Beginner in coding and game development – where should I start?

Question

Hi, I’m completely new to coding and want to learn game development. Should I start with a language like Python or C#, or jump straight into a game engine like Unity/Unreal? Any beginner resources or tips are welcome

Answer 1

Hi! Which platform do you choose to create games? Desktops, mobile devices, web browsers or Xbox-type consoles?

Answer 2

I think learning programming is better to start

Answer 3

Desktops mainly

Answer 4

So, among the main programming languages for PC and console games, we can name C++ and C#, as well as Java and Assembler. Also among the programming languages for the gaming industry – although they are less used – SQL and Python.

Java
This language is also far from being the newest, however, its developers are still updating and maintaining it. It is not as difficult to learn as C++, and in this it is similar to C#, because when creating the latter, Microsoft apparently relied on Java. Because it is relatively easy to learn and popular, beginners often think about learning it.
But in fact, it is almost not supported by game engines: in the leading ones, it is not used at all, and those in which it is used are quite difficult to master. These include Engine, jMonkey, and LibGDX.

C++
The main language for developing large games (AAA games). Advantages - high performance and control over system resources. Used in game engines: Unreal Engine, CryEngine. Also written in C++ many game libraries, for example: SFML - for 2D graphics and sound, SDL - for working with graphics and input. Despite the fact that the language has long been one of the main in the field of game development, now it is already losing its position. Not the best option for beginners.

C#
Supported by the Unity game engine. Suitable for simple and complex projects of any genre in 2D and 3D.
C# is quite simple for new users, compared to the same C++. Since it appeared later than C++, it also entered the field of game engines later. However, it is now often mentioned among the popular game programming languages and is used in engines such as Unity, XNA, Godot, and others.