I'm 13 and have been coding in GameMaker Studio 2 with GML for a couple of years. After taking a 7-month break, I want to get back into programming and learn a more robust language this summer. I'm unsure whether to go for C++ or C#. From what I've heard, C# might be easier because it has automatic memory management, while C++ requires more manual control, which sounds complex. I also noticed Unity appears to be more user-friendly compared to Unreal Engine. Any advice on which language I should start with?
6 Answers
It really depends on your future goals. C++ is versatile and widely used in many applications, especially in game development, while C# is more modern and has a huge ecosystem, especially with Unity for games. If you want to pursue game dev, C# is great, but there are also legitimate reasons to learn C++. Think about what projects you want to work on!
C++ is tough, but once you master it, you'll have a strong foundation.
Don't stress too much about your choice! Just pick one language, dedicate some time to it—like six months—and then if you feel like it, switch to the other one. You’re ahead of the game already learning at 13!
I recommend starting with C#. C++ can be quite complicated for beginners, and there's really no need to dive into such a complex language right off the bat. Start small by recreating a game you've already made in GML using Unity. This way, you can focus on learning the new language and environment without also having to think of a new game idea. Once you feel comfortable with C#, you can move on to developing new projects. Just get building something!
Before picking either, consider trying out Python. It's a fantastic language for beginners without the complexity of memory management that comes with C++. Once you're comfortable with programming concepts using Python, transitioning to C# or C++ could be easier. Focus on what excites you most!
If you're leaning towards game development, go with C#. Unity is user-friendly and you'll find plenty of resources to help you. C++ is powerful but has a steeper learning curve. You could even dabble in both later on if you feel up to it!
Thanks for this! I really want to make games, so C# seems like the better starting point.
Yeah, C# seems to open up more practical opportunities right now.
C# is a much better choice for you. Trust me, you don’t want to start with C++. It's more beneficial to learn a simpler language like C# or even Python first. There are lots of resources and a friendlier community for beginners, which will help you get up to speed quickly. Once you grasp the fundamentals of programming, you can always explore C++ later if you want.
That's a good point! I started with C too and found it difficult to grasp initially.
Same here, I also started with C before diving into more complex languages.
Exactly! I've found C# to be helpful for many types of projects.