Hello, GPWiki!

I've been browsing around you because I've been wanting to learn programming, albeit I didn't know the name of it as a child, for a long time. I've poked my head around for a while now and I decided to say hello and ask for some help. I found that page down there and I thought it didn't get exactly help me, as in it doesn't explain to me how do I start learning. A relative of mine recommended learning C/C++, OpenGL, or DirectX first, but I have no idea how or where to begin. My question and where I need help is where do I begin learning?

http://content.gpwiki.org/index.php/How_do_I_get_Started#Getting_more_help

Epic facepalm, GPWiki. I mistook the username for the post subject. You all may know me as Joe.

Where are you at right now with regards to general programming knowledge?

I'd suggest checking out C# with XNA or perhaps Unity.

C# is a really nice language and the Visual Studio IDE is excellent. The C#/XNA route is probably slightly more difficult to build games with compared to Unity but you get more low-level control over everything.

A friend of mine is an animator, familiar with 3D modelling programs but with zero programming experience. He picked up Unity and has made a handful of relatively simple yet fun games with it.

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Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve

I am at ground zero with programming knowledge. I have zero knowledge and only thoughts and ideas. Is C# with XNA free? I looked around and I cannot find a download link of some sort, so I think I may start with Unity.

It kinda depends where you want to go with this. Unity is a good choice if you're starting out, the barrier to entry is lower and if it's specifically game development that interests you then you can get results sooner or give it up if it turns out not to be to your liking. On the other hand, C# is a general purpose programming language that you could use to make any utility type program, not just games. But you may get frustrated with the slower progress to a playable result.

C# and XNA are both free. You can get Visual Studio Express edition for free (just have to sign up with an email address). Microsoft's website is retarded so it's not obvious how to get hold of these tools.

http://www.microsoft.com/visualstudio/e ... 10-express - download C#

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download ... x?id=23714 - download for XNA Game Studio 4

If you're starting at ground zero, I recommend you pick up a book and work your way through it. There's really great content on the web, but having a structured course that you can follow will make it faster and less painful to get a grip on how to write code. Unfortunately I can't recommend a book for either C# or Unity as I haven't read any beginner's books in those areas. Maybe someone else can pitch in with suggestions.

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Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve

I would like to make games, but I would also like the option of being able to make other programs. I honestly found the link for the download, but I did not want to double post. .-.

I would like to get a book or join a class, but I do not have the option of a book or a class. I have the all powerful Internet. There should be tutorials around here somewhere...

Because I cannot edit my original post and now that I have an account, double post.

I'm curious about college and technical schools concerning programming if anyone has more information.

Also, I found this free textbook online, or so it seems to be. I think I may use it.

Here it is if anyone want's a look: https://7chan.org/pr/src/FriendsofED_-_ ... h_%282.pdf

Edit: I have found that it requires Adobe Flash Professional. I've been looking into finding an alternative. Any suggestions?

Edit2: I've found I've been posting in the wrong section. Apologies!