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Geek Culture / So I've been programming in DBPro for a while....

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ThinkDigital
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Posted: 28th Jan 2008 23:27 Edited at: 28th Jan 2008 23:29
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No kidding. I started with DBC, moved to DBP after a couple of years, and I've made some small games and a large variety of little programs demonstrating different little things. Before DBC, I'd used Gamemaker.

Now, I've spend a lot of time in these languages (I do mean years, not two months. I'm not that noob ) and I'm starting to look for something new. Basically, DB isn't a true programming language - it's more like a scripting language, or a game engine. I've dabbled in various languages, high and low level: Python, C++, C, and PASCAL.

Now, I don't intend to stop using darkbasic, but I need to try something more flexible. I've gone into all of these languages and fooled around enough to learn the syntax. I'm currently messing with C++, and considering trying to move into it with the help of the Dark GDK.

I'd like to ask those out there who know other languages: Which language would be best to learn next? (Ideally, but not necessarily, one of those I mentioned above) What are some tricks for continuing into the new language without boring myself? Sadly, the 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1-Liftoff programs aren't much fun to write or watch execute because they aren't challenging to program, even just learning the sytax, and do nothing useful. Yet, with languages like C++ and C, you can't jump into more advanced stuff right away due to the boggling complexity of the language. How should I move forward? I may try using the Dark GDK, but I want to move on to OpenGL / DirectX API programming in the distant future. Should I start with a book, or tutorials online, or what? Just seeking advice.

Thanks, and cheers,
-Thinkdigital

"Variables won't, constants aren't."
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Zotoaster
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Posted: 28th Jan 2008 23:31
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Go with C++ definitelly. It has all the flexibility and speed you want, and if you want to get into the industry you will have to use it anyway. cplusplus.com and cprogramming.com both have really good tutorials (actually I cant remember if cprogramming has still). Once you get the basics down using the DarkGDK will be easy - easier than DBPro infact, because you get the ease of the engine, plus the flexibility which helps you keep a large game organised.

C++ definitelly.

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Kohaku
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Posted: 28th Jan 2008 23:39
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What the Scot said.

I found the transition from DBP to C++ quite seamless, and it's well worth learning.


You are not alone.
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ThinkDigital
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Posted: 29th Jan 2008 03:56 Edited at: 29th Jan 2008 04:03
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So in your opinion, should I use DarkGDK (which only works on VC++, on Windows - those are the disadvantages) or something like Ogre or another 3rd party rendering system. I understand this is the gamecreators forums, but please be honest Ogre can work with other things, but does best with VC++ also, so is there anything that'd work with a free, true C++ compiler like Dev-C++, or should I be using VC++ Express anyways at this point?

"Variables won't, constants aren't."
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TDK
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Posted: 29th Jan 2008 09:35
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What language you 'upgrade' to depends a lot on the sort of programs you want to write - something you didn't really expand on.

If it's mainly games then I guess with the vast amount of info available on the internet for free then C++ is the logical option.

If it's applications you are looking to make as well as games (or Windows applications only), then Delphi is worth a look - especially as you have already dabbled with Pascal.

With C++ you have the Dark GDK option as you've already mentioned, and there are a number of wrappers for Delphi that make DirectX and OpenGL game programming a lot easier.

TDK_Man

* TDK's Game Programming Forums - Open To All - DB & Team Request Boards *

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Manic
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Posted: 29th Jan 2008 11:47
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Processing is a fun language to play around in, based off Java, while still giving you access to the whole of Java if you need it.

I don't have a sig, live with it.
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Insanity Complex
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Posted: 29th Jan 2008 13:30
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I'm not terribly experienced in C++(1 and a half years in a class, a couple months before that), but I'd say learn that, and also some Python on the side. Especially when it comes to console apps, Python tends to be simpler. I learned a lot of console stuff in Python in roughly 2 hours, that I hadn't learned in C++ until this year(i.e. Classes). Granted, Python is a hell of a lot easier having started with C++, but I still think that counts for something (Although in my Python class, I find myself trying to use semi-colons, braces, and space indention...hehehe)


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Roxas
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Posted: 29th Jan 2008 14:36
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C++ with DarkGDK or Irrlicht or Ogre


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David R
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Posted: 29th Jan 2008 17:59
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C++, the claims of insurmountable complexity are very very overblown. Being able to code expertly in C/C++ is the really tricky part, not the language itself.


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ThinkDigital
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Posted: 30th Jan 2008 05:21
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I'm looking at Ogre too. In response to TDK's post, I make all sorts of programs (mostly for my own amusement) including programs of both natures. I am looking for a language that has a free compiler, which rules out Delphi, and besides, most of what I do is games / graphics demos, so it may not be ideal anyways. Ogre is nice, very high level and it seems to work nicely. I'll look at Irrlicht. Ogre, I know, is available in both C++ and Python, so it should be ready for use in a few different situations.

"Variables won't, constants aren't."
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Gil Galvanti
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Posted: 30th Jan 2008 05:56
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This could be a stupid question, but how does the speed of DarkGDK compare to the speed of C++ with 3D games?


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Jeku
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Posted: 30th Jan 2008 07:00
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Quote: "This could be a stupid question, but how does the speed of DarkGDK compare to the speed of C++ with 3D games?"


DarkGDK uses C++.


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ThinkDigital
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Posted: 30th Jan 2008 07:14
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DarkGDK's speeds are for the most part comparable to DBPro's (one of my major problems with it). The speed of 3d in C++ using nothing other than the DirectX API would be considerably faster, I'm sure.

"Variables won't, constants aren't."
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Insanity Complex
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Posted: 30th Jan 2008 13:39
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Quote: "DarkGDK's speeds are for the most part comparable to DBPro's (one of my major problems with it). The speed of 3d in C++ using nothing other than the DirectX API would be considerably faster, I'm sure."


Sacrifices we make for ease of use?


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Accoun
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Posted: 30th Jan 2008 19:46
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Quote: "Sacrifices we make for ease of use?"

Not better sacrifice A4 PrOdUcTiOnZ and some people like him? Sacrificing people always had the best acceptation...

Make games, not war.
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