= R[index2]) { ara.dizi[k] = L[index1]; index1++; } else { ara.dizi[k] = R[index2]; index2++; } } } ara.dizi is basically an array. i am trying to implement the merge sort algorithm in this picture. can you see wahat i am doing wrong? thanks in advance http://imgur.com/nF6vM You have to pay close attention to the indexing of your array. The pseudocode in the picture accesses arrays beginning with index 1 but in your code (in C# or Java?) your indices start with 0. For example L[1..n_1 + 1] in the pseudocode is an array with n_1 + 1 elements with L[1] being the first, L[2] being the second, etc. In your code however, L[0] would be the first element, L[1] the second and so on. You also have to change the running index of you for loop if it is used to access L. | ||
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RoTaNiMoD
United States558 Posts
On March 02 2012 04:08 holdthephone wrote: I've been trying to learn CSS, having trouble understanding positioning. I can make everything look nice, but if my content container goes long enough, scrolling down the web page will reveal the container has been cut off and the content simply overflows past it. This problem also occurs if I view in a smaller browser window. Right now the only fix I can get to work is manually adjusting the size of the container with 'em' lengths. Screenshot of the issue: + Show Spoiler + My content container has the grey background, whereas the website body has the near-black. You probably don't want a height on your container at all. This should make the container adjust to contain whatever content is inside it. However, if the inner content is floated or otherwise removed from the normal document flow, you will also have to float your container for it to properly adjust. So 1) Remove the height property from the container. 2) If that doesn't work, put "float: left;" on the container (and add "width: 100%;" if necessary) | ||
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CyDe
United States1010 Posts
So I have been toying with programming for a very long time. Since I was very small, I have always liked computers, and taking them farther than most people. By this point, I have played with HTML, C, Python, and block programming like Scratch and the WarCraft 3 editor. Now, I have never gotten good or even remotely proficient in any of these (well, maybe decent at the WarCraft 3 editor, and I'm quite good at Scratch, but that isn't hard to do and the limits of the program make it difficult to do very much anyway). So pretty much what my issue is is that I understand many of the concept behind programming; stuff like binary values and if;then functions. My main problem is that I can't write code, because I don't know any. Which seems to be a major inhibition (lol). So I what I am asking is, where to start? I like Python, but I don't know where to learn it because of the fact that that they updated it and none of the books nor websites have kept up (like the fact that they changed "print" to a function). C was interesting, and I really want to learn it but again don't know where to start. (I'm not really interested in learning HTML that much, it may come later). My main interest is going into game programming. I've read that C++, Java, and Perl is what I need for this. However, I was told by a very experienced programmer that C++ is only used in engine coding, and then Python is used to build the game. I don't really know what to believe (*drama*), so I am turning to you guys. Just to reiterate my questions: What language should I go for first? What languages do I need for game programming? Where are some links for updated python tutorials (or should I just learn the older version)? Where can I find a good chatroom or 'support group' for beginner-esk programmers (I don't want to clutter up this thread with crap like "Wait my hello world program isn't working") And what to keep in mind: I understand basic concepts but know hardly any practical code. I want to go into game programming. | ||
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memcpy
United States459 Posts
On March 05 2012 21:58 CyDe wrote: Hey BPTers, So I have been toying with programming for a very long time. Since I was very small, I have always liked computers, and taking them farther than most people. By this point, I have played with HTML, C, Python, and block programming like Scratch and the WarCraft 3 editor. Now, I have never gotten good or even remotely proficient in any of these (well, maybe decent at the WarCraft 3 editor, and I'm quite good at Scratch, but that isn't hard to do and the limits of the program make it difficult to do very much anyway). So pretty much what my issue is is that I understand many of the concept behind programming; stuff like binary values and if;then functions. My main problem is that I can't write code, because I don't know any. Which seems to be a major inhibition (lol). So I what I am asking is, where to start? I like Python, but I don't know where to learn it because of the fact that that they updated it and none of the books nor websites have kept up (like the fact that they changed "print" to a function). C was interesting, and I really want to learn it but again don't know where to start. (I'm not really interested in learning HTML that much, it may come later). My main interest is going into game programming. I've read that C++, Java, and Perl is what I need for this. However, I was told by a very experienced programmer that C++ is only used in engine coding, and then Python is used to build the game. I don't really know what to believe (*drama*), so I am turning to you guys. Just to reiterate my questions: What language should I go