Topics

1

Game & program tutorials / Minor Java Tutorials #1 - Getting Started & Sources

« on: March 18, 2012, 09:20:10 PM »

I have decided that I know enough to point the way to fellow Java Programmers. I will only type up the stuff that I know (A trivial amount, really). This amounts to mostly GUI related objects and facts, since I am only currently learning how to animate and create games. Hope you find this useful

Note - This is not finished. I will be adding bits of this and that when I recall them. Don't rush

1) First off, you need an IDE (Integrated Development Environment). This provides syntax errors and checking your code for you (Be warned, you will still need to de-bug it yourself ). Some very useful IDEs are the Eclipse and Netbeans IDE. These are both different with different approaches. The Eclipse IDE is based FULLY on code. With the Netbeans, it is less code-dependent, as it has a drag-and-drop system, where you just drag the component to where you want it and then code the responses. I use the Eclipse IDE

2) You will then need to find a sufficient tutorial (Hopefully mine will suffice. If not, just go to the links at the bottom of this post). I will provide this to you over the coming pages.

3) A notepad (PAPER!!) and/or some note-cards to write down the bits that won't stick in your head! These will also be for fleshing out ideas and drawing/sketching prototype GUI (Graphical User Interface), such as where to put buttons, the text-boxes, etc. These can also be used to draw or visualize the interactions between each button and/or action. This will be very important when dealing with a lot of windows or different components.

Now that you have all of these, lets get going! Just as a note, I will be assuming you are using Eclipse, so you may need to translate to Netbeans .

Grammar and Syntax ( Please, for the mother of god, READ THIS PART FIRST):
Syntax in Java is a little funny. It is, however, a little more beginner friendly than the larger/more integrated languages (Depending on what you want to use it for). Here are some examples:

Semicolons ( ; ) - These must end EVERY LINE. I cannot stress this enough. You could write the MOST EPIC program ever, but if there are none of these, then you may as well have never thought of Java in the first-place. The only exception is when you are creating a "Method"(Discussed later). Please remember this!

Tabbing(Indenting) - Java components can be written in a straight, never-indenting line of code. But, guess what? Not everyone can read like this! This is what the tabbing is for. It easily organizes everything in relation to everything else. For example, if there were 2 line of code within a main body, they would be indented from the "Declaration" of that body, but they would both be next to each-other.

Some Sources ( For those cynically-inclined ):
http://www.eclipse.org - Download for the Eclipse IDE mentioned at the beginning of this post
http://www.netbeans.org - Download for the Netbeans IDE mentioned at the beginning of this post
http://www.youtube.com/thenewboston - Great beginners tutorial, but ends rather soon
http://www.java-gaming.org - A rather nice forum for those in need
http://www.tigsource.com - A good website with plenty of games and ideas

More tutorials will be coming up presently! Right now, just look around and familiarize yourself with the layout and feel. Also, if possible, watch the linked "TheNewBoston" Java tutorials. May take a bit of searching, since he does so many different tutorials

2

General Chatter - The Boozer / My Catapult/Trebuchet!

« on: February 22, 2012, 08:00:53 PM »

So, I was in my "Into to Comp App." class (Which only has 8 people, and is a generally lazy class.). One of my friends had the same teacher for Woodshop, and they were making Catapults. Today was supposed to bring them home, but he didn't want to, and the teacher didn't have any room to keep it in. I said I'd take it. Here are pics
Front

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Left

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Right

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Note that the foot in the top-right is my Aunts

Rear

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

My feet are at the bottom. Those are my shoes/boots in the top-right

Sort of a "Woh, that's neat, I want one!" moments, didn't even think of it until I had to wrestle it into the Bus

Edit: Hit "URL" instead of "Image" by mistake!

3

Non-game Programs - The Tinkers' Workshop / Ryan's Java Stuff!

« on: January 07, 2012, 07:56:29 PM »

I shall make a promise with myself. I shall actually USE and UPDATE this "Ryan's Game Thread"! So, now that I have that promise, I shall proceed.

"Kingdom Creator" -Canceled 2/9/12- -Removed from "Attachments" of this post to make some room.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

A minigame I'm working on in my spare time. Hope you guys like it . Still has a long way to go (Hopefully go to V1.0)

Cancelled due to lack of time and organization. Also due to unrecoverable errors in source-code. Apologies.

Random Encounter(Mini-Game)

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Download - http://www.mediafire.com/?08wi7e96u1ns6az

Just a mini-game I threw together when I had a coders block on "Kingdom Creator".
Finished copy.No Updates.

Random Number Guesser!

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

A minigame/distraction made in 15 minutes. May not be all that exciting, but I hope you guys enjoy!

Text Editor/Reader

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

A small program I created in a little bit to learn about IO Streams. May update/screw around with later!
Update 1 - Now with TextBoxes and with JFileChooser (Classic directory-choose thingy)

Note: You have to give the path to the .txt file, since I don't know how to implement the usual/system file-chooser
Note 2: Begin with "C://" and not "C:\"
Example: C://Users/Ryan/Desktop/file-name.txt

Wow, lot of Notes, eh ?

Calculator

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Part of my "Mini Program-athon" that will span until the end of this week (3/16/12). Only contains the "Standard/Basic" calculations. Here's a list of features to be added later:
Calculating Perimeter & Area (Of various shapes)
Sine & Cos
Fibonacci Sequence (Maybe? Don't see how useful this could be =/)

The Box -Cancelled due to lack of experience/knowledge and organization-

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

A minigame thing that I'm building/programming! So far not that much, but I hope it's something to screw around with at least . Ideas are ALWAYS appreciated!

