So I started with Python (as it seems everyone online advises), and I'm definitely read to move on. I've been at it for about a month, and although I've learned a lot (including loops, functions, data types, recursion, basic data structures, etc), I don't actually get how all of it works underneath. It's like I keep throwing together random things to solve a problem, then mash run and debug until I can get it to work, with a very shaky understanding of why any of it does what it does. Python's "it just works" mentality makes it so yeah, it works, but I hardly know why.
So I'm looking for a language that is minimalistic and simple, and that has little in the way of syntactic sugar or other things that obscure what is actually happening. My intuition tells me that C is a good idea, but people also tell me that it's dated and takes too long to do even simple things. Not sure who to believe.
In terms of what I want to do with programming, I'd like to gain a better understanding of how computers work, and also I'd like to make indie games eventually.
If u wanna make indie games someday, start now. Learn unity. It's difficult but you really just need to dive in. Watch tutorials and build your knowledge.
Adrian Nelson
>I'd also like to make indie games eventually Unity with C#
Liam Hughes
learn python
Anthony Butler
If you want to learn how a computer actually works, you need to go to a school or take a course. It doesn't help you at all unless you're planning on creating something that low level.
If you want to become a good programmer, then you need to learn your data structures and try implementing some algorithms. This and Leet code, and you can even land your first job. If you want to make python games that don't run like garbage, you'll probably need to implement data structures that reduce checks, so things like Quad trees, A^, etc.
If you REALLY want to make games and learn how to program at the same time, I recommend you use a framework. Seriously, nobody is going to give you points for writing everything yourself. Most software is just glue holding other software, and when you're just starting out it's a hard thing to accept and live with. When I was starting, I wanted to write everything, EVERYTHING. Every data structure, every line of code. I felt that if I didn't write it, then I was cheating. It's not. Most software is just about creating an experience, whether it's online, offline, a game, or an app. If you want to create good software, which should be your ultimate goal, then you need to look past the lines on your screen. Wanting to be the best programmer ever is like wanting to be the best hammerer ever. It doesn't matter, and people only care about their roofs and sheds and stuff.