for first? What languages do I need for game programming? Where are some links for updated python tutorials (or should I just learn the older version)? Where can I find a good chatroom or 'support group' for beginner-esk programmers (I don't want to clutter up this thread with crap like "Wait my hello world program isn't working") And what to keep in mind: I understand basic concepts but know hardly any practical code. I want to go into game programming. I'm currently getting my CS degree at DigiPen http://digipen.edu. The school is focused around the game industry. The guy who told you that C++ is used for engines and python is used for scripting is correct, though other scripting languages are used as well. The reason C++ is used is because it's one of the fastest languages. Scripting languages are primarily used for gameplay code because it's safer to use, can be modified without having to recompile the game, and speed usually isn't an issue with gameplay logic. | ||
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CyDe
United States1010 Posts
On March 05 2012 22:13 memcpy wrote: I'm currently getting my CS degree at DigiPen http://digipen.edu. The school is focused around the game industry. The guy who told you that C++ is used for engines and python is used for scripting is correct, though other scripting languages are used as well. The reason C++ is used is because it's one of the fastest languages. Scripting languages are primarily used for gameplay code because it's safer to use, can be modified without having to recompile the game, and speed usually isn't an issue with gameplay logic. Actually I have heard of DigiPen and I am very interested in going there. Seems like a school with a very specific purpose, and the one that I am leaning towards. Do you have any idea of what the kinds of jobs people get when they leave? Do they tend to go to large game companies, or start their own? We can move to PM as to not clutter the thread, maybe. And thanks for explaining that to me, as I am understanding it many different languages are put into building a game, and they work in synergy; one on top of the other, sort of. | ||
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Fryght
Netherlands254 Posts
On March 05 2012 21:58 CyDe wrote: Hey BPTers, So I have been toying with programming for a very long time. Since I was very small, I have always liked computers, and taking them farther than most people. By this point, I have played with HTML, C, Python, and block programming like Scratch and the WarCraft 3 editor. Now, I have never gotten good or even remotely proficient in any of these (well, maybe decent at the WarCraft 3 editor, and I'm quite good at Scratch, but that isn't hard to do and the limits of the program make it difficult to do very much anyway). So pretty much what my issue is is that I understand many of the concept behind programming; stuff like binary values and if;then functions. My main problem is that I can't write code, because I don't know any. Which seems to be a major inhibition (lol). So I what I am asking is, where to start? I like Python, but I don't know where to learn it because of the fact that that they updated it and none of the books nor websites have kept up (like the fact that they changed "print" to a function). C was interesting, and I really want to learn it but again don't know where to start. (I'm not really interested in learning HTML that much, it may come later). My main interest is going into game programming. I've read that C++, Java, and Perl is what I need for this. However, I was told by a very experienced programmer that C++ is only used in engine coding, and then Python is used to build the game. I don't really know what to believe (*drama*), so I am turning to you guys. Just to reiterate my questions: What language should I go for first? What languages do I need for game programming? Where are some links for updated python tutorials (or should I just learn the older version)? Where can I find a good chatroom or 'support group' for beginner-esk programmers (I don't want to clutter up this thread with crap like "Wait my hello world program isn't working") And what to keep in mind: I understand basic concepts but know hardly any practical code. I want to go into game programming. ActionScript3 should be a good stepping stone, to get you familiar with game programming concepts: http://www.tonypa.pri.ee/tbw/ C# (which you can use with Unity3D) is fairly close to AS3, imo. I'd say Unity3D would be a logical next step if you're interested in making games in 3D. XNA is also a good option, but Unity3D offers a graphical IDE, much in the same way Flash does, which can sometimes help speed dev along. Switching from AS3 to Java should also not be too hard, as the languages are somewhat similar. Java does require some more engine programming, I think. A good place to get an impression would be Notch's Ludum Dare page which has timelapses of him making games. While C++ certainly is an option, I'd say that it is a bit too hardcore to jump straight into it. You might want to once you get the hang of Object Oriented Programming, but you certainly don't need C++ any more to get started with game programming. There is Flash (although might die out), Unity3D (in browser it needs a plug-in, does compile to executables as well), Java (of Minecraft fame) or even HTML5 (check out Construct 2 - not really programming though). Flash is easiest to start of with, as there are many entry level tutorials available. Unity3D requires you to have some content to fiddle with and adds another plane to your world space (which complicates things and requires cameras and the whole shebang!). Unity3D tutorials for C# are hard to come by, imo. XNA (C#) Does have some nice documentation/tutorials, provided by Microsoft devs. But I'd heavily recommend taking a stab at Tonypa's tutorials and see how far you can get! | ||
