I am a game programming and programming newbie. I have a little experience in C\C++ and C is my favorite. Starting out is rough like everything else in the world. Here are my tips for starting out. 1. Start saving money (109.00) 2. Register with GDNet and ask questions. 3. Read some beginner tutorials. 4. Buy Visual C++ 5. Read tutorial after tutorial Windows programming is something I love and enjoy. It is difficult and the average time to learn and get started with it is 6 months. GameDev.net has a lot to offer and the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) is great. Computers are fun, games are fun, and programming is fun. As always, Keep Prog''in! SloppyJoe

Don''t forget books, buy lots and lots of books. Get money for them from your job/parents/grandparents/aunts/uncles/friends/girlfriends/strangers on the street/whatever.

"If consquences dictate our course of action, it doesn''t matter what''s right, it''s only wrong if you get caught."
- Tool

Very true. There is info on the net, but it''s hard to find EXACTLY what you''re looking for. Join forums like this, visit sites, and have them show you what is where.

And don''t rush things too much.



Observe everything, remember more!

Very true. There is info on the net, but it''s hard to find EXACTLY what you''re looking for. Join forums like this, visit sites, and have them show you what is where.

And don''t rush things too much.



Observe everything, remember more!

Thanks you are right about books.

SloppyJoe

Or, if you don''t have the money for MSVC, just use another compiler. Too many people already wouldn''t know what to do without MSVC, becoming dependent to a single product isn''t a plus.

[Resist Windows XP''s Invasive Production Activation Technology!]

you forgot the most important point

HAVE FUN FUN FUN ..!!!

a miserable programmer makes a miserable game...

{ Stating the obvious never helped any situation !! }

Agreed! You need lots and lots of books and practice.
Initially, when I started doing programming, everything was really tough. I got lots of syntax errors and I''m really fustrated and at that point, I almost gave up on programming.
But after a couple of weeks of practices, everything starts to smoother, less compiler errors and more satisfaction after every coding session. And that''s a good sign... I thought.

Morale: TO be a good programmer, you need books, more books, tips from forums like this one and of course, PRACTICE!

The road may be long, wind may be rough. But with a will at heart, all shall begone. ~savage chant