Virtually everyone has heard about programming languages at least once in their life, with the obvious exception of people who have never touched a computer. So what is this thing called programming language? It is essentially an established set of rules that allows you to use an easy-to-understand language to speak directly to the machine, your computer.
If you are familiar with natural languages like English or Polish, programming language might seem alien to you at first sight, but after taking even one course on the basics of markup languages, you will notice that it is nothing more than a simplified way of using English syntax grammar rules.
CodinGame
CodinGame is a set of games, puzzles, and challenges that helps beginner, intermediate, and even professional programmers sharpen their skills in the most engaging way and get acknowledged by the community.
Programming languages available: More than ten
Pros:
- Different types of tasks and problems solved
- Possible to play with your friends
- A great supportive community with experienced advisors
- Used by companies to find, screen, and recruit developers
Cons:
- Doesn’t teach a solid skill
- Not for beginners (at least basic knowledge is required)
Pricing: Free
Robocode
Robocode presents a simple interface that helps you create your own online robot tanks and participate in battles in real-time with other players.
Programming languages available: Mainly Java, but other languages are also available (e.g., Kotlin, .Net, Scala).
Pros:
- An addictive and relaxing way to learn to program and sharpen your skills
- Possible to play with your friends
Cons:
- Quite simple (only tank fights are available)
- Doesn’t teach you a solid skill
Pricing: Free
CodeWars
CodeWars helps you learn to the level of a seasoned programmer starting from zero. You can improve your skills and reach higher levels. The game emulates the Japanese martial art called Kata, where you will program in the code to convert a particular input into the desired output. The best part about CodeWars is that it rewards your solutions based on their optimization level, as each task could have more than one possible solution. The higher the difficulty level, the higher your rank grows.
Programming languages available: 29 main and 26 additional programming languages are available
Pros:
- It adapts to your level and desired programming language
- Engaging challenges and ranking system
- Ability to share your solution to others and compare to improve your skills
- Used by companies to hire developers
Cons:
- Doesn’t teach a solid skill
- Not for beginners (needs at least basic skills)
Pricing: Free
Cyber Dojo
Cyber Dojo is similar to a real-life dojo where you keep practicing and refining your skills. This web-based application allows programmers and development teams to deliberate the practice involved in coding and achieve a high skill level and mastery over your coding skills.
Programming languages available: More than 35 programming languages are available
Pros:
- A very simple interface
- Supports a great number of programming languages
Cons:
- Doesn’t teach a solid skill
- Not for beginners (needs at least basic skills)
- A limited amount of tasks
Pricing: Free (donation available)
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The gaming industry has been fast growing in India, as well as globally. According to Statista, the online gaming industry in the country was valued at Rs 76 billion last year and is expected to reach over Rs 155 billion by 2023. And behind every flashy and well-animated video game is a set of codes making the experience seamless for its users. Game developers use programming languages to create a game’s settings and mechanics.
The choice of programming language depends on factors including the game type– console, computer game or mobile game; and the extent of interactivity. Here’s a list of top eight programming languages for game development:
C++
Despite its high entry barrier, C++ is one of the most popular and commonly used programming languages for game designers. It offers a high abstraction level for both fine object-oriented programming and generic programming, providing direct control over hardware and graphical processes.
Additionally, C++ allows the optimisation of special parts to a very high level– a feature almost impossible to achieve with other languages.
C++ is used to build most big console and Windows games. Apart from that, popular games built using C++ include Counter-Strike, Football Pro, Starcraft, Master of Orion III.
Java
Given Java’s versatility and rich collection of open-source material, it is popularly used for the development of indie and mobile games. It is easy-to-use, is beginner friendly and can write a range of reusable system-agnostic code. When compared with C++, Java offers easy writing, debugging, learning and compiling.
Games including the likes of Mission Impossible III, Minecraft, FIFA 11, and Ferrari GT 3: WOrld Track, have all been created using Java.
HTML5
HTML5 is one of the top choices by game developers to build cross-platform and cross-browser apps and games. Further, it can be interchangeably used with JavaScript.
HTML5 is widely preferred for game development for its ultimate gaming engines. Game Frameworks including Construct 2, ImpactJS, Phaser, Turbulenz and Booty5 have taken the responsibility of the HTML5 Game Development process.
Some popular games built with HTML5 include Cookie Clicker, Gods Will Be Watching, World Cup Penalty 2018.
JavaScript
JavaScript is one of the best programming languages for interactive online games. It integrates with web technologies including CSS and HTML, allowing the development of cross-platform mobile games.
JavaScript is often used along with HTML5 since the latter cannot create animation or interactivity. Additionally, contributing to its popularity is JavaScript’s humongous online community and large number of frameworks.
Some popular games made with JavaScript include Hangman, HexGI, Little Alchemy, Swoop and Polycraft.
Which Software Is Used for PHP Programming
PHPStorm
With the nature of being lightweight, extremely fast and smooth, PHPStorm is the most standard choice to other PHP development tools. This PHP IDE works well with PHP frameworks like Zend Framework, Symfony, Yii, Laravel, CakePHP and with popular Content Management Systems (CMS) like Drupal, Magento, and WordPress. This IDE provides live editing support for major front-end technologies like CSS, HTML5, JavaScript, etc. while supporting for code refactoring, unit testing and debugging. Besides, it also empowers developers to integrate with databases, version control systems, remote deployment, composer, command line tools, rest client and many other tools.
PHPStorm Features:
- Code completion
- Code re-arranger
- Zero Configuration Debugging
- Native ZenCoding support
- Supports extension with plenty of useful plugins like VimEditor
PHPStorm Specialties:
- Languages supported: PHP, JavaScript, Visual Basic, C, C++, and C#
- Platforms supported: Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X
- Visit: PHPStorm
Lua
Lua is a light weight, high level and multi-platform programming language that is easy to run, making it fun and efficient to be used for video game development. It can be designed to embed into many applications, making it convenient for developers and players to alter the game.
Game engines including the likes of Gideros mobile, Corona SDK, and CryEngine, use Lua as its primary programming language.
Some popular games developed using Lua are Age of Conan, American Girl, Angry Birds, and Aquaria.
C#
Despite considered easier than C++, C# is a powerful language. Its XNA framework makes it perfect for building games on Windows and Xbox. Additionally, C#’s game engine Unity3D and Xamarin enables developers to build games on all platforms including iOS, Android, PlayStation and Windows.
C# is as popular in the gaming industry due to its efficiency and scalability.
Popular games developed using C# include Pokemon Go and Super Mario Run.
Zend Studio
Most web developers opt for Zend Studio because of its optimal speed. Writing and debugging code in Zend Studio doesn’t demand any extra effort and time from developers. While supporting PHP 7, it debugs PHP scripts by integrating X-ray, Xdebug, and Zend Debugger. This comprehensive PHP IDE comes with an exciting set of features and powered to deploy applications on various servers including servers in the cloud. Developers can extend Zend Studio via Eclipse plugins.
Zend Studio Features:
- Indexing & searching PHP Code
- Faster Performance in the validation
- Zend Framework & Zend_Tool Integration
- Docker Support
- Support for Eclipse Plugin
Zend Studio Specialties:
- Languages supported: PHP, JavaScript, Visual Basic, C, C++, and C#
- Platforms supported: Microsoft Windows, Linux, and MacOS
- Visit: Zend Studio
Conclusion
Trying to decide on a programming language for your new game can be a daunting task. There are a lot of good languages out there, but which one is the best. And even if you decide on a language you should know what other tools and frameworks to add in the mix to make the development go smooth.