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powerbygood
United States54 Posts
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mmp
United States2130 Posts
On March 06 2012 06:54 powerbygood wrote: Just started learning programming and I didn't take C. I am currently enroll in C++ and my mind is bedazzled! Where should I start to build a good foundation? How did all of you guys start? I don't think I truly understood what C is all about until I wrote kernel code. I got started with games/graphics & embedded device programming, but I wasn't doing it very well. Learn the basics, and then dig into some big open source project to see how people deal with common complexity problems. For C/C++, you need to understand memory allocation, pointers (, references in C++), what the call stack looks like (it helps to know about the bp & sp registers), and how the compiler/linker work to glue together code (statically & dynamically). There are a lot of details in there, and it isn't noobie-friendly, but this is where you have to go if you want to fully command the language. You can be very productive without this intimate knowledge, but the computer world makes a lot more sense once you understand how it works. Focus on solving problems that interest you, and when you run into problems just ask for advice. Most problems can be handled in a variety of languages. | ||
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mmp
United States2130 Posts
On March 05 2012 23:04 Fryght wrote: ActionScript3 should be a good stepping stone, to get you familiar with game programming concepts: http://www.tonypa.pri.ee/tbw/ C# (which you can use with Unity3D) is fairly close to AS3, imo. I'd say Unity3D would be a logical next step if you're interested in making games in 3D. XNA is also a good option, but Unity3D offers a graphical IDE, much in the same way Flash does, which can sometimes help speed dev along. Switching from AS3 to Java should also not be too hard, as the languages are somewhat similar. Java does require some more engine programming, I think. A good place to get an impression would be Notch's Ludum Dare page which has timelapses of him making games. While C++ certainly is an option, I'd say that it is a bit too hardcore to jump straight into it. You might want to once you get the hang of Object Oriented Programming, but you certainly don't need C++ any more to get started with game programming. There is Flash (although might die out), Unity3D (in browser it needs a plug-in, does compile to executables as well), Java (of Minecraft fame) or even HTML5 (check out Construct 2 - not really programming though). Flash is easiest to start of with, as there are many entry level tutorials available. Unity3D requires you to have some content to fiddle with and adds another plane to your world space (which complicates things and requires cameras and the whole shebang!). Unity3D tutorials for C# are hard to come by, imo. XNA (C#) Does have some nice documentation/tutorials, provided by Microsoft devs. But I'd heavily recommend taking a stab at Tonypa's tutorials and see how far you can get! Why learn ActionScript when you can learn Javascript? Flash is proprietary, costs money to develop in, and is a piece of shit at runtime. Just learn Javascript. Similarly, Construct 2 is a waste of money. Just learn Javascript. There are plenty of free & open source libraries and frameworks to help you achieve the same goals. Finally, don't take Java lessons from Notch. Just sayin' | ||
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mmp
United States2130 Posts
On March 05 2012 21:58 CyDe wrote: Hey BPTers, So I have been toying with programming for a very long time. Since I was very small, I have always liked computers, and taking them farther than most people. By this point, I have played with HTML, C, Python, and block programming like Scratch and the WarCraft 3 editor. Now, I have never gotten good or even remotely proficient in any of these (well, maybe decent at the WarCraft 3 editor, and I'm quite good at Scratch, but that isn't hard to do and the limits of the program make it difficult to do very much anyway). So pretty much what my issue is is that I understand many of the concept behind programming; stuff like binary values and if;then functions. My main problem is that I can't write code, because I don't know any. Which seems to be a major inhibition (lol). So I what I am asking is, where to start? I like Python, but I don't know where to learn it because of the fact that that they updated it and none of the books nor websites have kept up (like the fact that they changed "print" to a function). C was interesting, and I really want to learn it but again don't know where to start. (I'm not really interested in learning HTML that much, it may come later). My main interest is going into game programming. I've read that C++, Java, and Perl is what I need for this. However, I was told by a very experienced programmer that C++ is only used in engine coding, and then Python is used to build the game. I don't really know what to believe (*drama*), so I am turning to you guys. Just to reiterate my questions: What language should I go for first? What languages do I need for game programming? Where are some links for updated python tutorials (or should I just learn the older version)? Where can I find a good chatroom or 'support group' for beginner-esk programmers (I don't want to clutter up this thread with crap like "Wait my