Choosing a Programming Language

[ZargonX]

So recently I've decided to finally set about learning a language to eventually program a game in.  I kicked off learning C#, with the idea of leveraging that into XNA.  Now, some other people have been telling me to go with Python, which is simpler, but I've also heard can have performance problems.  So, anyone with any expertise and advice?

[Negate]

Real men program in assembly.

[Dave]

visual basic ftw.

[Wedge]

Python can be used as a script system for a game, but not the basis for an entire game (at least nothing remotely complex from an engine standpoint).  Anyone who tells you otherwise is an idiot.  I've seen it used in a couple games.  I've seen a lot more that use Lua though.  What types of games are you looking to make anyways?  C/C++ is still always good, especially if you were going to get into working with existing engines/programs, as many of those use C or C-like setups for their coding.

[ZargonX]

Python can be used as a script system for a game, but not the basis for an entire game (at least nothing remotely complex from an engine standpoint).  Anyone who tells you otherwise is an idiot.  I've seen it used in a couple games.  I've seen a lot more that use Lua though.  What types of games are you looking to make anyways?  C/C++ is still always good, especially if you were going to get into working with existing engines/programs, as many of those use C or C-like setups for their coding.

Well, to start, I'd like to do something 2-d tile based.  I figure if I set a goal as simulating something like the Wasteland or Ultima V engine, that's a good start.

[CaffeinePowered]

OpenGL + C++ or C#

[Geoff]

cryengine2

[HeK]

If this is the first time you are learning a programming language, start with Java or better yet, Pascal.

They will give you the structure needed to move onto more useful languages like C and C++.

OpenGL is not a language, but rather a library that may be used in a supported language. Same goes for DirectX.

[ainmosni]

For a 2d game, python can be good enough but if you are going to want intense 3d graphics you'll end up at C++ at some point. I would suggest  python for the 2d game and then slowly picking up C++. You can do 3d with python through it's OpenGL bindings if you want but the performance of python will lack compared to C++.

Furthermore, imho python is a better language to start in than java or pascal these days but I'm quite biased against java.

If you ever do go to 3d, I would suggest you choose OpenGL libraries over DirectX libraries as that will make your game a lot easier to port to many platforms as only MS platforms use DirectX while everything else (and even Windows) supports OpenGL.

HTH.

[Eschatos]

Java does kinda suck.  Do C++.

[HeK]

Furthermore, imho python is a better language to start in than java or pascal these days but I'm quite biased against java.

The advantage of Pascal is that it is highly structured. It heavily enforces proper programming practices.
It was designed as a teaching language, aimed at students.  In the long run, it's mostly useless where more powerful languages exist.

I only wish more schools started with Pascal instead of Java or VB; free-form languages create shitty programmers.

[ainmosni]

I only wish more schools started with Pascal instead of Java or VB; free-form languages create shitty programmers.

I totally agree there, especially VB...  That language fucks potential new coders up. Python has some potential as a first language because it teaches you how to code cleanly as well.

[CaffeinePowered]

[quote author=HeK link=topic=2586.msg73694#msg73694 date=1238412407]

I only wish more schools started with Pascal instead of Java or VB; free-form languages create shitty programmers.

I totally agree there, especially VB...  That language fucks potential new coders up. Python has some potential as a first language because it teaches you how to code cleanly as well.
[/quote]

If I had a nickle for every time I had to write VB for something in Excel at work...only to start writing in like C/C++ Syntax/Style...

[Tragic Hero]

[quote author=ainmosni link=topic=2586.msg73696#msg73696 date=1238413120]
[quote author=HeK link=topic=2586.msg73694#msg73694 date=1238412407]

I only wish more schools started with Pascal instead of Java or VB; free-form languages create shitty programmers.

I totally agree there, especially VB...  That language fucks potential new coders up. Python has some potential as a first language because it teaches you how to code cleanly as well.
[/quote]


If I had a nickle for every time I had to write VB for something in Excel at work...only to start writing in like C/C++ Syntax/Style...
[/quote]

You would have $8 in nickels?

When I took VB in college I always did my best to write it in code instead of using the toolbox.  But maybe that's because I took c++ first

[ScottyGrayskull]

I only wish more schools started with Pascal instead of Java or VB; free-form languages create shitty programmers.

Tell me about it. At least my uni is taking the hint and starting with C/C++, but when I went though I could've actually gotten my BCS only learning Java and VB, as all the courses on other programming languages (C/C++, PHP, Perl, assembler, Lisp and plenty of others I can't think of atm) were optional.

[chronomaster]

I'm parroting here.

Pick up C++ and then Python/Lua for support, or do it the other way around if you're fresh out. If you really starting barebones, pick up Visual Basic first. It's not going to get you terribly far but I've seen some decent games made from it (I think the first Zombie Smashers X was coded in VB6).

[Eschatos]

The College Board refuses to allow any programming language other than Java to be taught as an AP class, which really sucks. 

[chronomaster]

The College Board refuses to allow any programming language other than Java to be taught as an AP class, which really sucks. 

Yeah... Probably the worst decision ever.

Nobody likes Java, to be sure. Not even the designers of Java. They wake up screaming 'My life is a lie'.

Why do you think the certification tests are such a bitch to pass? It's a test in sadomasochism, to be certain.

[zaneyard]

I'm parroting here.

Pick up C++ and then Python/Lua for support, or do it the other way around if you're fresh out. If you really starting barebones, pick up Visual Basic first. It's not going to get you terribly far but I've seen some decent games made from it (I think the first Zombie Smashers X was coded in VB6).

visual basic is the only language i know for gaming, but im not that into programming
although im fairly sure VB is a good place to start.

[Wedge]

Visual Basic is terrible and you should never use it for anything ever.  Unless you're trying to get a job in the US or something (sad but true).