Hey everyone! I scored a 5 on my AP Computer Science A exam last year and really enjoyed my journey coding in Java. Now I'm looking to keep up my momentum and dive deeper into coding, but I'm feeling a bit lost on what my next steps should be. I know Java is popular for Android app development, but I don't have an Android phone, so I'm not sure how useful that would be for me.
I'm particularly interested in developing apps for homebrew devices, like my 3DS, and I'd love to try my hand at creating mods for the games I enjoy. I understand that the AP class didn't cover everything I need to know, and I'm eager to learn more but have no idea where to start. Should I stick with Java, or would it be better to switch to a different language like C++ which seems to have more applications for me? Any guidance or resources you could share would be incredibly helpful. Thanks!
5 Answers
I know you're interested in app development, but if you're not using Android daily, maybe it's not the right path for you. Instead, look into other areas like C++ if you think it'll suit your needs better. If you're unclear on making executables or apps, just search for 'how to create a Java .exe' and you’ll find resources to help convert your projects. Don't forget to explore GUI frameworks too!
Trying out some simple Java applications would be a great way to start. After that, exploring C++ could be the right path, especially for modding games. YouTube has tons of great tutorials that can help you get started. Just search for what you want to create, and you'll find guides to help you along the way!
Thanks for the tip! So, is it safe to say that most games are developed in C++?
Learning C++ is a fantastic next step, but if you're thinking about iPhone apps, I'd recommend picking up Swift instead. It all depends on what you want to focus on!
Consider getting an internship! That real-world experience can really boost your skills and help you find out what you enjoy doing the most.
You should definitely pick a personal project to work on! Since you already know some programming concepts, choose one of your interests to build. You could start with simple Java apps to strengthen your skills, then maybe move on to C++ if you’re looking at game mods. The skills you've learned with Java will help you pick up a new language quickly, so don't worry about that! Just dive into something you're excited about.
Cool! Thanks for the advice!
Unfortunately, AP Computer Science B doesn't exist, so that's not an option! I checked out Android development because of Java's popularity there but didn't realize Kotlin might be better. Thanks for the heads up!