hello world program isn't working") And what to keep in mind: I understand basic concepts but know hardly any practical code. I want to go into game programming. There is no one correct solution, but there are a lot of bad solutions. A majority of the world's application code is written in C/C++. You should learn it well, because it isn't going away any time soon. That said, you can do just about anything in any language you like. Some people love Perl, some people hate it. Java can be seen as an evolutionary successor to C++, and performance is generally good enough, but there are some applications that the JVM is weakly suited for. Most likely, whatever work you're doing can be adapted to another language. First language? I'd say Python for its practicality. You're least likely to shoot your foot, and its syntax is easy to retain. It simplifies a lot of headaches you'll find in other languages. Once you're done being pampered, move to C. Learn all of the gritty details. From there, you can move to C++, then to Java/C#. I think it's important that you understand what you gain (and what you lose) in that progression. Game programming is done in C++. If your C is good enough, C++ will feel incredibly liberating. For Python, http://docs.python.org/ should be your #1 reference. Don't know about chatrooms. Usually if you have a clumsy mistake and are dumbfounded, you Google the compiler error and find a forum solution to a similar problem. Otherwise, stick religiously close to your tutorial until you understand what is going on. The Python API is pretty good at providing concise code examples. Otherwise, dig through open source projects and read their (hopefully) well-written code for inspiration. | ||
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Fryght
Netherlands254 Posts
On March 06 2012 07:23 mmp wrote: Why learn ActionScript when you can learn Javascript? Flash is proprietary, costs money to develop in, and is a piece of shit at runtime. Just learn Javascript. Similarly, Construct 2 is a waste of money. Just learn Javascript. There are plenty of free & open source libraries and frameworks to help you achieve the same goals. Finally, don't take Java lessons from Notch. Just sayin' 1. Guy says he has no practical programming experience. He mentions 'learning' HTML...So I presented a bunch of noob friendly options, whereas C++ requires a decent understanding of what memory is and how to maximize the efficiency to be gained there. Poorly written C++ is a hell of a lot worse than C#, imo. Unless you're developing for consoles directly or working as part of a team, C++ is not really something to take on by yourself, to tackle a whole game, imo. 2. Guy says he wants to get into game programming. I assume he wants to build games as a hobby, not necessarily land a job in games development (hate to break it, but if you don't have at least 3-5 years of C++ experience, you are very unlikely to land a programming job at a games studio). 3. I mentioned Flash as a stepping stone, not as the final destination. The amount of tutorials available for ActionScript3 is abundant. Furthermore, I highlighted that Flash is likely to die out soon. I also mentioned C#, which has a good amount of tutorials available. Most C++ game tutorials either use an API (Ogre3D/whatever) or they focus on building your own engine. While it is certainly beneficial to your overall skills to learn how to initiate a window and render a triangle, it also takes a lot of effort. 4. I mentioned that Construct 2 is not real programming. They have a free version to check out. Out of all the options I listed, this is certainly the most noob friendly one and I'd say it's a lot better than pointing people to the horror that is Game Maker. 5. Javascript can certainly be used for HTML5 dev, but Flash already has a lot more stuff that facilitates development of (small) games. The IDE also makes things a lot more noob friendly. 6. My suggestion to check out Notch is not to learn Java from his example, but just to get an overview in what is involved in programming a game in Java. 7. Flash might not be the prettiest, but you can get games up and running in very little time and even has plenty of options to monetize your efforts. Python is certainly an option. It's used a lot for game scripting, as the guy mentioned (as is LUA). The language is merely a tool. There are tools that are ready to go, off the bat and there are tools that you have to learn how to use properly. I have even done a small project in BASIC (BlitzBasic), when I was learning. In 3 weeks we had a full shmup level up and running with various enemies and a final boss (less actual coding time). No messing with memory management, just gameplay programming. The follow-up you mentioned (starting from C) is awesome, if someone is interested in actually learning how to properly program. If someone just wants to crank out games, I'd say, optionally fiddle around a bit in ActionScript3 and then move on to Unity3D/C#. You could also program Unity3D/JavaScript, but C# is probably preferable. As for tutorials and support, Flash is the most accessible option out there. Most more advanced programming languages assume the programmer has a decent understanding of programming and will be able to get the code to do what they want. Not everybody wants to build their own engine from scratch. Get off your high horse. Unity3D/C# is a fine solution to get started quickly (also, free). Properly learning C++ could take years. You really have to put in the time. In the end, what it boils down to is what the guy wants: - Get into making games asap - Learn how to program properly (could take a while), then start making games | ||
