First timer, non-programmer

tushantin · Post by **tushantin** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 12:02 pm

Hello mates. I've just downloaded the engine and fiddling around with. But unfortunately, I'm an artist, not a programmer. I don't know C++, C#, not even Java or Python. I did know Q-Basic before, but I seem to have forgotten...

But I like to try new things (and I'm a complete idiot when it comes to understanding anything) so I thought I could mess around with this engine and see what I could do. Found the engine pretty interesting, but since I lack knowledge in programming can I still use it somehow? That doesn't mean I wouldn't give my hand on C++, since as a beginner while programming a game I might learn a few things. Therefore I'd like some hint or help on how to get started, if you'd be so kind to lend a hand.

And what software do I use? I downloaded Visual Studio 2005 (which is quite a heavy software!) from Microsoft's website and tried to install it. But it gave me an error message about an upgrade patch or something... Anything better I might use?

My PC specifications:
Windows XP Proffessional (32 bit)
AMD Athlon 64 x2
GeForce 9600 GT
3GB RAM

sudi · Post by **sudi** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 12:15 pm

u could use code::blocks together with the mingw32 compiler.
works pretty well.

pera · Post by **pera** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 12:48 pm

there are tutorials in examples - go through them. They are easy and get you changing things your way in seconds.

wyrmmage · Post by **wyrmmage** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 12:49 pm

Honestly, I wouldn't start with the Irrlicht engine if you're going to be doing some programming. I would start Irrlicht once you start graphics programming, since Irrlicht is quite simple to pick up (and modify) compared to most graphics engines. That being said, I'd start with a simple text rpg in C++ to pick up the language

I know that probably wasn't what you wanted, but hopefully it helps

-wyrmmage

rogerborg · Post by **rogerborg** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 4:53 pm

There are always plenty of projects in the Project Announcements part of the forum looking for artists. Perhaps an exchange of knowledge could be arranged?

sudi · Post by **sudi** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 5:25 pm

yeah i'm always looking for an artist slave^^

edit: blubb

rogerborg · Post by **rogerborg** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 8:29 pm

ARRANGE YOUR SAFETY WORD FIRST!

Rytz · Post by **Rytz** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 11:04 pm

rogerborg wrote:ARRANGE YOUR SAFETY WORD FIRST!

That was pretty damn funny Roger

dlangdev · Post by **dlangdev** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 1:32 am

It's just like saying: Hey guys, take me...I'm free!

Just wondering? What made you think Irrlicht is ready for non-programmers?

Or are ya going to be a programmer with that kind of announcement?

rogerborg · Post by **rogerborg** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 7:22 am

Everyone starts somewhere. I wasn't a game programmer (not seriously) until I used Allegro back in the day. It was way beyond what I was capable of. I got better.

A man's reach should exceed his grasp.

Dark_Kilauea · Post by **Dark_Kilauea** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:05 pm

A man's reach should exceed his grasp.

The truthfulness of this statement is very commonly overlooked by today's academic world.