Taking the Leap

Posted by TDOT on Feb. 1, 2013, 10:06 a.m.

Alright guys, I'm taking the plunge and attempting to start making games through means other than GM. I've been programming in Java for the past 3 years or so, but what I'd like to do is officially add C++ to my repertoire while tackling game development at the same time. I've dabbled with it in the past, but never enough to consider myself proficient. Now that I'm older and (arguably) wiser, I'm just gonna hit it head on. Probably gonna use the [url='http://projecteuler.net]Euler Project[/url] to get some quick experience just writing code.

Now the real point of this blog is to ask you guys your opinions.

[b]What IDE should I be using?[/b]

Right now I'm between VS 2012 and Code::Blocks (have both of them installed), but I'm up for any other suggestions as well. I've been using Notepad++ along with the cmd to write all my Java programs, but I'd rather just move over to an actual IDE.

Also, I'm taking a Cyber Security class this semester. It's quite entertaining so far. We've been making various brute force attacks :3

Comments

firestormx 11 years, 9 months ago

I haven't worked with Code::Blocks, but I use VS at work, and I like it.

JuurianChi 11 years, 9 months ago

Visual Studio is probably the only thing to come out of microsoft in recent year that isn't positively borked.

(But don't quote me on that.)

I've never used Code::Blocks so I'm going to recommend VS out if ignorat bias. :P

Astryl 11 years, 9 months ago

Visual Studio is really nice for complicated projects, so use that if it's not overwhelming. But otherwise, Code::Blocks is excellent… and it works on Linux, so if you're planning on doing any Linux development, you'll be using it.

Eclipse also works as a C++ IDE, but I haven't tried it.

firestormx 11 years, 9 months ago

I dislike Eclipse, personally. Mainly due to the whole "this was made in Java" feel.

Astryl 11 years, 9 months ago

Felt more to me like "This was made by a bunch of Suits". Similar thing, I guess.

If I had the choice, I'd like to get my hands on Visual Studio. The full version, but I can't afford it.

But regardless, C::B and VS Express are more than sufficient. Heck, using the command-line is more than sufficient, if you know how to work with the compiler and linker.

flashback 11 years, 9 months ago

If you're a post-secondary student you can get VS free via DreamSpark.

Acid 11 years, 9 months ago

HOLY BALLS FLASHBACK - you just saved me some cash.

Why have I never heard of DreamSpark?

Toast 11 years, 9 months ago

Be sure to get some Windows OS on there too

TDOT 11 years, 9 months ago

And the general consensus seems to be VS :D

I can understand why too, as the editor seems quite fluid and pretty. Dreamspark also looks fantastic O_o

Why doesn't everyone know about it???

Are there any sort of compatibility issues with VS? Not for running the editor, but will my projects still run cross platform? I know I've heard in the past that Microsoft has their own sort of flavor of C++

tylerthemiler 11 years, 9 months ago

EMACS :P but then, I can _stand_ to develop in windows.

Also, I realize that an IDE is nice for a game framework, and the only one I've used that I didn't think was complete shit was VS. And now they have git support for VS :D