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mmp
United States2130 Posts
On March 06 2012 08:36 Fryght wrote: 1. Guy says he has no practical programming experience. I presented a bunch of noob friendly options, whereas C++ requires a decent understanding of what memory is and how to maximize the efficiency to be gained there. Poorly written C++ is a hell of a lot worse than C#, imo. Unless you're developing for consoles directly or working as part of a team, C++ is not really something to take on by yourself, to tackle a whole game, imo. 2. Guy says he wants to get into game programming. I assume he wants to build games as a hobby, not necessarily land a job in games development (hate to break it, but if you don't have at least 3-5 years of C++ experience, you are very unlikely to land a programming job at a games studio). 3. I mentioned Flash as a stepping stone, not as the final destination. The amount of tutorials available for ActionScript3 is abundant. Furthermore, I highlighted that Flash is likely to die out soon. I also mentioned C#, which has a good amount of tutorials available. Most C++ game tutorials either use an API (Ogre3D/whatever) or they focus on building your own engine. While it is certainly beneficial to your overall skills to learn how to initiate a window and render a triangle, it also takes a lot of effort. 4. I mentioned that Construct 2 is not real programming. They have a free version to check out. Out of all the options I listed, this is certainly the most noob friendly one and I'd say it's a lot better than pointing people to the horror that is Game Maker. 5. Javascript can certainly be used for HTML5 dev, but Flash already has a lot more stuff that facilitates development of (small) games. The IDE also makes things a lot more noob friendly. 6. My suggestion to check out Notch is not to learn Java from his example, but just to get an overview in what is involved in programming a game in Java. 7. Flash might not be the prettiest, but you can get games up and running in very little time and even has plenty of options to monetize your efforts. Python is certainly an option. I have even done a small project in BASIC (BlitzBasic). The language is merely a tool. There are tools that are ready to go, off the bat and there are tools that you have to learn how to use properly. The follow-up you mentioned (starting from C) is awesome, if someone is interested in actually learning how to properly program. If someone just wants to crank out games, I'd say, optionally fiddle around a bit in ActionScript3 and then move on to Unity3D/C#. You could also program Unity3D/JavaScript, but C# is probably preferable. As for tutorials and support, Flash is the most accessible option out there. Most more advanced programming languages assume the programmer has a decent understanding of programming and will be able to get the code to do what they want. Not everybody wants to build their own engine from scratch. Get off your high horse. Unity3D/C# is a fine solution to get started quickly (also, free). Properly learning C++ could take years. You really have to put in the time. In the end, what it boils down to is what the guy wants: - Get into making games asap - Learn how to program properly (could take a while), then start making games This is the big programming thread. He/she asked about game programming, not point & click cookie-cutter wysiwygs. If your game can be easily assembled by a wysiwyg, that's great, ezpz. Otherwise, the wysiwyg is going to fall on its face for lack of features, and you're going to end up relying on gimmicks in the IDE to achieve relatively simple tasks if you had knowledge of the underlying language. Even worse, the wysiwyg authors will charge you for these "bonus" features, which typically are ridiculously trivial lines of code. It's like going to a restaurant, ordering a meal, and then getting charged for additional salt & pepper, ketchup, etc. Sure, you don't want to cook the meal yourself from scratch, but at some point you're just being exploited for your laziness. | ||
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Fryght
Netherlands254 Posts
Tonypa's tutorial is one of the best hand holding tutorials I have come across in all game development I have done so far. But to get back to your point: Like I have said a gazillion times already, go with Unity3D/C# and you have an 3D engine that is competent enough to make commercial level games, instead of having to study how to be a chef, raise a cow, slaughter it, butcher it and then cook your own meal to enjoy. I saw that you are in MIT. Obviously you are very serious about programming and devote a lot of time to properly learning it. Kudos to you for doing so. It is overkill for most game development though, imo. Game programming and game prototyping can be done quick and dirty. Only when you really want to sell your game, you should be worried about optimization and even then drilling down to memory management can be overkill with nowadays system specs (unless you are programming directly for consoles). It's not really all that hard to get 30-60 fps on a Flash game consistently and C# runs stuff fine too. I digress, but engine programming (much like network programming and hardcore optimization) is a behemoth to tackle by itself. The game programmer will most likely have very little to do with these kind of things, as most of the time there will be one or several (graphical) engine programmers chipping away at stuff like that. And even then, most of the time the game programmer will try to expose as much stuff as possible to game scripting, so that stuff can be built without having to make a new build all the time. Hell, in Unity3D you can just push the Play button and your game runs straight away. You can even tweak values while the game is running! No waiting on compiles or whatever. When you want to make an executable, that is possible. You can even get licenses to export your game to the Xbox360 and the iPhone (then optimization does play a role, as here hardware specs come into the picture). Also, it saddens me how you neglect 90% of my posts ._. | ||
