I would like to thank you too @nicholas.
PS: As more you tell about the book more I would like it was close to be released.
Regards,
Rodrigo. [import]uid: 89165 topic_id: 16654 reply_id: 66540[/import]
nicholas,
Where were you able to view the few chapters that you did? [import]uid: 68619 topic_id: 16654 reply_id: 66550[/import]
@marlon8 - Yes. I am doing a technical review, which means I review the drafts, make suggestions and test code to ensure what is in book runs correctly. I am up to Ch 7 and 8 currently
@Rodrigo - I agree, I am really excited about this book. It builds several types of games, and covers things end to end. It even walks you through setting up provisioning profiles, navigating iTunes connect, submitting an android app, and that whole process. I think these things other books miss, or skip completely.
It all comes down to details I guess
ng [import]uid: 61600 topic_id: 16654 reply_id: 66598[/import]
Hey @nicholas,
Better yet!
I`ll keep waiting and reading your valuable reviews as well.
Regards,
Rodrigo.
PS: Btw I`ve followed you on Twitter…nevermind!
[import]uid: 89165 topic_id: 16654 reply_id: 66615[/import]
Here I am again, to give my thoughts on Chapters 7 and 8!
I feel like crap right now, and I had chapter 8 to review and test - due today. I got some stupid cold or something and it’s making me fuzzy…so I’m going to write freestyle!
Off the top of my head (I’ll update more specifics later)
Director class - get down and dirty with this and have a sample game that does everything!
Main menu, options menu, credits menu, open feint.
The thing I learned the most from was the saving of scores, referencing scores and posting those scores online. Jon Beebe wrote a games class sometime back and a portion of that is used here! I never learned so much in such a short time.
Before reading this book, I had games built. The problem was getting all the non fun stuff working (menus, options…arrrgh!).
That changed FAST I took the example, and RIPPED IT APART LINE BY LINE!! Then I understood how things worked, so I started building my game inside that example.
I can’t reveal details of the game I am working on, but it’s using very complex physics even in the main menu, credit screens, options. Every menu, is a game in itself, so I had to bolt on a TON of new code (main menu - grew over 710 lines, due to complex animation triggers, multitouch events and physics interactions etc)
That’s a shameless plug for a game that has a name, but I can’t say the title as it gives the game itself away hehe. The point I make in all of this is I STRUGGLED BIG TIME with director, I was scared of it (ask Peach Pellen, I always kind of complained “I don’t get it!I think space monkeys are out to get me”).
The way I approached these 2 chapters was to look at the example code, and go through the game see how it plays, what’s happening and I took out a notepad and wrote down the things in my head.
Then, I looked at what I wrote and what I saw in the code. I then picked up the Chapter 7 material, and read through it. Since I spent a ton of time (I recommend you do the same) I felt like I was reading the game, but being explained to me in an easy way.
It was really so far my FAVORITE chapters 7 and 8 takes all that stuff you do in the earlier chapters and RAMS IT IN YOUR FACE with reckless abandon (trust me this is a good thing lol).
I know that Facebook, twitter integration etc is coming on the next chapters (ya know, that’s what it said at the end of chapter 8 heh).
Anyway, I really look forward to others reading this book. I want them to see for themselves - I want it to be known I am just an advocate, I don’t have any vested interest in this book (financially speaking) and I am a harsh critic on everyone. I’m very picky, and I get pissed off at things easily.
This book didn’t piss me off - that’s rare. I love the material, it makes learning Corona SDK a snap!
Ok, I’m going to drink a gallon of Nyquil or something and go to sleep.
Also, I am not going to read what I just posted above - if there are spelling errors or something that’s fine you can deal with it.
ng
[import]uid: 61600 topic_id: 16654 reply_id: 68303[/import]
How fun, Nicolas! It sounds like the book is really cool and what all newbies would benefit by reading.
I thought, perhaps, and if there’s still time to make what-might-potentially-be some *big* changes to the chapter, I suggest the author / book publisher to look into Storyboard API that is now included with Corona SDK.
Also, for saving/loading stuff, consider including ice library from http://developer.anscamobile.com/code/ice – you need to understand only a handful of command to unleash the power of ice (which makes good use of json and sqlite3). I think it’s pretty darn incredible.
And here are the links to Storyboard API related links:
http://developer.anscamobile.com/content/storyboard
http://blog.anscamobile.com/2011/11/introducing-the-storyboard-api/
http://blog.anscamobile.com/2011/11/common-storyboard-api-questions/
https://developer.anscamobile.com/forum/2011/11/16/storyboard-api-questions
Naomi
[import]uid: 67217 topic_id: 16654 reply_id: 68413[/import]
The SECOND I saw the storyboard stuff get posted, I let Michelle know about it.
Personally, I am mixed on the storyboard API. It’s so “new” It’s hard to say what will work and not work (like ultra complex scene transitions and crazy menu options like I have right now in my game). Looking at Director vs Storyboard I am liking the storyboard API. I think it’s great that Ansca is starting to get into providing an end to end platform (has anyone seen the level editor they are working on that is EPIC!!!) to get developers up and running.
Also, as I said I am a new guy to programming I have no background in coding, started June 2011 brand new to everything coding. My opinions are coming from a “Non coder ever” type view which most will find varies GREATLY from the people who have years of experience.
I guess I call it my “simple view” approach. I don’t have the rich history of doing assembler language, or fortran or some ancient language that would most likely just piss me off. The first language I saw was Lua - that is all I know and the associated Corona API’s. So what I see something is really cool to use a hardcore developer might say “This is too simple, it’s not fully featured etc” where to me I am new so it’s better than what I am doing.
