I am new to programming and to game development and so I am doing my research before diving in. I read that game developers usually need Java or C++ when developing a game but that doesn't seem to be the case when using RPG maker. So would other langauges apart from Ruby be useless?
Are other languages useful?
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For RPG Maker, you don't need to learn any programming language in order to make a game. The scripting, however, is done entirely in Ruby.
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So is it recommended to learn Ruby or would I get by without learning it? Also, so there is no way that Java or C++ will be of use?
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That question is like "are different types of cars needed?" - and the answer is "it depends on what you want to do".
If you want to carry 30 tons of stone somewhere without time restrictions, you'll need a different car than if you want to get two persones somewhere in the fastest way possible.
And learning to program something is not the same as learning a programming language - there are a lot of people who know programming languages and can try to write computerprograms without being able to really program something.
(see http://forums.rpgmakerweb.com/index.php?/topic/5108-a-good-article-for-you-budding-scripters/ to learn the difference between learning a programming language (the syntax) and learning how to program (the understanding of what to do)
If you want to stay at the level of the cargo-cultist-programmers (see link above), then restrict yourself to learning a language.
If you really want to learn how to program, ignore languages and begin with the basic logics - there is a reason why a good programmer need years to learn his skills... -
Thanks for the reply, one question, how exactly do I begin with the basic logics? I am completely new to programming so might as well start right.That question is like "are different types of cars needed?" - and the answer is "it depends on what you want to do".
If you want to carry 30 tons of stone somewhere without time restrictions, you'll need a different car than if you want to get two persones somewhere in the fastest way possible.
And learning to program something is not the same as learning a programming language - there are a lot of people who know programming languages and can try to write computerprograms without being able to really program something.
(see http://forums.rpgmakerweb.com/index.php?/topic/5108-a-good-article-for-you-budding-scripters/ to learn the difference between learning a programming language (the syntax) and learning how to program (the understanding of what to do)
If you want to stay at the level of the cargo-cultist-programmers (see link above), then restrict yourself to learning a language.
If you really want to learn how to program, ignore languages and begin with the basic logics - there is a reason why a good programmer need years to learn his skills... -
Before you go to the logic, I recommend you have to start with the Fundamentals of Programming, then you can start doing Ruby, as fair enough as it is easy to understand. Also, if you press F1 on your RPG Maker, the list of help file tutorial is already there for the whole RGSS3, defined properly and some examples are even present to show you what it means :)Thanks for the reply, one question, how exactly do I begin with the basic logics? I am completely new to programming so might as well start right.
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I first learnt the basics of lua then went to basic html then to basic java script then the basics of ruby and finally and most recently have been trying to understand basic java
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having already learn another language make you easier to learn ruby. since the difference is only the syntax. all other mostly can be done the same. I personally learn C, Java in my College. but it don't take me long to understand ruby. the most important is the basic logic on how you want to achive what you want. a.k.a Flowchart :D .
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Flowchart, the most understandable way I know how to make the script I want xD
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Follow the link to the post with the cargo cultist programmer, then scroll down - I answered that question there before, with a link to a RM-Flowchart.Thanks for the reply, one question, how exactly do I begin with the basic logics? I am completely new to programming so might as well start right.
There are many ways to learn logics - it is a form of mathematics, and I even know of schools where the 14-years get their first lessons in logic inside the mathematics lessons.
But especially if you're into game making, flowcharts are the way to start - because you can learn and try them on something like story flow or quest constructs without ever having to touch a programming language. -
I guess I will get the basics of programming down before going into the logics, that seems to make more sense.
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Wrong. "The basics of programming" are logic. I see people say that the only difference between languages is the syntax all the time, and it's incorrect. Does knowing one language help you learn others? Absolutely. On the other hand, different languages excel in different areas and have very different standards of use.
I will say it again: The core, the most basic aspect, of programming is an understanding of the logic behind what you are doing.
Learning the logic behind what you are doing is what will allow you to pick up new languages quickly and effectively. If you learn the syntax of a language first then you will be able to easily write small applications, but will have little understanding of their underlying nature and be unable to write anything of greater complexity. The greatest difference between a cargo-cult programmer and a true programmer is found in their grasp of the logic of programming.
Don't make the mistake of taking the easy way out and being a cargo-cultist. Do yourself a favor and learn the logic instead.