Hi, I was wondering what Motivates you people to learn C++, I have had the book for a while but I never seem to have the motivation to learn it. I think Im thinking to far a head with the games I want to make and gets rid of my motivation. And the fact that I always feel tired. But do you guys have any suggestions? And what will I need to know to program a game, in a 2d Birds eye view?

Suggestion: Try to code small things, while you learn, that is game related. That way you learn and do games at the same time. This is a strong motivation factor.

[edited by - felonius on June 14, 2002 4:02:34 AM]

As I say to all who want to learn programming:

For motivation, code stuff that will result in something VISUAL for you to feel proud of. I am very sceptical of C++, despite being a wonderful language, being the right choice for a beginner. It takes a long time before it results in something you can be proud of (visually).

Why not start a bit with Java. It is pretty much like C++ in many aspects, while using it bashes OOP firmly into your head, which imho is a good thing. And it certainly gives a visual feedback. VB also gives visual feedback but does not give any benefints when transferring to C++ (not sure of .NET).

But if you still want to do C++ I would suggest playing around with a sample changing things to see what thay do. Eventually you will pick it up, and DirectX8 is a whole lot easier than DX7 so exciting progress is really not that far away as it may seem.

Keep motivated!

As for the second question:

You need to know an api that you can do graphics with. Just pick one (OpenGL or DirectX) they are about the same. Perhaps OpenGL is a better choice for 2D since it is a bit easier to do than in DX8. Also you must be comfortable with all basic programming concepts.

Try C#.NET.
The language looks like C++ or Java, is more robust and simple (no pointers for example), and the .NET framework is simply fantastic.

If you want to try some simple graphical stuff, try GDI+. It''s a bit too slow to make action games, but making tetris for example, is possible.

+++ Corvus +++

What motivates me is seeing something I have created working.. at each stage through learning C++ so far I have tried to create a program using what I have learnt. Not copied examples, actually thought of a use of what I had learnt! I got to pointers and that just baffled me, until recently when I decided to see if I could program a linked list of my very own... I did and now I am on the next stage of creating an Ikari Warriors clone (Remember that on the C64?) I have a scrolling backdrop going, but the basics of my code are coming along nicely.

I suggest you read the book, at each stage try thinking of a use for the functions you have learned about and write a program for yourself to practice with. I get easily frustrated and my ideas of what I want are well beyond me..., and when something doesn''t work I tend to walk away, but the reward more than makes up for the effort when you don''t. Stick with it.. e-mail me if you wanna see my code (Its gonna be a 2d birds eye view game).

As much as I would love to see your coding it would mean abosultly nothing to me, I got past functions (not very far) and I didn''t read the book for four weeks, and completely forgot everything, I had learned previous so Im back to "Hello World\n" ooo good. -.-

You simply can''t remember everything you have learned about a programming language, and several patterns that exist.

Just start building your code step by step, and add something new every time.

For example you can start by writing a prog that shows a message box. In the next exercise, you make the application ask for your name, that is displayed in the message box. Next, you add colors for example, and so on...

Just have a good book on your desk that you can consult now and, a good online help system (msdn for example), and maybe your own notes.

Also very important: DOCUMENT YOUR OWN CODE.
If you write down a statement, just add some comments about what it does (IN YOUR OWN WORDS).

Hope this helps, because it''s not all that difficult.

+++ Corvus +++

Try taking a class. Even if you''re not in college, you may be able to take classes at a community college.

I''m motivated by simply knowing that I made my computer do something. When I have an idea of something I want to make - I am VERY motivated. Just after I complete something I am motivated.

How does this help you?

-Think of something you want to make
-Make it simple so that you are able to complete it
-Be proud of being able to program!


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