I've loved video games since childhood and would eventually like to create my own. Programming feels overwhelming because there are so many languages, tools, and frameworks to choose from. I'm planning to study software engineering, and I already have some basic experience with Python and Luau from making Roblox games. Should I continue with Python, or would another language and learning path be better for building useful programming fundamentals and eventually making games?
5 Answers
For game development, Godot and GDScript could be a comfortable next step because GDScript has a Python-like syntax. A good progression would be a small Pong-style game, Snake, and then a simple 2D platformer. Keep each project limited enough to finish it. Focus on gameplay rather than spending weeks creating artwork—use simple or free assets if needed.
Start with a small project that genuinely interests you instead of trying to choose the perfect language first. Python is a perfectly good choice for learning fundamentals, and you could make something simple like tic-tac-toe. Follow a beginner tutorial, then change parts of the code and observe what happens. You don’t need to understand every concept immediately; unfamiliar pieces usually become clearer as you keep practicing.
Since you plan to study software engineering, it may be worth finding out which languages your future program teaches and getting lightly familiar with one of them. C can eventually be valuable for understanding memory, pointers, and how programs work underneath, but it isn’t necessary as your first language. For now, continuing with Python or making small Godot projects will give you more motivation and useful practice than jumping between several languages.
One practical method is to download a working example, run it, and then change one small piece of code at a time. Seeing exactly how each change affects the program is a great way to learn. You can also look for a fun beginner project, learn just enough of the language to follow it, and then expand it yourself. It’s fine if you occasionally choose the wrong language or skip a concept—making imperfect projects is part of the process.
Use free courses, documentation, and videos before paying for an expensive boot camp. A structured beginner Python course can help if you want stronger fundamentals, but make sure you’re writing code and building things rather than only watching lessons. AI can be useful for explaining errors, suggesting exercises, and organizing a study plan, but don’t let it write everything for you—try to solve problems yourself and ask it to explain any code you don’t understand.
That sounds useful. I’m mostly struggling with choosing resources because there are so many tutorials available. I’m also wondering whether using AI to help create a learning plan or act as a study mentor is a good idea.