Shall i move onto C++ now instead of carrying on with Java?

Question

Hey, i have been doing java for about 3 months (roughly :/ ) and ive been doing other programming for about 2 years...(PAWNO and web deisng stuff...),

the reason i started java was because i want to eventually be able to make my own online game (sorta like a crap version of runescape :p ) and i heard that i should probaly start with java...So i did, and ive learned a lot during the last 3 months and now i can create 2d Games (sort of), i have a lot of problems with a few things although, i can make 2d games quite easily...

now i am wondering if i should move onto C++ now, instead of learning advanced Java,...the only reason i think i should go to C++ now, instead of later, is because there is NO decent java 2d game tutorials for free anywhere and it might be harder to get 3D tutorials in java..lol,

Im hoping that C++ will have more tutorials for free online (ive already foudn a few by accident which look great!).....so im just wondering if everyone thinks i should move to C++....at end of day, Java was just to introduce me to programming, and im gonna end up doing C++ anyways, lol...

--thanks

Answer 1

If continuing a path in application programming is what you are after, then absolutely. Java is a fine language to start. However, its cross-platform library does not feature the components or performance of C++. It does help you that Java was influenced by C language.

Also the standard libraries for C++ are quite comprehensive and programmers mostly post links to function specific dlls through open source projects.

The real plus behind C++ is the fact that it can be platform independent(windows, Mac, Linux). So if you decide to shift focus from gaming apps to another form on a different platform. It will save time during the learning process.



If you would like to try your hand at creating Xbox 360 games. I believe they even have a template to try. You can use microsoft's XNA for Xbox 360 and Visual Studio on your PC. C++ or VB.net.



However, C++ is a powerful and multi platform language, compiled into native machine code.



Good Luck.

Answer 2

For 3d gaming, you're either going to pick an existing engine or go with DirectX or OpenGL.



You could try it in Java: http://www.java3d.org/

There's also a developing games with Java book you may find useful: http://www.amazon.com/Developing-Games-Java-David-Brackeen/dp/1592730051/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267831726&sr=8-7



You can also learn C# which works with the DirectX SDK and XNA from Microsoft. It's also very similar to Java so you wouldn't have a lot of trouble switching languages. It can use pointers when necessary, but you don't have to unlike C++.



As for advanced Java, a language at the end of the day is just a language, it's more important to understand math, concurrency, sockets, graphics, drawing buffers, etc. Would C++ be faster then java? Sure, but only if you already know what you're doing.

Answer 3

C++ isn't very good with graphics (per se). It really requires the use of OpenGL or DirectX. And while you can easily integrate those into your C++ game, the programming use for both is a little difficult (whereas java has it's own renderer and graphics library). If you are looking to make non-integrated video games, C++ is the way to go. But if you're talking about embedded games in web browsers, use java.

Answer 4

I know exactly how you feel. I have never added anyone. Not because I am not friendly, I just don't do it. I guess I am reacting as you are that they will think you have an agenda or something. I also have read some profiles and have seen "don't add me if I don't know you" etc. so I guess that is part of it for some of us who are not as forward on here as others. I have had people add me and have always reciprocated, and have had some people, contacts and not, who have emailed me for one reason or another, which I have always responded to. So do whatever you are comfortable with. Good Luck.

Answer 5

yeh if you are planning to get anywhere in programming i would recommend c++, although i'm sure there would be a lot of people that are going to say java is completely capable of making good games, i would go for c++ for gaming without thinking twice.



good luck :)