Today, over 700 coding languages exist. If you’re anything like the majority of us — who have enough trouble choosing between two options — then deciding which coding language to learn must be overwhelming.
Dear budding game developer, we understand your plight. That is why we’ve helped streamline your options.
Here, we propose 4 languages you should learn first, as you begin your journey towards coding mastery. We also share ideas on the best way to learn Java and the other shortlisted programming languages. Let’s dive in.
Java
If Android mobiles are your target for your games, then you should learn Java. Developed by Sun Microsystems in ‘95, the Java language has become ubiquitous in modern computer technological infrastructure.
Today, Java is the most widely used computer programming language globally and is estimated to run on over 3 billion devices, including smartphones, e-readers, and automobiles. Java is also used in some of the world’s top sites such as Google, YouTube, Amazon, etc. To top it all off, Java is beginner-friendly.
These details establish one fact: whether you want to be a game developer or kick-starting a career in software development altogether, you’d be laying a strong foundation for your career success by becoming proficient in Java.
It’s worth mentioning that AAA games such as Call of Duty, Minecraft, and whatnots are rarely written in Java.
Pros● Similar to human language and so it’s easy to write and understand.● The most in-demand computer programming language in the world● Ideal option for Android developers since it’s the native language for Android. Plus, learning Java is good preparation towards proficiency in Kotlin — a program that’s gaining popularity amongst android developers — since it’s built on JVM● Java code is platform-independent — can be run across platforms with very small limitations● Deep community support● Open-Source nature
Cons● Java code is verbose. Although its human-like style makes it comparatively easier to learn, it also makes it longer, less readable, and more difficult to scan.● Comparatively slower than C and C++● Doesn’t run on iOS
Recommended Learning Approach
Taking a predominately theoretical approach to learning Java is a common but ineffective method. This approach would almost certainly leave you frustrated. To hasten your learning, you should combine doses of theoretical and practical learning.
For instance, platforms like Codegym require learners to complete over 1200 practical tasks. These exercises are strategically arranged in order of increasing complexity, so that by the time you’ve finished all the exercises, your coding muscles would have gone from puny to brawny.
C++
C++ is a super portable, high-level language with several applications. Despite being one of the oldest languages that exist, C++ remains a dominant force in the programming world and is possibly the most widely used language in game development.
One primary reason for C++’s fame among game developers is that it allows more control over the graphical process — a feature that’s critical in game design.
High-end Windows and console games like Dark Souls, The Witcher 3, Maplestory, and several others have C++ as their underpinning. It is also used in popular game engines such as Sony’s PhyreEngine, Unreal, and Unity Engine. No doubt, C++ is challenging to learn, but there’s tremendous rewards for becoming proficient.
On the one hand, C++ games are easy to run on other platforms. Also, other object-oriented languages, including Java and C# were derived from C++., which means picking up other languages will be easier once you’ve learned C++.
Pros● Fast execution of programs● Forms the basis for understanding more complex programming languages● Runs close to the system hardware
Cons● Complex syntax● No garbage collection or convenient dynamic memory allocation● No compile-time type check
Recommended Learning Approach
To get your toes deep into C++, we recommend the book titled “The C++ Programming language” written by Bjarne Stroustrup — the original designer of C++.
Here, you’ll be ushered into C++, learning about design and software issues that arise with the use of C++. The book also contains small exercises at the end of the chapters to help you apply newly learned knowledge.
C#
C# — read as C sharp — is a modern, easy-to-learn language that Microsoft developed in 2000. It is the coding language used in Unity3D — arguably one of the topmost game engines out there for indie and medium-size games and the one on which successful games like Temple Run and Subway surfers are built.
The language is based on C and C++ languages, so if you know C++, it’ll be even easier for you to understand.
C#’s characteristic XNA framework is among its most enticing perks for developers as it makes the language uniquely suitable for building games for Xbox and other Windows platforms. Although this framework is advantageous, it comes with a few cons of its own:
Unlike C++, it gives you little control over memory management, parameters and so on. This is similar to what happens when driving an automatic vehicle. There’s a benefit to the automation of speed and avoiding the hassle of shifting gears yourself, but sometimes you wish your autonomy still.
The imposed limits imply that games built with C# code will likely have a similar “look and feel”.
Pros● Object-oriented● Cross-Platform● Automatic Garbage Collection● Easy to Develop
Cons● C# is completely based on Microsoft Technologies● When changing anything in C# written code, you’ll have to first compile the program before seeing the result
Recommended Learning Approach
We have no specific recommendations here.. But, as you explore your options, reviewing the loads of paid and unpaid resources for learning C# online, keep in mind that paid courses and sites tend to take a more wholesome and structured approach to the teaching process. And that could help shorten your learning curve.
JavaScript
JavaScript has been referred to as the programming language of the web. It made its debut in ’95 as a language designed to conform to the ECMAScript specification. Whereas CSS is responsible for web aesthetics and HTML for web layouts, JS is what makes for dynamic pages and the intractability between the user and client-side script.
JS is also regarded as the best language for programming interactive online video games, because of JS’s superior ability to interact easily with web apps. The bottom line is, JavaScript is at the heart of browser-based game development. So if you’re looking at developing such games, go learn JS.
Pros● JS makes it easy to make online games ● JS is relatively less labor-intensive for game development
Cons● Options for 3D graphics are limited to specific frameworks● Not as efficient as other programming languages on this list in terms of speed.
Recommended Learning Approach
Like all the languages we’ve covered, there’s an abundance of free and paid learning resources for them on the web.
The paid ones typically go deeper into the content, reduce your learning curve and they also usually offer certifications to learners who complete the course. However, if those benefits aren’t enticing enough for you and you’d rather go the unpaid route, realize that it’s possible to go from a newbie to an advanced programmer using free resources.
Wrap Up
There is no perfect, one-size-fits all programming language for developing games. All of them have different features, target platforms, and developers who prefer them. So consider your affinities and your goals and let them help you decide on which language to learn first.
That said, no doubt knowing Java and C++ would prove valuable in creating your video games because of the fundamental nature of those languages. So we advise that you carefully consider our recommendation on the best way to learn Java and C++ and begin laying a solid foundation for your success in game development.
FAQ● What are the 4 types of programming language?
The four broad classifications of programming languages are Procedural Programming Language, Scripting Programming Language, Functional Programming Language, and Object-Oriented Programming Language.● What coding language should I learn first?
Each computer programming language has its unique features that makes it better than others in some respects. Therefore, the first best language to learn depends more on your goals than on the language itself. To set yourself up for success, first consider your interests and determine the platform for which you want to develop games.
