What programming language is best for Android games? How about the best way to learn C++ programming language. In this article, we’ll find out some of the best programming language for android games and other various gaming platforms. Our gaming list includes the best language to learn for beginners as well as experienced coders.
These days, you probably find yourself playing the occasional game on your PC or mobile device. But if you’re a programmer and you’ve ever thought of making your own video games, then you’re going to need one of the best programming languages for game development. There are a lot of options out there for prospective game developers. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most popular options and what they have to offer you.
Scratch
When it comes to coding for kids, visual programming languages like Scratch offer a solid foundation of programming principles. Scratch is popular because instead of using hard coding, kids can learn through creating, dragging and dropping colourful command blocks.
Scratch allows kids to easily create games, come up with interactive stories, animate characters, build apps, add music, voice overs and even sound effects. Plus, kids can reference 2D games already in existence, such as Asteroids and Donkey Kong, which were all created using the Scratch program.
If you have a PC at home that runs Microsoft Windows or a MacOS, then you can install Scratch free of charge on your computer from the official website.
Scratch is a fantastic kid’s coding language tool, but it doesn’t take long to get to grips with. It’s one of the easiest programming languages for kids to learn.
Over time and you may find your child is ready to move on to a more challenging coding language that allows them to produce their own games, apps and web pages using text-based coding.
If you want to prepare your child for the digital future, then there is no better way than with a FunTech holiday course in Scratch coding.
Learn Scratch for Kids with FunTech
This Scratch summer coding course is perfect for younger kids who want to get a head-start in how to code games.
This course runs Monday-Friday (0900-1700) with the option to include a residential stay.
FunTech is Ofsted-registered and offers a number of computer coding courses in a safe and secure environment, that is seriously fun for kids.
Scratch Coding Summer Courses
This Scratch coding camp covers the key areas of branching and iteration plus variables and game logic. Tutors encourage kids, via engaging projects, to create fun, interactive and animated games as well as code their Ozobot to race, dance and even complete the FunTech maze!
By the end of the week’s computer coding classes your child will be a Scratch Coding expert!
- Age guide: 7 to 10 years old
- Days: Monday to Friday, 0900 to 1700 / Residential Sunday 1700 – Friday 1700
- Locations: Multiple London locations, Chester, Milton Keynes, Oxford and Reading.
Java
Java is a rich and versatile open-source programming language that is considered a beginner-friendly platform. The programming languages help the coders to write agnostic code and is easy to learn, debug, write, and compile, code. It is used to develop games like Ferrari GT, FIFA 11, Minecraft, etc.
C++
C++ is a language with a relatively high entry barrier (meaning it’s quite difficult to learn), but the reward is greater because it allows more direct control over the hardware and graphical processes (something very important in video game design).
It is an object-oriented language, meaning it uses internal structures to better organize code into reusable blocks (classes and objects).
It is by far the most commonly used language for writing game engines, and some engines (such as Unreal) only accept information written in C++.
If you only choose one language to learn, this would be it, because most other object-oriented languages stem from C++ (so picking them up will be easier).
Games made with C++
- Counter-Strike
- Doom III Engine
- King Quest
- Starcraft
- World of Warcraft
- Warcraft III
- Football Pro
- Master of Orion III
- Maplestory
- Invictus
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
The popular programming language JavaScript is used to write code and develop interactive online games since it is easier to integrate HTML and CSS. The cross-platform mobile app development language can help the developers to create animation or interactivity. Little Alchemy, HexGI. Hangman, etc. are developed using JavaScript programming languages.
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.
Python
Another recommendation as a kid’s coding language is Python. Python is believed to be named after the Monty Python series and is a scripting language that is considered one of the easiest to learn, as it requires limited lines of code in order to run.
Python was used to create some of our favourite social platforms including Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify, and is frequently used by companies including Google and Disney.
In addition to creating video games and web frameworks, Python is also used in more complex fields such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence!
This intuitive coding style uses text-based commands and is based on the English language – making it simpler for children to understand. It also comes with built-in help comments and a wealth of online resources, in which to assist kids when getting started. It is also easy to set up at home. All you need to do is download it from the official Python website.
Due to the user-friendly nature of Python, kids are able to write lines of code quicker than other popular programming languages such as Java, and can create their own games, animation, problem solving exercises, websites and robots. To find out more on the advantages of learning Python for kids, then read on here.
If you want your child to learn Python, we recommend a FunTech coding camp. This will give them the best introduction possible and set them on a path to creating amazing results whilst learning and still having fun.
Code Monkey
Code Monkey is geared towards kids and adolescents, but don’t let that stop you! I know, I know, it’s for kids, not for me. Wrong, friend: it’s for everyone.
It turns out its interface is super easy and goes through the rudimentary phases of coding and creating. It is geared towards students, so right off the bat, it is geared towards teaching.
Users of Code Monkey don’t need to have any prior experience in coding to begin—it’s all about clean slates and fresh starts. They include detailed plans and even video tutorials.
If there’s one thing I love more than gaming, it’s a good video tutorial. Through basic text-based coding, you can easily learn the basics and build a foundation for yourself. Plus, it’s free!
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.
Conclusion:
There are many programming languages available that you can use to start creating games. However, the question remains, “What is the best programming language for game development?”. With more than 700 programming languages, it can be hard to pick which languages are the best for developing your game.