I'm a network engineer and architect looking to expand my skills into programming and software development beyond just basic scripting. I have an interest in game development (I have a subscription with Zenva, which I got at a good price since I'm starting out), as well as data structures and algorithms (DSA) and web development. I'm uncertain about the best next steps given my background in networking, but I also have skills in cloud computing and want to leverage the cloud for development, not just architecture.
I'm seeking a structured learning path that I can follow, leading to a point where I can then explore further on my own. I've already completed CS50X and CS50P (Python) and have worked on some projects, such as porting much of the LearnOpenGL material to Python, which is listed as an external resource on their site.
I find myself at a crossroads and unsure where to head next. It feels like I need more foundational knowledge in some areas, but picking the right direction seems overwhelming since some topics appear too advanced while others seem too easy. Is subscribing to Codecademy Pro a good investment for me? There's currently a year-end discount, but I'm hesitant. I've noticed many free resources out there provide great content but lack the structure I desire.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
1 Answer
For game development, you've got a few main avenues you can explore. The big players are Unreal Engine, which uses C++, and Unity, which works with C#. If you’re looking into mobile, then for native Android development, you'll want to dive into Java or Kotlin, while for iOS, Swift is the way to go. If you want to explore less common options, Godot uses C++ or C#, and GameMaker uses its own language called GML or can utilize C++.
While I love Python, it isn’t really suited for game development, with Pygame being about the only option, and it's not that versatile. If you're willing to spend some cash (around $15-$35), check out Udemy for game development courses. GameDev.tv has some of the highest-rated ones. Just my two cents!
Godot is awesome too because it uses GDScript, which is quite user-friendly.
Keep in mind that, while game development is interesting, you might find learning other software development areas just as valuable for your career!
You really don’t need to spend money to get started! Unity is probably the easiest to dive into, thanks to tons of YouTube tutorials and excellent documentation. Unreal Engine is also a great choice.
Also, I’m not a fan of Python. I’d only use it if I were into ML or data analysis. Just doesn’t click with me!