Hey all, this isn't me advertising a game or anything like that, I simply would like to know some good and user friendly languages that would work out for an RTS game and preferably a guide or something in that nature to help me learn the language a bit. All help and suggestions are appreciated thanks =)

Cradily is love : I hope you don't mean a guide to make an RTS. You won't learn anything from that. But anyways, I would recommend C# for a first programming language. Even if it's not your first time learning a language, it is always good to know C# since it's used so often. If you want any help learning PM me and I'll see if I can help.

jack3604 : No, although I may need a couple "reference codes" to get a basic idea, most of the coding will be original, I don't want any tutorials on how to make one, but tutorials on learning the language. I know GML, but that's hardly much of a language since only 2 programs use it (both owned by yo-yo games)But that was about 6 years ago, but I'll look into C, thanks.

Well judging by most of the source code I've seen from games like Crusader Kings II and Europa Universalis it seems as though all of their engines were made in C++. It is generally the most common language you will encounter in the game development field along with C#. It's 2 languages you should definitely know if you want to go into game development.

Although after becoming adept at one language learning other becomes much easier. It's mostly to do with basic syntax and such.

Depending what you have in mind you may want to find a game engine to use rather than building your whole engine from scratch. I have not used any myself but a quick google of RTS engine will find a bunch of result.

Also depending what your skill level is you should look into general programming before trying to jump into this head first. I'd also recommend C# as an easy language. Microsofts Visual Studio is now free to use. You could use it with XNA to learn basic game mechanics, or if you wanted to go back a stage you could use it to make console programs or even a program program. You could also then use this skills in Unity.

Blubcreator :
BigBob85 :
Thanks, I'll take both of your advice

RTS games can be very processing intensive, so you want a language that performs as fast as possible. For that reason, I second the suggestion to use C++ - it is even faster than C# in most cases even though C# is easier to learn. For learning, I recommend http://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/ and also Bjarne Stroustrup's page: http://www.stroustrup.com/ - he is the creator of C++ and one of its highest authorities. He even has learning resources (including books he's published) right on his page.

I would also add, expect if you're going to make an RTS you will probably need to learn either DirectX and Windows programming or you will need to get your hands on a 'library' (a compilation of re-usable code specifically made for certain tasks) that can handle the graphical stuff.

If you're not as interested in programming as making a game though, I recommend you wash your hands of trying to make games the hard way and learn to use a game making package like DarkBasic Pro or Game Maker Studio. Both are available for free.

A well written C# program can run twice (or more) as fast as a poorly written C++ program.

BigBob85 : Sure, and you can write well-written C code that works faster than poorly written assembly. We're not talking about code written by a pro here, we're talking about an apparently inexperienced programmer.

Lumian : All the more reason to point the inexperienced programmer in the direction of managed code to learn how to program before throwing them at C++ where not only do they have to learn to code but how to manage their memory allocations and be sure to release it when necessary all at the same time.

Its all about how easy it will be for the individual to learn, no how fast the code the learn on will go when they get great at it and stop making stupid mistakes.

BigBob85 : I suppose I see your point. I may be somewhat biased because I actually got my start with C++. I am also generally a proponent of doing things the hard way in order to learn. But you have a point, C++ has the potential to be a major mess for a newbie.