What programming language does this game use?

[Zeriel00]

Hello, I never programmed before but I know the basics of conditional statements, variables, functions etc. I want to eventually learn serious programming languages like C++ but it's really difficult for me to start from Zero so I've been looking for a programming game.

Is this game accurate when it comes to programming logic? Does it resemble any currently existing language? or is this not relevant at all? I'm just looking for an easier place to start.

Thanks

[L4z3r]

I believe it represents assembly languages. These operate at the layer below high level languages such as Java and often are used for direct hardware control.

[Zeriel00]

Originally posted by dbasile:

I believe it represents assembly languages. These operate at the layer below high level languages such as Java and often are used for direct hardware control.

Assembly languages? Aren't those the ones that look like letters and zeroes? How is anyone supposed to learn that? C++ would be a cake walk if I could do that :(

[Ragdollintothewall]

languages like c++ and python exist people can program in in something more like human language than something that resembles how the machine flips its logic gates

[Zeriel00]

Originally posted by RhinoceritisDDS:

languages like c++ and python exist people can program in in something more like human language than something that resembles how the machine flips its logic gates

Um I know that? that's not what I was asking, I guess I'll just pick up a book...

[Ragdollintothewall]

Programming languages have many more data types than just texts and numbers, lots of ways to compare data, such as whether something matches exactly, or is just in a set elements and various other way. There are IDE (integrated development environments) that make coding a lot more user friendly than you might expect since it will figure out where errors are made instead of your exa just crashing out and disappearing. So yes, exapunks does kind of resemble a programming language if you remove 90% of the real functionality and did all of it in notepad. Pick whatever language you want, but I found python really powerful and easy to understand. I used the Python Crash Course that I got in a humble bundle. One good thing about coding is that for just about task you can imagine, someone has already done the work for you, and you can adapt it for your purposes.

[セイブレム]

Zeriel00:
The language behind this game isn't real but it looks much like an assembly language. While C++ may be considered a low-level programming language, this one lies a level lower. It's not quite useful nowadays but may be an interesting experience for one who would like to understand how it really works. After all - almost any code ends up like this.
If you are looking for something, to begin with in real life programming - there are many options, yet I would like to suggest Java. It's Object Oriented Programming language, it's almost a low-level like C++ but "with unnecessary hard parts removed". Learning of this language will bring you an idea in which direction you should proceed. If you'll decide to take a look at this language, "Thinking in Java" may appear to be a useful book.

[Zeriel00]

Originally posted by Saivrem:

Zeriel00:
The language behind this game isn't real but it looks much like an assembly language. While C++ may be considered a low-level programming language, this one lies a level lower. It's not quite useful nowadays but may be an interesting experience for one who would like to understand how it really works. After all - almost any code ends up like this.
If you are looking for something, to begin with in real life programming - there are many options, yet I would like to suggest Java. It's Object Oriented Programming language, it's almost a low-level like C++ but "with unnecessary hard parts removed". Learning of this language will bring you an idea in which direction you should proceed. If you'll decide to take a look at this language, "Thinking in Java" may appear to be a useful book.

Thanks a lot for the advice I'll look into it! I was also considering Python since a lot of people say it's really easy to learn and I could use it with Maya or C# because it's related to C and used by Unity. I haven't considered Java since I don't know what it's used for mainly but I think I can get a PDF version of that book. Thanks

[Apollo11]

Reading through the advice you were given, I think I can actually address what you want to know:

1) Does ExaPunks teach programming?
Yes, and I think it is a fun tool to learn programming. But it is a bit hardcore, since it's trying to look like a assembly. You don't even have memory to store variables and have to puzzle with registers from the beginning.

2) Can you learn a real language directly from ExaPunks?
No, but what you pick up from it would directly apply to learning to program a PLC or a high-level language like C++.

3) Should you JUST go get a book? (Like us old dogs used to do in decades past)
Heck no! Programming books are a fine way to learn, but there are more interesting ways now and you should take advantage!
ExaPunks isn't the only programming "game" in town.

If you want to learn a language that you can put directly into practice, I would recommend the website https://codecombat.com/
You can choose a variety of scripting languages like JavaScript and Python etc to learn through its puzzles. You program you fighter to navigate a room, and fight monsters, etc. All of the tasks for the early levels are things that teach you to solve problems within the limits of the parts of the language that the game has already taught you.
No using a while() loop or the move(x,y) function until you've leveled up to unlock it.

It's actually a really great way to work on a new language you're trying to pick up.
The only caveat is that it is Freemium. When I last played it in 2015, I realized at some point I would reach a level where it could not proceed further without paying some money. I know they have changed a lot since then, but I'm not sure if that aspect is still in place.

There are also smartphone apps like Mimo, Grasshopper, Programming Hub and Dcoder.
All of these will teach you a living programming language of your choice.

Now, on Steam (and GOG.com) there are plenty of other programming games that you might like. Most of the ones by Zachtronics are of the assembler-puzzler variety.

Human Resource Machine is also very good and easy to pick up.

Finally, if you want to just get down to the hardware, you can pick up an Arduino and a kit of stuff to play with it. Print out a PDF and try out some of the examples. You can use an Arduino to interact with buttons, lights, motors, and sensors way easier than trying to do that with only a PC or phone.

All of these are WAY more fun ways to get started than messing around with an IDE and a dry textbook.

Hope this addressed what you were wondering about, Zeriel00.

BTW, your 3D modeling is really impressive!

[sr3323]

Like all other programming games by Zachtronics, It uses a simplified form of assembly

[strask]

Hey, it's a month-old necro and the OP has been answered very completely. I apologize if anyone is offended by this breach of protocol.

I just noticed though, this suggestion:

Originally posted by Saivrem:

If you are looking for something, to begin with in real life programming - there are many options, yet I would like to suggest Java. It's Object Oriented Programming language, it's almost a low-level like C++ but "with unnecessary hard parts removed". Learning of this language will bring you an idea in which direction you should proceed. If you'll decide to take a look at this language, "Thinking in Java" may appear to be a useful book.

I agree absolutely about java being a good learning language. But Thinking in Java (in its first edition, probably 15 years ago) was a terrible book for me. Put me off of learning the language for months. So I just wanted to post an alternate suggestion about java books:

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Kathy_Sierra_Head_First_Java?id=KXQrAQAAQBAJ&hl=en

This is a great introduction to Java and indeed object-oriented programming in general.

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Eric_Freeman_Head_First_Design_Patterns?id=NXIrAQAAQBAJ&hl=en

This helps you recognize situations that come up frequently in software projects, and shows you the time-tested best ways to deal with them. It uses Java for all the examples.

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Brett_McLaughlin_Head_First_Object_Oriented_Analys?id=vWI5Jx5VRgEC&hl=en

This helps you understand how to plan and organize your software to make it as easy as possible to grow and change it over time. It uses Java for all the examples.

I would suggest working through the three books in that order, in parallel with attempting to develop some project of your own. Good luck!

[Zeriel00]

Thanks for all the replies they helped me a lot :) I'll take into account the books you mentioned, I also started to pick up an open source engine called Godot, if you haven't heard of it, Its a project similar to Blender, a free, Open source game engine to compete with Unreal and Unity. It has a language called Gdscrypt thats based on Python and its easy to learn but its also compatible with a bunch of other languages like C# and it even has node based programming like Blue prints. I hope more people check it out because they're getting better every day but they need more community support and people who are good at programming.

Thanks again for the replies :D