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Hey guys.
I have done some programming back in high school, just visual basic.
Now in college, I have a programming subject which I have to pass in order to complete my degree.
From the high school class, I know I can't program, and I had no idea I'd have to do it at college.
This subject requires 5 projects, all games to be programmed in dark basic pro.
I passed the previous subject of introduction to programming, barely.
I just can not grasp the concepts, or learn anything.
I have spent hundreds of hours trying to learn, using examples, reading the textbook, and trying everything, yet still can't.
Is there anyone like me out there?
Any tips or advice?
I have failed this class once, and do not want to do it again.
I would like some constructive advice, not just getting flamed.
Cheers

I'm not like you... but wow what college are you going to? The ones in my area don't have any programming classes at all... let alone in Darkbasic.

Do you already know which types of games you have to make for the 5 projects or is it all up to you?

In my opinion you are lucky to be using DBPro for your projects and I can understand the frustration of not understanding the concepts of something. Here are some tutorials to help you get started on the basics.

Good luck

Do some tutorials as mentioned.

When you start your own project start really simple... I mean just moving a cube around and getting the camera to follow it or something.

You can always add to something simple and it's much easier than trying to take out the bits that don't work in something complex!

Don't think about all the projects you have to do either, just think about one project and build on it till it's done. Then start another.

Some Zen type guy once said "Even the longest journey begins with the first step."

You can go a long way just looking at each step as you take it.

If you need any practical help along the way there are lots of people who will point you in the right direction here on these forums!

Good luck!

I am somwehat in the same basket as you here, and yes as mentioned its friendly here on the forums, maybe follow my blog, I am finally beginning to write proper appluications one step at a time, I alsostarted using twitter yesterday and make the occasional programming post every few hours, like I recently cameacross my working app being broken... resolved that by simply installing the graphics drivers again and using default settings, things like this should not be overlooked either...

but yeah as mentioned before, whats the requirements?
And the uni tutor specifically said use DBPro? sounds odd to me...

also make sure your project doesnt have a small print saying that you may not take the project commercial, I have seen this once where a student made something during a uni competition but was not allowed to take it public... weird, I always pressumed what you made, was yours... so make sure if you accidently make something addictive, and the possibility is there, make sure you are free to do with it what you will.

so yeah tell us more and give us some timelines and specifications and what who where how why etc, all we got so far is you need help with 5 projects and we are non-the-wiser

Enlighten us

EDIT

Hello

Ola,
Enlighten you...

Well I failed the same class last year due to unfortunate circumstances which I will make sure to not happen again this year.
The class does not start till August, so I will be getting a few months of dbpro practice in beforehand.
The 5 projects are given by the teachers, 1 every fortnight, so each one has to be done before the next ones due.

I have spent many hours toiling away in dbpro over the last year, I can completely understand and read code, but when it comes to writing it, creating something myself, It just seems impossible.

I will be hitting all the tutorials, and when the class comes around, I will be all over these forums seeking the wise words of the elders.

and yes, we have to specifically use dbpro, because it's apparently one of the easier languages to learn, and one of the best for small game projects.

A lot of thanks for the positive encouragement.

did you have a look at the hands on dark basic books? book 1 and 2 are really worth the money in my opinion as a starting point to fully understand everything piece by piece, however they are a little dated but not that much by this I mean understanding other add-ons is a little difficult... for example I need help with the syntax for EZ rotate but there isnt any, and same goes for many of the other plug-in/add-ons... however I truly ove using DBPro and am thankful for is existence...

So maybe you would want to start with a project group? there is DARK NOOB GAMES here on the forums, but its based on 2D, I was thinking of starting a 3D group unless there is already one of those on here... I need help personally with GUI, user controls and interaction, othet than this just working to scale really and piecing everything together, other things like functions and modular programming I have pieced together so far... also i am currently working on networked programming

Hope we can get something going

and I always encourage people here on the forums as much as I can with as much constructivenes as I can, I believe in give some, get some haha you know what I mean...

What course is it? I am struggling to think what it could be if you didn't think there would be programming involved? A games design course? I have heard there are a few about that use DB, but surely a games course would always require programming? Just wondering

I was in your boat before i began dark basic, one year of c++ and visual basic way back in 2000.
i had 10 years to forget all my programming know how. and I strive to relearn and exceed my previous levels
the best knowledge comes through necessity.
I say, begin through utilizing print commands for a purpose.
then utilize input statement till you understand them.
then introduce if statements.
introduce if statements plus 2d image commands
by now you should be comfortable with basic programming logic
learn about sync commands
begin basic 3d coding
reapply previous steps to 3d
each time you make a breakthrough reapply the logic through all previous learning steps.

think of a strain of logic and recreate it within understood logical boundaries.

if you get stuck move back a step until you are comfortable with the logic then create a way to move forward.

come to terms with the idea that there will be a more efficient way of solving your problems. learn from your way, and take knowledge from others who are more advanced.

skipping to advanced methods can seen fast but will miss vital learning steps which will save you time and trouble.

recognize every troublesome step as a chance to stretch the mind and overcome obstacles.

even when you seek external help for answers to a problem, add those answers to a database in your mind, but still strive for a personal and individual method of solving the problem.

stick around the forum and pay forward the help you receive from others.

I am deeply indebted to others for helping me learn, I pay it forward and always respectfully appreciate help and advice from others.

Dark basic has an excellent community and database of forum posts containing answers to a majority of questions.

all logic learned in one language can be applied to another.

ask freely and answer freely.

we can all help each other.

pay it forward

kezzla