A few years back, I graduated with a degree in Software Design, but honestly, I still feel like I don't know much at all. I want to learn various skills, especially about creating my own 3D modeling software, and eventually building a video game from scratch. I feel like I need to understand the basics better, something my degree didn't really provide. I'm a bit lost on where to start and which programming language to learn first, so I thought I'd reach out for some guidance here!
5 Answers
You could consider starting with game development frameworks like Unity or Unreal Engine. They come with a lot of built-in functionalities for things like rendering, lighting, and viewports, which will make it easier to get started.
C++ along with OpenGL is a solid choice for game and graphics programming. SDL can be helpful too, especially if you’re just starting out with graphics. You could really enjoy your journey into coding!
Check out Scratchapixel for great tutorials on computer graphics. It could help demystify a lot of things for you.
If you're keen on a hands-on approach, find an OpenGL tutorial and start creating simple projects that involve drawing basic shapes. It will give you a taste of graphic programming! Also, brushing up on subjects like trigonometry and linear algebra will be crucial for understanding the math behind graphics. Becoming proficient in a 3D modeling tool, like Blender, might also be beneficial. Maybe even try making a small plugin for it to get familiar with 3D programming!
Jumping from having no experience to wanting to build complex software might be a leap! I recommend starting by looking into OpenGL to get a grasp of how computer graphics work before diving into building your own modeler and game.
I only mentioned that as my end goal. Right now, I just want to learn the basics.
SDL sounds really interesting! I’ll check that out, thanks!