ATTN Game Maker Users, DITCH GAME MAKER

Here's my Game Programming Story. I started out Game Programming in Game Maker's D&D in December 2007. By January 2008, I had switched completely to GML. Around June 2008 I switched to 50% C++, 50% GML. By August 2008, I switched COMPLETELY to C++, and found it pretty easy. That's right, from D&D to C++ in UNDER A YEAR. If you are a Game Maker user and use GML, try making the switch to C++. First go through the tutorial on cplusplus.com, then start using the Lazyfoo Tutorials to learn how to use SDL. If you get stuck somewhere, post here and I'll try to help you!

C++ Websites:
http://www.cplusplus.com/
http://www.lazyfoo.net/

If you find anymore good websites that help with C++, or need help, post here and I'll try to help!

holy **** I'm trying bro, but it's haaard. (I WON'T GIVE UP. I'LL LEARN C++ IF IT KILLS ME.)

Not everyone advances as quickly as you do.

It took me a couple years to get the hang of GML.

Not that making the transition to C++ is a bad thing, but, for me, it's just a hobby and GML is great for my limited scope of programming knowledge.

Good. Someone's trying. C++ is pretty hard when you get started, but it'll become easier. It also helps to start around Middle School, as, according to my Math teacher, that's when your brain is "reprogrammed", so it is easier to learn in that stage. Keep in mind, my Math teacher Majored in Science, so she knows what she's talking about.

I know C++ pretty well right now, although I have 0 knowledge of OpenGL or Windows programming, despite the fact that I want a good tutorial.

The problem is, people who try and explain these things try to explain them in the simplest manner, while it's far too simple for me to understand. I just want a big, complex tutorial that says "C++ does x because of y and z does this because x wants it to."

True, I do advance in this stuff rather quickly... it kinda scares my family how quickly I learn.

A couple years? That's understandable, everyone learns at a different speed.

Yeah, GML is great for people who do Programming as a Hobby, but those who want to go into the Programming Industry better make the switch ASAP.

does it count that i'm making a couple of mmf2 extensions now

seeing as those are in C++

Meh, I find OpenGL and Windows Programming rather hard. That's why I ignore that part and use SDL instead.

So you have trouble understanding if it's too simple? I could make a complex tutorial of SDL for you based on what I know, if you want.

That counts, as you are writing C++ code. Writing Extensions for MMF2 is a great way to jump into C++ Programming.

not that i'm going any further than this unless i decide to port mpuz to sdl

which there's a 99% it wouldn't happen until after i finish the mmf2 version

I have attempted countless times, but the lack of 'good' tutorials is a part of what restricts me.
Most assume I'm a Windows/Linux user.

Maybe one day I'll sit down and read everything necessary. From a book. Intended for me.
Then expect seeing more ROM hacking tools
Open Source and Cross-platform too

i dont want to program but i want to do something game design related

because programming is tedious and requires lots of patience

I'm at the stage where I use GML to get a framework down and try to use C++ when I can to learn and whatnot.

So I'm well on the way to what your result is.

I'm having a C++ course next semester. Then I will start game making in C++.
I agree with you that C++ is probably a better choice if one takes programming seriously, however I dislike your attitude which basically says "If you don't use C++ you suck compared to myself."

You fail, because you can't HANDLE Game Maker
I'm using Game Maker Lite and am not planning to ditch it. Eventhough it's limited, especially when not upgraded to Pro, it's a very good program.

Eh I plan to at some point, and in fact it will be necessary if I wish to further my career.

...Later.

I'm making games for fun this time, so not now.

In the future perhaps, as the school and other things are already lots to handle.

I'll stick with Game Maker for now, sorry.

My main trouble is Window Manipulation. I would love to fully jump to C++, without growing frustrated and going back to GML, creating a multi-week cycle of advancing nowhere.

But looking at that Lazy Foo site has seemed to started the cycle again. :P I just need a couple free days to go through it.

If others like this idea, I wouldn't mind having a "Code Troubleshooting" topic in the FanGame forums. (Though there might be problems with anti-format spamming...)

I plan to at least create a full game in Game Maker first. I'm hoping that takes under a year, assuming I procrastinate very little.

tbh I'd rather have people stay with Game Maker as it seems to deliver many more games than C++ has done (= 0).