Hey everyone! I'm really excited to start learning how to code games, but I'm feeling a bit lost on where to begin. I'm most comfortable with hands-on learning, where I can see and do things myself. I'm trying to decide whether to start with Python or C#, and I'd love to be able to understand LUA by the end of this process. I have a few apps like Mimo, Brilliant, Codecademy Go, and Sololearn, but I haven't really used them yet. I did try Mimo on a free trial and it seemed okay for Python. I also started a course on Coursera, but I got discouraged by the reviews and don't think it's worth paying $50 a month for. Are there any better resources or alternatives for someone like me? I recognize there are FAQs out there, but I feel like my personalized learning style isn't something those can address very well. I can't just watch someone coding and learn; I thrive on getting explanations and then doing the coding as part of my learning. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
5 Answers
C# is much more common in game development than Python, though Python is easier for beginners. If you're under 16, maybe start with Python, but if you're older, C# might be the way to go. Learning Lua would definitely help you with Roblox game development later on, but make sure it aligns with your gaming goals.
This is one of the best pieces of advice! C# has a lot of applications beyond just games, and Python is also great for beginners, thanks to its vast resources. In the end, go with what interests you the most, as the second language will be much easier once you master the first.
Before starting, it’s crucial to learn how to learn. A big part of programming is figuring things out through API documentation, online forums, and breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable tasks. Take a simple task like getting ready for the day: consider all the steps involved—and do this all before you dive into full coding, so you don’t get overwhelmed.
I get the importance of breaking down tasks, but going through APIs without prior knowledge sounds tough. I learn better with guided hands-on detail.
If you're not super comfortable with coding yet, starting with Scratch can be a good idea. It's user-friendly with lots of templates for simple games, and once you’re familiar with it, you can easily transition to Python or even Godot. It might boost your confidence as you move into more complex coding languages.
I did do Scratch a while back! Do you think I should focus more on Python instead of C#?
If you're leaning towards Python, I highly recommend checking out the MOOC 'Python Programming 2025' from the University of Helsinki. It's designed to make you engage with the material and actively write code instead of just watching. Plus, once you’ve gotten your basics down, transitioning to the Godot game engine, which uses GDScript (similar to Python), can be very smooth. But, remember, you might want to establish some general programming skills first before diving straight into game development.
Is that Python course free?
Thank you! Also, I wasn’t planning on only focusing on game development right away; I want to learn programming fundamentals first.
If your main goal is to create games, you should check out Unity tutorials! They have a section called 'Unity Essentials' that is perfect for beginners. Learning C# would probably be more beneficial for game development than Python or Lua, as C# is widely used in the industry.
I want to learn LUA mainly for Roblox game development, so I'm looking for a path that helps me get there faster as I gain coding experience.