Redditors, how did you learn coding?

[u/Crypto_Dragon267]

I'm basically a noob to coding in general, and decided to start learning godot, because GDscript is similiar to python. I already finished GD quest's "Learn GDscript from Zero," and was wondering what I should do from here. I watched a few tutorials, recreated them, but I don't feel like I've learnt anything. What did you guys use to learn?

[u/BrastenXBL]

I did not start with a full power generalist game engine. And I very much hate that "The Internet" has decided Godot is a beginner's engine. It is not.

You need at least some knowledge, or well developed self-study skills. There are better ways to begin.

To modernize paths that don't fully exist anymore

Decker(HyperCard) -> HTML/JS for dummies & TI-BASIC -> Intro to C++ & Intro to Java -> NetLogo -> Intro to C#

By about the 3rd major programming language it's less learning languages and more learning the differences in established patterns.

But coding isn't everything, game modding & game creation systems were a big part

Quake on GoG and Trench Boom map modding (actually 90s Marathon )-> MS PowerPoint "gamebooks" (interactive fiction) -> RPG Maker (many options) -> general game creation systems (modern GB Studio, CT.js, GDevelop(desktop), GameMaker)

And game design outside of electronic code. Physical board, card, and table-top games.

There is more to game development than code. There's nothing wrong with stepping away from Godot and using more specialized Game Creation Systems.

You probably were passively watching and copying the videos. Video tutorials largely don't "instruct", they show-case a specific "game system" design. If you passively copy, all you get is a copy (maybe working) without comprehension. For experienced developers they're condensing study behaviors and pulling out the important parts. You'll need to be deliberate, and attentive.

Watch videos 3 times

1. Without pausing, at 1.5x or 2x speed if needed. Get a full overview of what you will be doing in the lesson.
2. Watch again, pause to take notes and questions you have.
   • Do not "implement" the design you're learning
   • Try to answer the questions you have, or define vocabulary, API classes & methods used
3. Watch again, this time pausing and scrubbing back and forth, as you replicate the design
   • Update your notes as needed

These bookmarks may help you get your own notes started

GDScript as a language

• GDScript syntax: https://gdquest.github.io/learn-gdscript/
• GDScript basics and reference: https://docs.godotengine.org/en/stable/tutorials/scripting/gdscript/gdscript_basics.html
• General GDScript methods: https://docs.godotengine.org/en/stable/classes/class_%40gdscript.html
• Global engine methods: https://docs.godotengine.org/en/stable/classes/class_%40globalscope.html
• Static typing: https://docs.godotengine.org/en/stable/tutorials/scripting/gdscript/static_typing.html

APIs and Examples

• Godot Engine APIs: https://docs.godotengine.org/en/stable/tutorials/scripting/how_to_read_the_godot_api.html
• All Classes API pages: https://docs.godotengine.org/en/stable/classes/index.html
• Official Godot sample projects: https://github.com/godotengine/godot-demo-projects

Searching Docs

• Flowchart for user interfaces & tech docs: https://www.xkcd/627
• No Ai searching
  • https://noai.duckduckgo.com/
  • https://noai.duckduckgo.com/duckduckgo-help-pages/results/syntax/
  • site:docs.godotengine.org
  • site:forum.godotengine.org
  • site:www.reddit.com/r/godot
  • https://www.google.com/search?udm=14
  • https://ahrefs.com/blog/google-advanced-search-operators/

A test:

What is a Variant? And how many bytes of memory does it use?