C++ or C# that is the question

C++ or C# that is the question

• Jiaquan Ma

  This is a very open-ended question...

  First off, the tools, I'd highly recommend Visual Studio 2005. I can't really comment on the C# side of things, but I've long been a fan of the Visual C++ tools. You can get "Express Editions" of both for free from here.

  You say you want to get started in games programming... what is your eventual aim Do you want to make a career as a games developer make some money through indie-level projects or just pick it up as a hobby and have some fun

  I started games back with Visual Basic 6 - I preferred it over C++ at the time because, being high-level, it allowed me to focus on the game and corresponding game-related coding rather than spending all my time working on low-level architecture/technology stuff. With that in mind, going with .Net/C#/MDX might well be a good choice - you can get straight to the fun parts of game development.

  However, pretty much all professionals will be using native/C++ for games. Lots and lots of resources are available for gaming (+related technologies) via C++.

  I suppose it's down to personal preference really - have a look into both and decide which one suits you better.

  Cheers,
  Jack

  
  
  

• Chubbly Geezer

  I think C++ is much more effecient than C# in complex computing application.

  So be a professional game developer, the C++ might be the best choise, but as the one in the first floor said, the .net platform let you put your attention more on the design/architecture level, so you don't need rebuild a wheel, that makes you can easily test your idea with C#.

  
  
  

• Wislars

  I'd have to agree with Jack on this one. C# is a easy language to get right into the fun parts of game development with DirectX. It takes minimal amounts of lines to get the environment up and running and off you go.
  
  
  
• C++ or C# that is the question