I was wondering what the best language was, for a project I am working on. I am creating a interactive chat program. Its basically like you have an avatar that you can have walk around and talk to people. Each person has one and maybe you can do other stuff as well. I have not really decided yet. Main thing is, what would be the best language to use. Im trying to decide between C, Java, and VB. I know some C and Java, but I have never tried VB. The program itself needs to be small so that a person could participate while doing other things like surfing the web. I would also like it to beable to run on all platforms but this is not necessary. IF someone could give me some hints on which language would be more suited for this kind of program it would help.

Ha! I have the EXACT same concept I''m planning to work on. I almost thought I was reading my own post from awhile back.

Anyway, for languages, I would go with C or C++. Java is a platform, so special software is needed to run its programs, but with C/C++ there are so many things you can accomplish that are ready to go. C and C++ are so popular and you can''t go wrong.

Now, for actually making the game function with graphics, sound, and input, you have two very nice choices (There are more, but these two are the most popular). DirectX and OpenGL. UPersonally, I like DirectX because of its speed and because it''s specifically for Windows. If you want cross-platform, go with OpenGL (I heard it''s also easier).

For network capabilties, there are a few options. Use DirectX''s DirectPlay functions to handle your game data, use OpenGL''s network functions, or use Winsock, Window''s way that allows network communication that comes with Microsoft Visual C++. (I''m going to use Winsock, but you must make your own choices)

In the cross platform scenario, I believe you would also need to write code specifically for Windows/Macintosh systems.

I''d tell you more, but there are so many other people with opinins, and I''m sure they know much more than I do.

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Help points: 1 (Eh... I have to start somewhere)

Since I posted, I have done some reading of various topics around the forums and I think Im just going to go with Visual C++.

Well good luck to you on the project. I was kinda hoping I was the only one working on something like that....but anyway, It would be nice if we could form a dev team on it, but I do not know enough to be of any help to you. I still have alot of reading and learning to go through before I even attempt something like that. I just wanted to be sure what I was reading and learning would be good for my idea.

I would be interested in hearing about your progress. DO you have a website or anything? Or is this just a project concept you had in mind that you have not started on yet?

Thanks for the advice.

It's actually just a concept as of now with no real physical existance. I'm studying a little bit of Winsock to get me going, but there remains many problems for me. Since I cannot afford a server, I'm planning a way for people to connect by exchanging IP addresses via instant messages, but I may encrypt them at runtime for protection. Online games are harder than I had anticipated, but it's not impossible, but rather more of a challenge.

For languages, you have picked a very nice choice. Visual C++ has many many tools at your disposal and it's a lot nicer than other compilers I've seen.

But good luck on your new journey of game development... it's a long path with problems, fun, creativity, and adventure. Never give up! You'll love it!

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Help points: 2 (Eh... I have to start somewhere)

[edited by - Weston on August 3, 2002 2:21:16 PM]

Theres already a similar product tot the one your describing (it was called gabbo or gavvo or something). Except this one ran in a java applet so it was frustratingly slow. It would have been really good if you could download it to your computer so I can''t wait to see the programs you churn out.