Hey guys! I'm 16 and about to start college for computer science. I'm really excited about coding, especially in game development. I've just scratched the surface with C++ basics like if statements and such. My dream is to create a 3D game completely from the ground up, without any game engines, and I'd love to build a strong portfolio to jumpstart a tech career. However, I'm feeling overwhelmed by the endless tutorials on YouTube. I want to focus on learning C++ specifically for game development, but I'm unsure about the best resources to guide my learning journey. Any tips or experiences on where to start? I'd appreciate recommendations for YouTube channels, books, websites, or any other advice! Thanks!
2 Answers
If you're new to programming, you might find it helpful to get a grasp of some foundational concepts before diving deep into C++. Consider exploring freeCodeCamp or engaging in some C++ focused GitHub projects to build your skills. Once you're comfortable, you could check out 'Beginning C++ Through Game Programming' by Michael Dawson, which can make learning more relevant to game dev!
It's great that you're focusing on C++. It's a solid language for game development! While it can be tough for beginners, it's certainly possible to learn it at your level. If you're set on starting with C++, I recommend following a structured online course that breaks it down bit by bit. Websites like Codecademy or free resources like LearnCpp can really help. Once you grasp the basics, look up game-specific tutorials on YouTube too. It might help to see how C++ is applied directly in game dev!
I second the recommendation for LearnCpp! It gives you a hands-on approach which is perfect for starting out. Plus, for game dev, try checking out the Unreal Engine documentation. It’s C++ focused and can help you see how everything comes together in games.
I've heard good things about that book! It’s a nice way to combine learning C++ with practical game development examples. Also, make sure to practice regularly – the more you code, the more natural it’ll feel!