Re: [Enigma-devel] Programming

[Tom Davies]

> > I am planning on learning an additional programming language. I already
> > know BASIC to a reasonable degree, and Visual Basic basics. What
> > programming language would be a good idea to learn, in order to help out
> > more with enigma?
> >   
> The application itself is written in C++, which is quite
> difficult to learn, but worthwile. However, if you're working
> on Windows, it might be difficult for you to compile the
> application, compared to Linux. There's always need for
> simple things to be done in C++.
In fact I only use Linux (Ubuntu 7.10). Is compiling easier in Linux?
> As the levels are written in XML/Lua, I think it would be
> reasonable for you to get a deaper understanding of XML
> and Lua. With these, you could test the new API in "real-
> world" levels. Actually, we could use someone to write a
> bunch of simple Lua-routines for the new API, like
> draw_rectangle and such things. Well, Lua is not that
> important as C++, and you'd probably not learn as much,
> but faster.
Lua seems like a good idea, as I don't have an awful lot of time, I am in full time secondary education.
> Besides programming languages, you can have a look at
> Texinfo, the format of our manuals, or get a deeper
> understanding of Wiki, to support our EnigmaWiki, which
> will have to be overhauled for the 1.10 release.
Is there anything different in how Texinfo works, as in is it a true programming language?
> My suggestion is: Take a look at the source code of the
> application. Most simple are those parts, where the game
> objects are defined. Documentation of C++ is all over the
> internet. Try to get a grasp of how C++ looks and thinks,
> and then, after a week of impressions, decide whether
> you're willing to take this step. (Next lesson would then be:
> How to compile an application ...)
I might try to learn C++, maybe. I'll probably have a go at using a tutorial from the internet.

Thanks,
Tom