Which script language to learn?

Questions & Answers
1

I would like to start learning one of the scripting languages supported by unity. Is there one that would be better, for someone who has never programed before, than another?

3

If you have very little programming experience, I would recommend JavaScript because it is easier to learn than C#, and there are more people who use it (read: who can help you) than there are people who use Boo

JavaScript: easy, fast to learn and type, less typing than the other languages. Trys to do things automaticly behind the scenes to make things easier. Everything is simple and straight forward. Pick up this if you want to get something working as quickly as possible. Generally preferred by new programmers and exceptionaly lazy programmers (like me :D).

var pos = Vector3(1,2,3);

quick and easy.

C#: moderate-hard, takes a little bit (but not a lot) more time to learn, a great deal more typing involved. Does almost nothing automatically behind the scenes - you have to do that stuff by hand. There are some complex topics you have to worry about, but you get a bunch of bells and whistles that you would not be able to use otherwise. Pick up this if you want to control EVERYTHING precisely. Generally preferred by experienced programmers.

Vector3 pos = new Vector3(1,2,3);

Slightly slower to type, but you know and control exactly what is going on in the computer.

Boo: Very similar to JS, but with one key advantage: It’s even easier than JS; and one Key disadvantage: few people use it, so it will be hard to find someone who can help you.

pos = Vector3(1,2,3)

Though once you start a project in one language, stick with it. I have had more problems with C# and JS not talking to each other than I have had with actually coding

4

Based on the fact that C# alone has Intellisense support in MONODevelop and Visual Studio, that is reason enough for me right there to choose C#.

The Intellisense will also make it easier for people learning what options/properties are available on certain objects.

2

I’m just starting out also but I’d recommend learning Javascript (or Unityscript) over C# and Boo. It’s easier to use for a beginner and there’s much more documentation. All 3 scripting languages run equally as fast. I’ve heard a few things about how one scripting language is better than another at certain things but I’m not experienced enough to tell you what those things are. If you want to transition to another scripting language later on, you just need to learn the different syntax, the libraries are all the same for each.

5

Thank you all for your input. I’m still uncertain which one I will learn. I was surprised to hear that the Java script for unity is different then that for web. I was about to go with JS since I have a few friends who are web developers and could help me out.

C# has some training on 3DBuzz which look good. Has anyone followed any of those videos and know if they are any good?

Boo has some interest but only because I model in Blender and it is all python so there would be some overlap.

I’ll do some more digging tonight and hopefully pick one. If anyone has a good website to look at I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks again for all of the input.

Riptyde.