The programming languages were briefly mentioned during the "Game Programming" lesson, but let's take a closer look at what they are before we get into programming tasks. A video game programming language, or scripting language, is the code that game programmers use to produce the game’s settings and mechanics.
Different languages contain different syntax and are more efficient at performing certain tasks, but many programming languages overlap and are compatible with one another, each contributing to the overall experience of the game. Let's take a look at some of the more commonly used programming languages.
C++ is a highly optimized code that allows for greater memory management, a necessary attribute of high-poly, and high-definition video games. C++ language runs with most game engines, making it one of the most common selections for game programmers.
C# (also known as C sharp) is a relatively easy programming language to learn, and is often used by smaller game studios. C# is another one of the main codes seen in popular game engines.
Lua is an open-source language built on top of the C programming language. Lua has its value across multiple platforms ranging from large server systems to small mobile applications, and it's of course utilized in game development as well.
Inspired by C++, Java game programming is nearly universally compatible, which makes it incredibly versatile and one of the most popular languages used today. Java is easy to use and thus very suitable for beginners. Java influenced JavaScript, which is the most widely used scripting language for web-based and browser gaming.
Python is an interpreted, high-level and general-purpose programming language, that emphasizes code readability. Python allows you to build prototypes faster, which can help make the game development process smoother. It however tends to be more popular among programmers outside of the game development field.
The hardest part about being a programmer is getting started. It may seem daunting at first, all these terms, scripts, programming languages, there's just so much information. Luckily, when it comes to programming, it's very easy to find information and tutorials for almost everything you could possibly come up with. Still, as a beginner, the best way to learn is by doing, and you need to get started somewhere before you start programming your dream game. For most people, that starting point is "Hello World!"