Don't know how to write code, and I've been through all the tutorials and I just learned to paste code

Getting Started Newbie Questions
#1

I hope this is not already been discussed, if so please forgive me, I lost my job and have spent 3 full days trying to figure this thing out. I’ve read everything I could find and I’m exhausted just looking.

So I’ve never written any kind of code before, I don’t know the lingo, aside from what I’ve learned through the tutorials. I read this was the easiest and quickest way to write games. But what I’ve found so far is that all the tutorials only state the code needed for something, tells you to paste it or type it into the editor; but never really goes into the actual intricacies of writing these things from scratch. I’m pretty sure people don’t just search for existing code for the components that they need to just copy and paste into their editor; although this very well might be the way it is done, I don’t know.

So am I missing something or is there actually a tutorial that teaches you actually how to use corona, and not just copy someone’s work just to see it on your virtual device? [import]uid: 73510 topic_id: 11974 reply_id: 311974[/import]

#2

A lot of copypasting is done in programming :slight_smile:
Mostly stuff you’ve written for something else.
If you’re any good at programming you’ll create reusable code for everything, and hook it into your current project like you’ll hook it into your next.
If you want a hand, email me at inno@xray.cat and I’ll see if I cant point you in the right direction [import]uid: 34945 topic_id: 11974 reply_id: 43674[/import]

#3

learningcorona.com [import]uid: 16142 topic_id: 11974 reply_id: 43683[/import]

#4

I learn a lot by copying and pasting and also reading through code written by others (with very detailed comments) and work out how things are done.
I’ve learned PHP, Bash, C, Lua, Perl, Basic, Assembly, etc this way :slight_smile:
Eventually you just start doing stuff to see what happens. [import]uid: 10389 topic_id: 11974 reply_id: 43708[/import]

#5

@jayantv:
windows link is broken just fyi
[import]uid: 67514 topic_id: 11974 reply_id: 43723[/import]

#6

@jnort20098,
Your statement
“But what I’ve found so far is that all the tutorials only state the code needed for something, tells you to paste it or type it into the editor”

is incorrect,
There are complete source codes for a couple of games Thanks to Johnathan B and the Miranda Brothers and of course team Ansca.

However if you are after a game development course, then you are looking at the wrong place. The forums here will help others to get ideas on how to do particular things as the rest is simple and taken for granted as understood.

I have a Code Generator app on the Mac that generates code for you that allows touches on primitive objects, you can download that from Code Generator (Mac) or Code Generator (Windows)

You can also read some blogs from Jay at GameDevNation or Peach’s tutorials, then there are video tutorials from Dr. Hernandez and a lot of other tutorials all over the net that are about game development not corona.

cheers,

Jayant C Varma
OZ Apps
http://www.oz-apps.com
twitter : @ozapps

ReviewMe
http://reviewme.oz-apps.com
reviewme@oz-apps.com
twitter: @whatsin4me
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/whatsin4me [import]uid: 3826 topic_id: 11974 reply_id: 43702[/import]

#7

@benvsweb,
hi was missing the zip file in the link, fixed the link, so should be all good now.

cheers,

?:slight_smile: [import]uid: 3826 topic_id: 11974 reply_id: 43732[/import]

#8

code generator is awesome, i wish it be more complex in future and do tables and arrays, maybe even functions…

i probably ask too much) [import]uid: 16142 topic_id: 11974 reply_id: 43745[/import]

#9

Copy paste some examples, then try to change things in the code to make different things happen. You’ll quickly begin to understand what things do.

You can look up information on ‘lua’ - its the programming language used in corona. There are lots of references online - a bit like a dictionary of what each term/function means. Using that you can understand the code line by line, and then by changing it how it works as a whole.

You’ll also find general lua tutorials. Thats probably the best place to start. You should begin with an introduction on basic programming principles like conditions and function, like this:

http://wiki.garrysmod.com/?title=Basic_Lua

Its much like learning a spoken language, a dictionary and examples are the best way. The advantage with programming is you can edit/break the program and try to understand why its behaviour changed.

[import]uid: 8872 topic_id: 11974 reply_id: 43747[/import]

#10

Heya,

A quick post as I’m just finishing up for the night but if you haven’t checked out Corona For Newbies (it has 4 parts and assumes NO prior knowledge of ANY kind of coding) then I’d suggest you take a look. All 4 are on http://techority.com/ - do them in order.

I wrote them, I’ve had good feedback and I do my very best to explain everything in detail so you aren’t left wondering what the code is doing, and/or why.

Peach Pellen :slight_smile: [import]uid: 52491 topic_id: 11974 reply_id: 43777[/import]

#11

You should try to understand what you are copying. Go line by line and try to analyze what each line does. Start with the most easiest example and work your way up. Use all the links listed in this thread and with patience you will be understanding and writing your own app. [import]uid: 31262 topic_id: 11974 reply_id: 43786[/import]

#12

Thanks everyone! I am impressed to see how corona’s community is so active. That speaks volumes about the product. I took all of your advice, and it is coming along very slowly…I just wish it had more of a GUI like gamesalad (I don’t have a mac though, and my laptop is to old to hackintosh).

Thanks again.
Josh [import]uid: 73510 topic_id: 11974 reply_id: 44054[/import]

#13

There are some tools created that can achieve a GUI-like feel if you are more familiar with GameSalad:

Level Editor for Corona
http://developer.anscamobile.com/forum/2011/05/05/level-editor-corona-physic-support

Corona SVG Level Builder
http://developer.anscamobile.com/forum/2011/05/29/corona-svg-level-builder-released-drag-and-drop-physics-level-editor-inkscape-and

just to name a couple. Hope that helps. [import]uid: 31262 topic_id: 11974 reply_id: 44062[/import]