Should I read Thinking in Java, 4th edition to learn how to make games? [closed]

Question

Title says it all should I really read Thinking in Java, 4th edition 1600 pages for learning java then learning how to make game or is it possible that there is a better way. To learn how to programmer games professionally .

Answer 1

If you like learning from books, then go for it. I hear it is a great book.

But I personally found the best way to learn a language for game programming was by diving in and actually using it in a small game project - in my case I wrote a simple roguelike game (Tyrant) in Java. The process of doing that taught me all I needed to know about the Java language (and a lot about writing games!)

Answer 2

Read it, understand it, apply it then do the same with another book thats more focused on games development. You need a very solid knowledge of the language to start programming games. That book will give you a good grounding so that when you do read a book on games development you can focus on the games specific parts and not have to spend time learning the language.

1600 pages for learning java then learning how to make game or is it possible that there is a better way

Nope. It will take you days or months of research and programming to learn properly. That's half the fun though!

Answer 3

It depends on how familiar you are with programming. If you have some experience, you could read a shorter, more hight-level introduction to Java, and start as early as possible with game programming. There is the outdated but free Killer Game Programming in Java. Or you could dive in tutorials from Java game engines (like JME).

Answer 4

I know that you're interested in making games, but in all reality, I would suggest just learning to program first. Thinking in Java might help (haven't read it personally). So if you want to learn Java, then go ahead and grab it and read it.

The basics (and considerably more) of programming apply to nearly all programming.

Answer 5

Exactly as SnOrfus said, learn how to program first - The book you're talking about(or any other book on the planet) can teach you what Java is, what (fake) OOP is, but never the art and science of programming. It will come by experience/practice and really is language agnostic.

If I were you (actually, been there!!), I'd opt for, wait for it, C++ and OpenGL!! Lots of resources, and a real game programming environment. Understand graphics, shading, 3D world creation etc and then move on to Java (though the only reason to do so might be a want to develop games exclusively for mobile devices).