   Is C++ without fear good?
  I got this book a while ago when i first atempted teaching myself programming, is it book any good or should i get another one? Is the stuff in the book useful for future game programmer, what i mean is, should i start learning basics of game programming or basics of c++ in general?   
  Well, you need to be able to write C++ in order to write games in C++. So learning basic C++ before game programming would make sense.Having said that, there are books like this one that attempt to teach you C++ and basic game programming at the same time. I haven't read any of these, though, so I couldn't tell you if they're any good.   ;  Always learn the basics of the language first.theTroll   ;  I have the "Learn C++ through Game Programming" book as mentioned by Ariste.Its good,, teaching you the basics in a game-way (such as learning loops with a guess the number game) all the way through to Blackjack as the final game (to reinforce everything you've learnt).I prefere books like that personally, as it feels like you are getting somewhere, instead of creating things, as a wanna-be game programmer, would be no use (Why on earth would I be interested in making something that tallies peoples Salaries and such?)If you really wat to game program, unfortunately, you need to understand the basics of programming, and the language you've chosen first. Instead of buying a book to teach you a language, you can just Google it, and find mulitple tutorials, or run the Workshops on GameDev..As someone who gave up learning C++, be prepared for a "void" of knowledge between learning C++ basics (through the console) to doing things in Windows / Game programming. This seems to be a widely known problem (the lack of "direction" for learners), but no one seems to do anything about it :)I personally  learnt the basics of C++, and struggled with filling the void, got bored, and after a few years of not programming, moved onto C# which I'm currently learning, to move onto XNA. If you are looking to do some Game programming to entertain yourself, this could be a place to start. Its an easier language to learn, and there is alot of support around. After this, if you really want to delve deeper, it will set you up with a good understanding of how Games work, and might make your move into C++ Easier. Thats my way of looking at it any way :) If you do want to learn C++, I was advised to start with this book to teach me the language:1)Accelerated C++: Practical Programming by Example (C++ in Depth Series) by Andrew Koenig Hope this helps!   ;  Nah, XNA sux cuz i wanna program for PS3 so i guess C++ would be the best choice, im gonna try Learn C++ through Game Programming but it seems like its not up to date.   ;  If I recall correctly, PS3 graphics are OpenGL? Which would definitely lend a hand to C++Although, Don't aim too high to begin with. XNA may only be suited for PC/Xbox360, but games on there can be created very quickly. I can only imagine how long it would take to write a PS3 game from learning the basics of C++ up..I'm not really aware of any Indie Ps3 Games, so I'm not sure how far you can go with Ps3 development as a Hobby-Programmer? (I'm sure I remember reading how Anti-Amateur Sony are, and that the engine source costs Thousands of Dollars?)Even so, good Luck![Edited by - MyH34DHurtz on June 5, 2010 1:03:11 PM];  Linked From another thread I've just been reading..Quote:Original post by PalidineQuote:Original post by SoldierPhaseI will be producing games for XBOX 360, and possibly PS3.Perhapse not to the extent you think.  You'll need a development license unless you're thinking about XNA [smile].  It takes quite a bit to convince Sony or Microsoft to allow you to develop on their platforms. (3-5 years experience and/or 5+ shipped titles, plus a lotta $$$ for a license)But XNA is a nice place to start.  PS3, to my knowledge, offers no pathway for free hobby development.Anyway, why are you getting both a laptop and a desktop?  Either will suffice for hobby development.  You should get the best that you can afford, though doing XNA dev won't really stress your development machine outside of compiling which is CPU intensive.  You probably want something pretty beefy because you'll likely be doing a bunch of PC development: that means good graphics card and decent CPU.Dell is good if you want pre-built desktop; they have a gaming series.  Thinkpad is good if you want laptop; they offer a desktop replacement series with decent graphics capabilities.If you're looking to get into the industry, you're much better off sticking to PC development and making some impressive demos.  There is no assumption of familiarity with the console hardware for entry level programmers because it's impossible for a hobbyist to get access to the SDK and hardware you'll be using professionally.-me;Quote:Original post by milosssNah, XNA sux cuz i wanna program for PS3 so i guess C++ would be the best choice, im gonna try Learn C++ through Game Programming but it seems like its not up to date.Learning C# and XNA now does not prevent you from learning C++ later. Any programmer worth the name will learn half a dozen or more languages.On the other hand, you should be aware that PS3 developement is limited, at least without a proper devkit. You can install Linux, but AFAIK you cannot access the graphics card, and I believe with the recent models, the "other OS" feature was controversially removed, so you will need an old model to do anything.Leaving that aside, you should always learn the language before you attempt to do game programming in particular. I mean, you can write some text based games while learning the language, but I would advise against jumping into graphics too early.   ;Quote:Original post by MyH34DHurtzIf I recall correctly, PS3 graphics are OpenGL? No. PS3 games use the RSX lowlevel API, which is only available to selected stduios with a devkit, and requires them to sign a bunch of NDAs. PSGL, an OpenGL ES 1.0 compatible layer was put on top of it. But AFAIK, no actual games use it due to limited performance and functionality.