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Best programming language.

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2003 12:13 am
by the ARK
I've been thinking about writing some little program for hacking Operation:Genesis, and I was wondering what I should use to do so. The program would probably just assist the computer-disinclined to impliment hacks in the files.

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2003 1:54 am
by Rebel
This is probably a matter of opinion, wouldn't you say? Personally, they should standardize the whole coding affair rather than produce lame changes or attempt to trump the other. Some languages have similar styles, though certain commands and arrangements are changed, like Pascal and C++.

In C++ you'd use cout>> "print this";
In Pascal you'd use write ('print that'); similiar syntax, but they just have to be different!

Other things are changed about:

In C++ you'd use int x;
In Pascal, it's reversed x: integer; (whereas, you're declaring the variable's name first, unlike in C)


Unfortunately, I don't know much of either language, just screw with the stuff from time to time, though I imagine that Andres, Remdul, Sky or someone else may be able to help you make an appropriate decision.

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2003 2:02 am
by the ARK
Do they cost much?

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2003 2:20 am
by Rebel
The languages are free, learning them can cost you some. You can download a free compiler at;

http://www.bloodshed.net/

However, I'd suggest purchasing yourself a book, a tutorial on the programming language of your choice (C++ has alot of reference material out there). There's also some tutorials out on the web which you can read at your leisure.

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2003 2:24 am
by the ARK
Forgive my stupidity, but what does a compiler do?

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2003 2:30 am
by Rebel
Changes your source code into an executable which in turn becomes a program.

Here's a good source to catch up on a little basic reading:

http://www.cprogramming.com/

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2003 2:31 am
by the ARK
Thanks, and congratulations on 500 posts. :wink:

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2003 2:36 am
by Rebel
Well, Hell's Bells, 500! Woohoo!

Someone, release the balloons and throw the confetti. I'll go get the champagne. :wink:


*Your welcome. Though I'm not the best source of information when it comes to programming, but I appear to be the only one around at the moment, so....

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2003 2:40 am
by the ARK
I just need to get a basic understanding for now, as my computer is currently broken, so I'll have to wait before I can make progress.

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2003 2:47 am
by Rebel
Well, if you purchase the C++ desktop reference for dummies (don't take it personally, since I didn't when I purchased it (25$)) it's written plainly, has a free compiler taped to the back cover of the book and you can actually install the lesson plans then test, learn and comprehend the code on your computer while you progress through the book.

Or, you can simply read it --

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2003 2:54 am
by the ARK
I'll probably just check it out at the library.

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2003 8:59 pm
by Sk8er
Rebel wrote:Well, Hell's Bells, 500! Woohoo!
:lol: Never heard that one before... :D

Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2003 1:36 am
by the ARK
How long does it usually take to learn C++ and start writing programs?

Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2003 1:51 am
by Rebel
You can actually construct your first program, Day 1, though more complex and useful programs will obviously take a bit longer and depend upon how much time you put into it. There's alot to absorb, but if you've got the smarts and commitment for it, I'd say that in a few month's time you can become quite proficient at it.

Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2003 2:00 am
by the ARK
How long will the program I'm trying to make take to make (no pun intended)? Basically, it needs to open certaim files, tell the user certain parts of the code and allow the user to make changes to those parts in the code. Later, it will also allow people to choose to change their files back to their original state or certain, more general settings (Easy, Medium, Hard, Unlimited Buildings, Etc.)

Sorry for the continuing questions, but I'd like to know what I'm in for.