Learning Curves

[leadfish]

Hello all. After lurking for a little while, I suppose at the moment I'd fit into the category of clueless n00b when it comes to HL/HL2 modding, so please don't knock me too much

As the title of this thread suggests, my questions are based around the learning curves associated with HL2 (specifically) modding. Currently, I'm studying a programming-type course through a tertiary education provider, and next semester (semester 1, 2004) we'll be doing C++. Last week, after seeing the e3 demo for the first time, I had this silly notion that since I will eventually learn C++, I might be able to mod HL2, but since I don't know how to yet, I might be able to start planning it, and doing some models etc. I got the free download of XSI (EXP if I remember correctly), because Valve use XSI (I figured I couldn't go wrong there). Anyway, I was wondering how difficult is to learn to start to do weapon models, and eventually how hard it will be to utilise the SDK.

Umm...that's all I can think of for the moment, so yeah, if someone could help me with those couple of question, that would be much appreciated.

 

[phantomdesign]

Well, is your computer program more logic/algorighim based or database/data-structure based?

My computer science degree was a waste of time. I when I program it's about 100% self learned crap, and ummmm.......I don't even use anything I learned as part of the degree.

 

[leadfish]

Originally posted by phantomdesign
Well, is your computer program more logic/algorighim based or database/data-structure based?

Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but I don't really get what you mean? Are you refering to my course, or to how i plan the mod to be?

 

[ComradeBadger]

The course, I think, not the mod ... I doubt there will be many database mods. Personally, speaking as a coder, the stuff I do with the HL SDK was entirely self taught, but I am learning properly anyway... I reckon you should just mess around with the HL SDK for a bit, and then get down to 'learning' (my first compiled program was an MP5 with a scope mod for HL )

 

[leadfish]

IRT mrBadger:

So is the HL SDK relatively logical in the way it's set out? Cool, that sounds pretty reassuring No, I'm not all of a sudden getting delusions of grandeur, but my resolve has strengthened slightly, lol.

IRT phantomdesign:
This is the course I'm doing, except I'm doing it through TAFE because I'm in Australia. Curriculum Thingy

 

[ComradeBadger]

Heh, yeah I found the HL SDK to be very helpful, it's well commented... it's logical and all too.... haven't been messing with it recently.... due to other stuff...

 

[phantomdesign]

Math skills really help with logic based programming, and if you want to program computer games....it's logic and algorithms.

 

[OCybrManO]

Make sure you understand OOP before jumping in or you might get a wee bit lost.

 

[leadfish]

Thank you all for your input and advice I hope that I'll be able to draw further from this forum in such a manner