Should I start with C++ or C#?

Question

Hey guys, I'm just a 14 year old kid, but I want to get into the game industry when I'm older and I'd just like to know which would be best to start learning C++ or C# ?
So, if you could just give me some reason one would be better to learn than the other, that would be great.
Thanks! : )

Answer 1

Definitely start with C++. If you pick up C# after having learned C++, concepts like value vs reference types and passing parameters by value vs by reference will make perfect sense, whereas going from C# to C++ is more of a mental twist because C# hides the complexity (and flexibility) of working directly with pointers.



Getting your feet wet with C++ is dead simple if you're using a Unix variant like Linux, BSD, Solaris, or Mac, because the easy-to-use GNU development toolchain is pre-packaged and easily accessible. On Windows, I'd recommend using a setup that at least involves GCC, such as Cygwin or MinGW

Answer 2

There are advantages to both routes. Most commercial games are written in C++ so it's definitely a language you will want to know. The down side is that there is a pretty steep learning curve to getting started with C++.



C# is also an excellent language to learn and may be a better place to start if you want to do games. You can download Microsofts XNA Game Studio which is a development library for doing games in C# for both the PC and the Xbox 360. It handles some of the trickier parts and makes it easier to get into the fun part of making a game.

Answer 3

If you're going towards game industry, I think C++ is a better choice if you plan on working on large-scale games (Doom, FIFA, Unreal, GTA, etc...) and not small internet games (in that case, learn Flash).



I think most of there games are programmed with C++.



Today, C# is too slow for serious games (since it runs through an extra layer called CLR), but since you're 14 - things might change until this becomes relevant and who knows? Maybe C# will be in use for serious games by then.



Still, I wouldn't bet on it and it is important for every programmer to know some almost low-level programming (Assembly is also important but I'll let it slide) such as with C and C++ (I would recommend C, though, for procedural programming and C# for learning Object Oriented Programming).



So, to make a long story short, I think you should learn C++ - if you are to choose between C++ and C#. If you have the time and will, learn C first.



No matter which one you choose, you can download the environment from here:

http://www.microsoft.com/exPress/download



Good luck.

Answer 4

Start with C++. If you learn it well, it will be easy to move to C# if you really want to. C++ is an industry standard, C# is just a language M$oft wants to be popular.

For a start download Visual C++ 2008 Express as it's free (I guess you have Windows, right?), and it also has a lot of tutorials.



If you take some advice:

If you really want to learn to program, get somebody who can guide you. I don't think these "Become the ultimate programmer in 24 hours" kind of books will take you anywhere, though it's only my opinion.



Good luck with programming, and have fun.

Answer 5

I would highly recommend C++. Its something called as an object oriented programming language.



you can use an editor called as Turbo C++ :



www.turboexplorer.com/cpp



Before going into OOAD you should first consider working with languages such as C that would help you improve on your algorithmic and logical, analytical skills..



For C too you can use the same editor .. its a simple environment that helps you write programs, compile them and run them on say a Windows box.