Re: [Enigma-devel] Programming

[Andreas Lochmann]

Hi,

Tom Davies schrieb:
> > > 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?
>   
I think so. Also I didn't try to compile with Windows, maybe
some IDE works well with our code base. I'd suggest you try
to download the trunk and compile it, if you haven't yet.
Here's how to do it:

Download trunk:
 http://www.nongnu.org/enigma/devel.html#app
Compile:
 http://www.nongnu.org/enigma/download.html#compilation

> > 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.
>   
Even for this, it's quite a good idea to download and
compile the trunk, as the api for levels changed.
Maybe you detect glitches or bugs in the new api or
in the emulation of the old api? Indeed, at this very
moment, any old level in trunk might be broken, and
we need to be informed about it before 1.1 ... :-/

> > 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?
>   
Texinfo is not a true programming language - at least
it's not a universal one. It's a language specific to one
use: As source code for manuals. It's possible to make
html and pdf from it.

By the way, maybe we should create some KDE help
file? Has anyone experiences with this?

> > 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.
>   
Yes, if you have any questions, just ask :-)

Best greets,
Andreas