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mmp
United States2130 Posts
On March 06 2012 09:20 Fryght wrote: And how does ActionScript3 have anything to do with the IDE? You can run everything by code nowadays. AS2 was awful, true, but AS3 is not that bad. You're just using Flash as a vehicle. You are still programming the game. The only thing you really need is something that compiles your code. You dump all your assets in the library, set up the linkage and it can be called and instantiated straight from code. Lots of people work in FlashDevelop and only use the IDE to compile the SWF. Even that can be delegated to a freeware solution, if you really don't want to have the IDE around. I only recommend Flash, because it is easy enough to pick up quickly and there are a shit ton of tutorials and communities out there, which will help you with questions such as 'how do i make a homing missile?!?', etc. But to get back to your point: Like I have said a gazillion times already, go with Unity3D/C# and you have an 3D engine that is competent enough to make commercial level games, instead of having to study how to be a chef, raise a cow, slaughter it, butcher it and then cook your own meal to enjoy. I saw that you are in MIT. Obviously you are very serious about programming and devote a lot of time to properly learning it. Kudos to you for doing so. It is overkill for most game development though, imo. Game programming and game prototyping can be done quick and dirty. Only when you really want to sell your game, you should be worried about optimization and even then drilling down to memory management can be overkill with nowadays system specs (unless you are programming directly for consoles). It's not really all that hard to get 30-60 fps on a Flash game consistently. I digress, but engine programming (much like network programming and hardcore optimization) is a behemoth to tackle by itself. The game programmer will most likely have very little to do with these kind of things, as most of the time there will be one or several (graphical) engine programmers chipping away at stuff like that. And even then, most of the time the game programmer will try to expose as much stuff as possible to game scripting, so that stuff can be built without having to make a new build all the time. Hell, in Unity3D you can just push the Play button and your game runs straight away. You can even tweak values while the game is running! No waiting on compiles or whatever. When you want to make an executable, that is possible. You can even get licenses to export your game to the Xbox360 and the iPhone (then optimization does play a role, as here hardware specs come into the picture). Also, I really like it how you neglect 90% of my posts. Stay classy! No beef bro. I was only taking issue with a few of your recommendations. Actionscript and Javascript are very similar languages except where they are fundamentally divorced:
So why learn Actionscript unless you're obligated to use Flash? Commercial 3D engines do provide a valuable foundation to build an application on, but I haven't met one that completely obviated programming knowledge from the recipe and still produced worthwhile games. As I wrote previously, when you try to do this completely within the constraints of the wysiwyg, you inevitably end up hacking together ridiculous substitutes for simple programming logic. It's like the Broodwar map editor's logic programming. Good enough for most scenarios, but go ahead and try to design your own UMS map and see what bizarre workarounds you need. These problems are exacerbated when you're dealing with a commercial IDE, because they will withhold necessary functionality to entice you into upgrading. --- Regarding "licensed" code, and developer licenses, that's an abomination of the "intellectual property" legal sham that is big software today. You built it, it's yours. Why should should you have to pay the toolkit developer more money just to monetize what you built with their toolkit? It only passes as legal in the US and wherever we can force trade agreements that protect our "intellectual property" (South Korea in particular is very deferential). If you read these licenses, they have ridiculously bizarre and overreaching claims about how you may or may not use the software you purchased. Bullying artists & programmers into relying exclusively on your software is a sad way to earn a living, but unfortunately it is commonplace. I would not direct a noobie to a proprietary toolchain, especially when practical free (as in freedom) alternatives exist. --- In a nutshell, I'll stop complaining about these proprietary engines (both HTML5 game engines & Flash) when they do the following:
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freelander
Hungary4707 Posts
Did anyone here use Lisp for any meaningful project? I find it very nice, but I struggle like hell. lol. I'm used to languages from the C family (java, c++ , c#, etc.) The guy in the guide recommended an emacs based IDE so I learn emacs while I learn Lisp. I basicly started because I read somewhere if you learn Lisp you become a better programmer. It was vague, but I hope it's true hehe. | ||
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