Hellow everybody, My name is Viper (As far as you know.)

I have decided a long time ago to pursue the video game making path and I wanted to go ahead and get started on learning the basics. I have heard from a lot of people that C++ is one of the strongest coding languages that you could learn, and it would provide the best use when coding things like virtual environments. My rich friend has the money to afford personal lessons from somebody to learn C++, but I don't. I haven't a clue where to go to learn this, I don't have the money to hire somebody to teach me, or buy books on how to do it. I was wondering if there was maybe a workplace to learn how to do this. (For example; Code Academy.) If there isn't a space to work like this, then where should I go from there?

Sadly I can't say I have a ton of experience in coding. The most experience I have is taking a web design class, basically mastering HTML and CSS, and scratching the surface of Python. I know this has nothing to do with a video game though, so no need to mention that to me. If somebody could please point me in the right direction?

Thanks a bunch!

-Viper

Hi ViperTheWolf,

I taught myself C and C++ many years ago via the internet. What I did was google for C Programing tutorials and Bookmarked any interesting site. I started Win 32 programing from the basic "Hello World" Tute and worked my way up. By looking around at the many tutorial sites I eventually found enough Info to become proficient. I'm sure there will be some good links on this site to set you on your way.

Once you get a good grasp on C++ and windows programing you will be able to move on tho a graphics API like DirectX or OpenGL, there are a lot of great tutorials around for both.

Cheers

The best place to start here on gamedev is the The Beginner's FAQ. Note, in particular, that C++ isn't recommended for a first programming language.

If you're convinced C++ is the one for you, however, you might consider Visual C++. You may also find Visual C# of interest.

If you are just starting out, I would suggest that you pick up a game engine and learn how to use it rather than learning how to program in C++. A lot of game engines have their own scripting language which is much easier to learn than C++, and the engine will have many things already done for you like asset management, file loading, animations etc.

Where to Learn?

Here is a good place.

I have heard from a lot of people that C++ is one of the strongest coding languages that you could learn, and it would provide the best use when coding things like virtual environments.

C++ is the strongest, and the standard language in the industry, but is difficult and requires time to learn it correctly.

My rich friend has the money to afford personal lessons from somebody to learn C++, but I don't.

Use the Internet. I believe it is available with low cost. You don't need the fastest one.

I haven't a clue where to go to learn this, I don't have the money to hire somebody to teach me, or buy books on how to do it.

Some books are very good, but there are some free books and articles available on the Internet.

I was wondering if there was maybe a workplace to learn how to do this. (For example; Code Academy.) If there isn't a space to work like this, then where should I go from there?

IMHO here is the best source. Use the search tool and you will find almost 99% of what you're searching for (as long is related to game development).

The most experience I have is taking a web design class, basically mastering HTML and CSS, and scratching the surface of Python.

There are web games to do. If you fell confortable with it and want just for learning purposes, I don't see any constraints about doing it.

If somebody could please point me in the right direction?

What Buckeye said.

That said, you should practice. To do a game you will need:

• Programming knowledge;
• Mathematics (generalizing);
• Time to read;