Learning Still

[whtemple1959]

Hello,

To quote Sting.... "I have only come here seeking knowledge"

I am trying to get Irrlicht to work on a ...
Ubuntu 10.04 & Win xp sp1
Code::Blocks 10.05
MinGW 0.5-beta-20120426-1
Irrlicht 1.7

No programming knowledge or skills. Self teaching via local library, online tutorials, hair pulling.

Reason...
I thoroughly enjoy playing an Open Source game.

Game facts as I understand them...
C++
Heavy use of SDL
Game needs some serious tweaks that I have found in other games of the same genre.
I have been told that the coding is too complicated/time consuming and the knowledgeable players are not interested in changes.

There is a second Open Source game that I have played but is not as enjoyable…but…it has some features that need to be in game one. There was a post in the forum about combining the two but alas conflicts in focus and direction have prevented a marriage.

But, since they are both open source I believe that by exploring them one should be able to create something…a Frankenstein monstrosity.

Hold on…my friend who is a programmer has already informed me that just because they are both written in C++ does not mean that the codes are interchangeable. Remember I said explore compare create.

I do not want to reinvent the wheel I only want to change the tires and give it a balance.

So, I have managed to get through the first two tutorials and I am again amazed at what programmers can accomplish. To have a picture in your head and then combine {}, (), <>, +, -, =, and all the other stuff to allow me to create something just intrigues me. To pay for college I worked for my father’s construction company. Any body who can read and do simple math can do that. Now I am a certified bookkeeper and except tor the US tax code my tasks are pretty simple. So although I still do not understand what is going on I am excited.

So is it possible? Am I in over my head? Should I concede defeat? Or, should I plug ahead learn explore, experience, and then build a better game which 35000 people (members on the forum board) will enjoy?

All advice, mentoring, dare I say help will be much appreciated.

Thanks fro your patience,
Bill

[CuteAlien]

Merging code of games is uaually not possible. But what you can always do when you have access to source-code is trying to learn to understand both code-bases and then use that understanding to code missing parts into the other game.

General way of learning to code is start by understanding example and modifying them. And start writing very small games yourself (first examples are usually games like number-guessing). And get some books about programming. And well... I wouldn't recomment starting with 3D programming unless you are really, really familiar with 3D stuff already or you have to learn that as well the same time. And not even sure if I would start with c++ as first language, although it's possible it probably still is easier starting for example with Javascript.

[whtemple1959]

Cute Alien,

Yes I was told that merging two separate philosophies would be next to impossible, but I believe ..and correct me if I am wrong... if you set the two side by side you can see where they ebb and flow similar and different and then experiment to create a hybrid.

To Paraphrase John Locke... don't tell me what can't be done. Yes, I have to learn C++ because that is what the games are written in. Yes, I need to learn about 3d engines because I want to make the game better. But my son likes the game and I want to make it better. If I had a million dollars I would pay to get it done....but I don't so I will teach myself.

In my past life I could cut a rafter with a hand saw, faster with a circular saw, and instantly with a chop saw. I could even cut for pitch. I chose to use the tools that made my job easier and tasks accomplished quicker. I was hoping it would be the same with programming. Is not the purpose of Irrlicht to make it possible to create wonderful 3d worlds in which to immerse oneself?

So yes I will have a bruised forehead for a long time and it is fortunate that I keep my head shaved but I will persevere.

Thanks for your advice.

Bill

[CuteAlien]

Creative works are always hard to mix. How would you mix 2 books? If you try to take 50% of the pages of each the result will just not work. If you start merging storylines you get a brand new story.

You can always extend on something and use ideas from elsewhere. But start small, that's the only way to learn.

[Mel]

If you fully understand the things you have in your hands, you can do whatever you want with them, even realize that it maybe that merging them is either useless or impossible