I want to start developing games

[distant axle]

Hello, I'm LilRuffus, I have a windows 11, I know the basic stuff of Python, and I'm learning C, I'd like to start making my own games, trying to start using Visual Code Studio and maybe C, so I can kill 2 birds with 1 stone (Starting as a game dev and getting the hang of C) , I tried a couple times a few years ago, but ended up giving up because it was only me on that journey , but recently I wanted to start learning again and I got advised to join a community, since it could help me stay in the path, I'd accept any advice I can get, since I basically struggle even with the start

[junior flume]

Hi LilRuffus! Welcome to the community - it's great that you're getting back into learning!

However, this post is better suited for a General Discussion or Career Advice forum rather than the Coding Help section. The Coding Help forum is for specific programming questions - like debugging code, understanding syntax, or solving particular technical problems.

For getting started with game development, I'd recommend:

1. Posting in a general discussion area where mentorship questions are welcome
2. Checking if there's a game development-specific community or forum
3. Once you have specific C or coding questions, bring them back here!

We're here to help when you hit technical roadblocks. Good luck with your learning journey! 🎮

-# Windows @tough lintel @mortal canyon @silent python @onyx oriole
-# C @mortal canyon @onyx oriole

[onyx oriole]

try pygame with Python

it's pretty solid

or maybe raylib with C

[distant axle]

I'm guessing those are compilers? or are they like libraries to add to the code?

[onyx oriole]

Libraries yes

[distant axle]

so I add those on VS code?

[silent python]

So for libraries you import them for example pygame you import it in your Python file

[silent python]

I suggest you to get a basic idea of basic Python syntax first and the fundamental concepts

[distant axle]

ah, okey, and what do these libraries let me do?

[silent python]

So pygame lets you create games in a easier way

[distant axle]

and raylib?

the same I'm guessing?

[silent python]

Open source library written in C for building 2D and 3D games

And designing prototypes etc

[distant axle]

ah, alright, I'll try giving raylib a look, I tried to start making something yesterday with some yt tutorials and the VS code copilot as a guidance, but got lost at the start because it was telling me to install some compiler and putting it on the computer PATH or something along those lines

[silent python]

Try to not use that much ai at the start

Also for C yes you need a compiler to run it

It’s similar for Python like you need to install it to use it

@junior flume give a suggestion for a compiler for C and steps to install

[junior flume]

-# Writing a response for "C compiler installation guide for raylib/VS Code"

[junior flume]

Setting up a compiler can be a bit of a headache at first, but you've got this! Here is a quick guide to getting MinGW-w64 set up on Windows so you can start building with raylib:

1. Install MSYS2

1. Download and run the MSYS2 installer.
2. Once installed, open the MSYS2 UCRT64 terminal from your Start menu.
3. Run this command to install the compiler:

   pacman -S mingw-w64-ucrt-x86_64-gcc
   

2. Add to System PATH

To run gcc from VS Code, you need to add it to your Windows PATH:

1. Find your MSYS2 folder (usually C:\msys64).
2. Navigate to ucrt64\bin and copy that path.
3. Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and hit Enter.
4. Go to Advanced > Environment Variables.
5. Under System variables, select Path > Edit > New and paste your path.

3. Verify

Open a new terminal and type:

gcc --version

If you see a version number, you're all set! Let me know if you get stuck on the VS Code setup part.

[distant axle]

As I said, when it comes to game dev I'm basically at the start and I got lost at the start, which is basically why I dropped it last times

[junior flume]

Totally get that—the setup phase is honestly the hardest part of game dev, and it's where most people get stuck. Don't let it discourage you! Take a breather, and whenever you're ready to tackle the VS Code side of things, just shout. We can take it one step at a time.

[silent python]

Cool just keep on going

[distant axle]

thanks man

[silent python]

Np

[distant axle]

Okey, I managed to get the compiler, now how do I start?

[mortal canyon]

i'll vouch for raylib as an amazing way to learn

that discord is suuuper beginner friendly as well

[silent python]

Code

FAFO

[distant axle]

thanks for the help, I'll try to get started when I get some time, if anything happens I'll come back here, much appreciated guys

[silent python]

Np

[distant axle]

I can't execute any file I create, I'm trying to get started and several times I got the same error, tried looking around to try and start somewhere, but I can't seem to get it working, I'm actually trying to even open only a window with raylib, but it doesn't even open that.