I'm a complete newbie when it comes to coding and computers, but I'm really passionate about making video edits. Right now, I'm using CapCut on my phone, which is great for beginners, but I'd like to create something more advanced, similar to After Effects. Ideally, I want to build my own software from the ground up that's capable of editing and composing films. I know this is a big goal given my lack of experience, but I'm eager to learn. Where do I begin?
3 Answers
Honestly, you might want to use existing software instead of trying to build your own right now. Video editing software development is incredibly complex and takes years to master. Enjoy the editing process with the tools available; after you have some experience, you can think about developing your own solutions. That way, you’ll have a better understanding of what you really want and need in an editor!
If you want to dive into coding, I suggest starting with a beginner-friendly language like Python to get the hang of programming concepts. But for something like editing software, C or C++ might be better in the long run. Begin with small projects, like simple calculations or basic applications, then gradually work your way up. Also, familiarize yourself with libraries like ffmpeg for handling video data. It’s a long road ahead, but with commitment, you could make it!
Exactly! Take it step by step. Learning how to code is a huge first step before jumping to something complex like video editing software.
Starting a project like this is super ambitious! Building a full editing software like After Effects or CapCut is typically a job for a huge team of skilled developers and can take years. It's really important to set realistic expectations. As a beginner, I'd recommend focusing on mastering the editing tools available rather than jumping straight into building your own software. Once you have some experience under your belt, then think about learning to code. It’s a fun journey, but definitely requires patience!

Thanks for the advice! So, you're saying start small with projects and then build up my skills?