Hello everyone, I will be starting school up this summer semester, pursuing a computer science degree. While I realize this is not completely needed for game development, I do not expect a career in game design. But I would like to work in the Computer Science industry. Keeping game development as a hobby, if it takes off that is fine by me :).
Starting out I have the option to take Java Programming, Programming Concepts(over arching class about types of programming), and C++ Programming. Do you guys recommend these, I would imagine that it will help with unity, although I will be using C# for unity. I know of course knowing these languages will help with a career in the computer science industry.
Any thoughts or comments?
recommend for what?
There’s multiple levels to the recommendation:
- Are these classes needed or required for the degree you’re getting
- Are these classes helpful to the career path of computer science/software engineer
- Are these classes helpful to game design (note - this is the focus you’ll get from this forum since it’s on a game design website)
- Where do you stand currently in your skill set
- If these courses are optional, what other courses stand beside them that could be better or not (for instance, you have to have some electives chosen out of a group, and these are the 3 you chose, what were the other options? These options may fair better or worse relative to that)
If you want an over all answer.
Yes, those are good classes.
Java - easy to learn, very useful out in the field, it prefers an architecture that is as close to 100% OOP as possible and doesn’t bleed in to other paradigms. So it’s good for learning OOP practices. (though that rigid conformity is one of the reasons some people don’t like Java)
C++ - everyone should just have some experience with this beast. The lack of hand holding, the insane learning curve, and all its nuts and bolts will make you love the existence of stuff like Java and C#… but also understand why C++ still exists despite it. I suggest also taking classes in things like assembly, even things like logic gates and the sort. Most schools of course will put you through this in required course material. Sure, they’re things you’ll never actually use in the real world, but are things you should understand about the system you’re developing.
Programming Concepts - this is intro level stuff, but very important. A computer science degree is NOT about learning a language… it’s about learning to progarm, create algorithms, and design systems. I’m a software engineer, I know 20+ languages off hand that I use regularly, the language isn’t what this schooling is about. But of course, some language will have to be used… hence why language courses exist.
- These programming classes are considered “elective”, on top of your General Education you must get 24 credit hours that are electives. I am choosing to take elective classes that will pertain to my major.
- These classes do seem they would be helpful, as you have stated being flexible and knowing how these languages work will be important in the field. My goal job would be programming simulations, or anything in the programming field. I am really into the upcoming VR technology coming out. I do realize I need to be realistic with my goals. If I can get a good paying job writing software for a company or something I will. I will also continue to work on game dev on the side if I cannot find a career in it.
- These classes do seem helpful to game design, I know c++ is sort of the unforgiving mother of scripting languages. I also know that Java is extremely similar to C#.
- My current skill set stands mostly in level, and environmental design. I know the basics of programming, I understand the syntax for C#, and can analyze code to understand how it works, and alter it.
- As of right now the classes are limited, I am going for an Associates in Arts first at this school, I will then have to transfer to a University for my Bachelors in Computer Science, where most of the learning for that field will take place. All I can do while earning my AA, is take as many programming, and other computer classes as possible as my electives on top of my gen ed, in order to transfer.
Thank you for your response, it is really helping me out.
If you don’t mind my asking, are you going to school in Florida? What school would you be attending?
Your location says Florida, I’m in Palm Beach County my self. I’m mostly asking for my own benefit, so if you don’t feel like saying, don’t bother.