I want people to keep that in mind the BEGINNERS perspective when they read this book. Honestly, I went into it and start wanting more and more - then realized WHERE is the line drawn? Maybe that line is Storyboard API, maybe it’s too advanced, maybe it’s not I don’t know that is a debatable subject I suppose
By default I am in the “BEGINNERS” mindset ya know, because I am a beginner (just sayin’). But for others, they have to reboot the brain and take this stance.
I just realized that may or may not directly tackle concerns or not, but I just write until I don’t feel like writing anymore and say what I want to say. That time has ended now
ng
Edit* btw, chapter 9 is coming soon. I get to read that hopefully soon [import]uid: 61600 topic_id: 16654 reply_id: 68435[/import]
Hey, Nicholas, I’m with you, in that, I’m also new to the world of coding/programming. I started fooling around with Lua starting in July 2011. (I heard of Corona SDK in June, but haven’t really had the time to play with the code until July – what a shame.)
So, I totally understand where you are coming from (because that’s where I came from.) And honestly, look into ice library. I got my head around JSON after a struggle, but the thought of sqlite simply didn’t appeal to me (even though I had a feeling it’s something I should learn to use) – then there came ice and dissolved all my worries associated with save/load routines.
Cheers,
Naomi [import]uid: 67217 topic_id: 16654 reply_id: 68437[/import]
I’ll definitely dig into ice library. I just glanced at it for a couple seconds and already understood how to implement it to some of my game samples instantly!
As for Storyboard API, as soon as it came out a couple days ago, I was all “Oh snap! There has to be a way I need to integrate it into my chapters.” I’ve been used to Director over the past year. Especially since Storyboard has a better support system with Corona, it is definitely on my high priority list. So many changes lately in the past couple of months. My final draft revisions will have to reflect on all that has been improved, added, and so forth. Thanks for the information! I really appreciate it.
@All you curious/aspiring Corona devs
So I’m on my last chapter. Been creating samples, outlining, all that jazz. Been hearing wonderful feedback from some of my tech reviewers that I know of and I’m pleased that all is going well! I have been making this a focus towards a beginner’s feel to the point where you can actually create a game and submit it to either the App Store or Android Market. So all those necessary details will be included.
I wish I could discuss everything that Corona is capable of, but I’m restricted to certain topics that are typically necessary and a priority for this type of book. Thus also there’s only so much information I can pack in 11 chapters and discuss them thoroughly enough that users will understand. I’m trying to make all my topics worth while to learn without sugar coating it. Meaning, I go into detailed steps for any new information acquired and explain the purpose of it all. So that’s pretty much the gist of it. I think Nicholas has been more than happy to update all y’all about his findings without giving too much away. 
I’ve been a busy bee in high spirits to make this book a great learning experience for Corona developers.
Feel free to contact me if there are any questions. Oh and I’m also in the final stages of finishing a game with MobiDojo, so be on the look out for it in the next couple weeks! Thanks everyone!
Michelle
michelle@mobidojo.com
http://twitter.com/chelleshock1219
http://twitter.com/mobidojo [import]uid: 22552 topic_id: 16654 reply_id: 68638[/import]
“y’all” can just call me Nick.
I’m stoked on this book. I would love to give more information as well, but I figure it’s best to let the information come out and have people get the “Oh I never looked at it that way” type of approach.
My information providing will be coming to an end once I get my paws on 9/10/11 after that it’s game over…sadness…sniff sniff.
Until then I read, and read again everything I have had access to this point.
ng [import]uid: 61600 topic_id: 16654 reply_id: 68668[/import]
Last night I was doing a random search under Corona and saw that this book is also on Amazon! It was pretty exciting to see.
http://amzn.com/1849691886 [import]uid: 22552 topic_id: 16654 reply_id: 70060[/import]
How much for a copy now february 2012 is too much of a long wait ?? Thanks [import]uid: 90369 topic_id: 16654 reply_id: 70154[/import]
How much for a copy now february 2012 is too much of a long wait ?? Thanks.
^
I would like to know this too:) [import]uid: 68619 topic_id: 16654 reply_id: 70184[/import]
Pretty unfortunate that people have to wait that long for a corona book. [import]uid: 104850 topic_id: 16654 reply_id: 70540[/import]
Michelle,
usually the contract states that you are allowed to publish 10% of the book on your website. At least mine does.
Cheers
Michael [import]uid: 5712 topic_id: 16654 reply_id: 70635[/import]
Ah yes, I overlooked that section in my contract. That’s almost as much info as a single chapter. Thanks for clearing that up for me. I think that’s why they have chapter previews for all the books they publish as well on their website.
Edit: Though I do have to contact them and inform which info I use from the book.
-Michelle [import]uid: 22552 topic_id: 16654 reply_id: 70677[/import]
Hello,
As said in the earlier posts, there are no beta/raw versions available. I am not authorized to publish any content inside the book and any information that is allowed to go out is solely up to the publisher. Sorry guys! What I can say is that a lot of work and thought is being put into this so that it is a quality book for developers to learn from. Many of the tech reviewers are hard at work as well to make this all happen. For now, everything is right on schedule.
Regards,
Michelle
Edit: I forgot one thing. A chapter preview will actually be available on the publisher website, but I am not sure about the eta on that just yet. Thanks! [import]uid: 22552 topic_id: 16654 reply_id: 70549[/import]
I just grabbed this printed book and PDF
Cant wait to get this book and read it.
Larry
www.DoubleSlashDesign.com [import]uid: 11860 topic_id: 16654 reply_id: 72097[/import]
@Michael Hi is you book for Corona Development ??? if so can i have the link Plz Thanks [import]uid: 90369 topic_id: 16654 reply_id: 72298[/import]
Yeah MikeHart Let use know, I’ll grab yours as well.
always nice to have good references.
Larry
www.DoubleSlashDesign.com [import]uid: 11860 topic_id: 16654 reply_id: 72301[/import]