I'm looking to dive into systems programming and would love to get some feedback on my plan. Here's a bit about my background: I've been programming as a hobby for about 15 years, mainly in C# and Python. I've created a few simple games using Godot and run a static website with an email form. I've dabbled in C++ but don't have much practice with it. I'm not afraid of pointers, so that's something. My goal is to create a graphical clone of Missile Command on a headless Linux system, only using system calls, the C library, and maybe some GPU programming like OpenGL or Vulkan—without needing an actual display server. My plan includes: 1) Learning C through "Modern C" by Jens Gustedt, 2) Studying Linux programming with "System Programming in Linux" by Stewart Weiss, and 3) Building the Missile Command clone. I have a few questions: 1) Does this goal seem realistic for someone without a CS degree and with minimal math skills? 2) Is this a solid plan to reach my goal? 3) What suggestions or changes would you recommend?
3 Answers
I think you're mixing concepts a bit. You want a graphical game but you're aiming for a headless setup, which means no display server. You'll still need some way to output graphics, like a framebuffer, unless you're controlling it remotely. That being said, if this is a challenge you're excited about, go for it! Just know that your direction might shift as you learn more.
Right, he wants visuals in the game, but the server's headless. There’s a way to make it work, just be ready to learn a lot about rendering!
Honestly, building a full-fledged game like this might not be the best way to learn systems programming. First, I’d recommend getting a solid understanding of Linux system programming basics. Once you grasp those, then consider how you want to approach your game. If you want to take the gaming route, break it down—maybe start simple with a terminal version where you can get your hands dirty with non-blocking I/O and event loops before jumping into graphics programming. There’s a lot to unpack with that GPU stuff, which might not suit your current focus on C and system calls.
Your plan looks solid! Focusing on C and learning Linux system calls should set a good foundation. Just be prepared to tackle math and trig along the way—essential for the game mechanics! It might get tricky, but stay persistent.
Exactly! Just to clarify, 'headless' usually means no display server is installed. But Linux can still manage graphics through other means like framebuffers. It’ll be interesting to see how you navigate that!