programming for games?

[darkoptix]

Hey, I want to start to learn programming,so I could eventually get into programming for a simple game that I would to create thats been on my mind for a month or so. To start I have to learn about a programming language, and I need your help to decide on which to use(C++, perl, java, python,etc...).
Which would suit the needs better in the end, and is a nice language to learn?

Thanks.

[DJ_Max]

Python is a good language to start off with. Whatever language you chose, try to use SDL, if you chose Python try to make use of http://www.pygame.org/ && http://www.libsdl.org/ One game off the top of my head that uses SDL is Wesnoth. (http://www.wesnoth.org)

Since I know the basis of Python, I'll be getting into Python game programming w/ PyGame. :razz:

[odrop]

I'll have to second DJ_Max's suggestion to start out with Python. It's a great language for beginners to learn, and pygame (the little I've played with it in the past) is pretty nice.

If you don't like python to much, I'd try learning C/C++, and get very familiar with either language before game programming. Another word of advice is to start off small with your hopes for a game, maybe buddy up with a friend or two to try getting something reasonable done, its more work than it appears.

If you decide to go with C++, give CrystalSpace (http://crystal.sourceforge.net/) a try. Though a word of warning, it'll be kind of difficult to get into (high learning curve).

[poster_nutbag]

I have to agree here - Python + Pygame is a fantastic combination. No need to compile, automatically cross-platform, games automatically come with scripting abilities, and a game lib that extends upon the success of SDL.
As a simple example of what can be done with this combo, you can take a look at the screenshots of my game here (http://sourceforge.net/project/screenshots.php?group_id=134140)

[DJ_Max]

Can't believe I forgot about this, but take a look at Ogre. http://www.ogre3d.org/
They have an Python SDK.