Rookie here. What programming language should I use? Also, any general advice?
I never know how to start these kinds of posts, so I’m going to skip any kind of “Hi, I’m new” introduction and ask what I’ve been wondering. What programming language should I use for LDs?
I’ve heard that C++’s capabilities are best for 3D games, but say I just wanted to make a simple 2D platformer for my first LD. Does programming language still matter? I’m fairly experienced in both Java and C++. I also know some Python.
Lastly, is there any other kind of general advice you could give for a newcomer? Looking through posts from old LDs, the rules page and the list of tools all give me feelings on how all this works, but if anyone could give me tips on how making an LD game is actually done would be awesome too.
Thanks in advance!
Comments
gmisail
02. Jul 2016 · 18:31 UTC
It really depends on what you’re most comfortable with. Python has Pygame, C++ has SFML and SDL, Java has LibGDX and the built-in Java2D. Choose the one you’re strongest with, and the one you will be able to use the quickest. However, if you want the most people to play your game, you should probably target the web, i.e. LibGDX HTML5, or just plain Javascript. You can get C++ and Python to work on the web, but its more efficient just to write it in HTML5 or Flash.
pianoman373
03. Jul 2016 · 18:38 UTC
If you go with java use LWJGL. I’ve done all my opengl learning with it even following C++ tutorials and have been fine. If you want to target web you might go with LWJGL2 which seems to have better applet support than LWJGL3.
04. Jul 2016 · 02:04 UTC
Go with what you’re most fluent with. If you haven’t done games in those languages, set aside some time in the next two months to experiment. (A fraction of) 72 hours really is not a lot of time for coding, and you don’t want to waste it all wrestling with setting up your environment.
06. Jul 2016 · 03:14 UTC
I have used Java Swing everytime. It is nice and simple.
Sri Harsha Chilakapati
07. Jul 2016 · 00:46 UTC
These kinds of questions are usually tough to answer with, because we don’t know what your experience is, not exactly with games but in general programming. Since I don’t actually know where your skills are, I recommend to go with the language that you like and have good experience with.
stuleelight
07. Jul 2016 · 07:59 UTC
You should really just look into Unity…🤔
SudoDave
10. Jul 2016 · 00:34 UTC
Personally I’d use python if you’re new to game programming with they PyGame library. I have experience with that and java game development in 2D and pyGame seams like it’d be easier to pickup. If that doesn’t look interesting go with the language you’re most familiar in, you can make games in just about anything now-a-days.