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This is a very common question. Particularly with video games, kids really enjoy playing them, and are often drawn to the potential of creating them as well. There's even a series of TV commercials that play on exactly that scenario.
I've hired a lot of programmers in my career. I've also not hired even more. So I definitely have some thoughts and advice.
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First, what'd I'd call the basics:
Some points that are very specific to video or computer game programming and design:
I really need to reiterate the fundamentals. Don't get hung up on what programming language or what platform ... programming is more about how you think than whether or not you can express your thoughts in C++ or Java, or on a Mac or a PC. "It's just another language" is something you'll hear from top tier programmers.
I've told people that HTML is a programming language, and I encourage its use, but be careful. Building websites is not the basis of a career in something as complex as video game design. If your passion turns out to be the web, then invest in some of the programming languages of the web: PHP, Perl, Flash, Javascript.
Take the programming classes you have access to. High school, Community College, Vo-Tech - whatever. Then go get yourself a Computer Science degree or a closely related Engineering degree. I have mixed feelings on whether you need a Masters degree.
My own pet peeve: PLEASE make sure you learn assembly language along the way. It won't make sense today, but it'll help you understand concepts and techniques that a lot of programmers today have trouble with. AND it'll help you write better code, and aid in debugging it as well.
There are so many skills that could help, I could go on. Math. Logic. English. Heck, verbal and written skills are areas that I wish I had spent more time and I would recommend strongly to anyone entering any profession.
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Article C2473 - November 27, 2005
I am a graduate of Geography and Regional Planning, I like to be a computer programmer because when I was in school any course that has to do with computer always interest.But what I dont know is if I should go into (GIS)since I have the knowledge of Geography.
Posted by: BABAWALE DAYO at January 14, 2010 7:20 AMKindly advice me of what to do, looking forward to hear from you....
QUESTION.my name is steve and have been in college for four years now and have not graduate yet and my major is MIS AND INTERNATIONAL BUS.I READLY want to become programmer. is that prosible with my age i am a old man.please help me
Posted by: steve rogers at January 19, 2010 6:45 AMAm doing my first year computer science student here at the university,can you help me to what i must do to be a good C++ programmer???
Posted by: Peter Michael at January 20, 2010 8:15 PMcheers
I'm 14 and i'm learning VB.net, C++ and Java.
Posted by: Danny at January 21, 2010 12:44 AMI would like some advice if you get the chance? You see the thing is I am in nursing and I am miserable! I mean great job and good money, but it is not for me. I have found myself madly in love with webdesign and learning new things about computers. I have chosen to switch fields to a computer programmer. My only problem is I don't know where to start. I mean What college courses should I take, what books should I read, and what else could I do to make sure I become the best computer programmer I can be? I really want this and I know I will be happy doing this job. Please help? Any tips are greatly appreciated!
Thanks for your time,
Posted by: Amanda McConnell at January 30, 2010 5:26 PMAmanda