Current "Build": Alpha 0.05

Ideas for: Alpha 0.06 -
Fixing some graphics bugs
Think of something new for the "Character" box.
Make a "Zombie Spawner"
Organize & Clean Code!

Controls:
Movement - Arrow Keys
Shoot (Doesn't do much) - Left Click
"Sprint" - Shift
Pause - Escape

Zombie AI/Movement Code for all to see

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

public void FindCharacter() {
      if (xZombie < xChar) {
         xZombie++;
      }
      if (xZombie > xChar) {
         xZombie--;
      }
      if (yZombie < yChar) {
         yZombie++;
      }
      if (yZombie > yChar) {
         yZombie--;
      }
   }

Note: Fixed the graphical error/bug. Turns out I had to move the res folder along with the jar, and not JUST the jar

Generic Top-Down Game (GTDG)

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Just a very generic and non-fulfilling game! I've joined a small indie group (RazeStudios: http://www.razestudios.net) and they've been able to help me out a LOT. I could hardly get through the world-creation! Thankfully that is out of the way and production can commence!

Current "Version": 0.01
Current Features:
-A neat little frame filled with tiles to look at!

Planned:
-A movable (character)!
-Little else =/

Images!

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

None yet!

Ideas, suggestions, and constructive criticism is always appreciated

"Directory" Thingy:
Program Downloads:
Random Number Guesser - Reply #2
Text Editor/Reader - Reply #2

ANNOUNCEMENT!!! I have a Tumblr! You can watch progress on my game/programs on this link! http://www.tumblr.com/blog/ryanscodingprojects

Important Announcement: All Source-Code is available. If you would like to look at said code, please send a PM along with the E-Mail (If you would like it sent to it) to send it to. The only condition is that I get credit as original creator if it is ever spread or uploaded else-where. Thank you!

4

Non-game Programs - The Tinkers' Workshop / Ryan's Python Software!

« on: October 24, 2011, 09:45:08 PM »

Hello, Exilian! 'Tis I, Ryan! I'm here to show off some of my Python games/software/stuffz that I've been playing with! (Note, I will be putting "Ref#" in place of links. The links can be found at the bottom of the page)

First off, I need you to download the latest version of "Pygame" for anything to work. Link is here: Ref1!

Okay, moving on. I've been watching Python tutorials for a few days now, after getting "Pushed" into it by SotK(Adam) and his "Township" game (Found here: Ref2). I've been watching "TheNewBoston"(Ref3) on Youtube, so he helps a lot with understanding the code. So, without further adue, here're some of my programs!

---Line Draw V1---

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

This program, you guessed it, draws lines! I think this one is sort-of fun to play with. I got another idea to add when I figure out how to implement said idea

Download:http://www.mediafire.com/file/12t1pqeztp4acne/Line_Draw_V1

Instructions:
1)"F5"(Read "How to play Software")
2)Click where you want a line to start (1st click)
3)Click somewhere else/where you want the line to extend to (2nd click)
4)Click on somewhere else, and it makes a 3rd point and connects to 2nd point.
4b)It just makes it all connected. Read "Planned Features"
Controls:
Left/Right Click - Adds a new line/point
C - Clears point data / New line-thingy
Planned Features:
1)Ability to start a new line/string/whatever (Via R-Click)
2)Ability to change color of the line(s)

------------------------------
---Line Draw V2---

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

This program, you guessed it, draws lines! I think this one is sort-of fun to play with. Improvement of Line Draw V1

Download:http://www.mediafire.com/file/w9jb2gptf0e4c4m/Line_Draw_V2

Instructions:
1)"F5"(Read "How to play Software")
2)Click where you want a line to start (1st click)
3)Click somewhere else/where you want the line to extend to (2nd click)
4)Click on somewhere else, and it makes a 3rd point and connects to 2nd point.
4b)It just makes it all connected. Read "Planned Features"
Controls:
Left/Right Click - Adds a new line/point
C - Clears point data / New line-thingy
R - Makes the current line "Red"
G - Makes the current line "Green"
B - Makes the current line "Blue"
Note: If you haven't hit "C" before pushing R/G/B, it turns that line R/G/B. Push "C" then R/G/B for best results
Planned Features:
1) Way to delete/clear the board/screen
2)MOAR COOLARS!!11

How to play the Software:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

1) Download the latest release of "Pygame"(Ref1)
2)Go into "Start">"All Programs" and look for "IDLE (Python GUI)"
3)Save a shortcut to the Desktop
4)Open the IDLE
5)"File">"Open" and find the Software you want to use/play(Note: it save the Software in ".file", so at the drop-box, change from ".py .pyc" to "All Files")
6)Hit "F5" and wait for it to load
7)? + Profit (Read: Fun =D)

Note: I will be using Mediafire until the ability to upload a file directly to the forums is re-added. Sorry for the inconvenience

Ref1 - http://www.pygame.org/downloads.shtml
Ref2 - http://www.exilian.co.uk/township.php
Ref3 - http://www.youtube.com/users/TheNewBoston

5

General Chatter - The Boozer / My Own Website!!!

« on: September 17, 2011, 11:41:14 PM »

Hey, Exilian! After being inspired a little bit by Jubal (http://www.wavcott.demon.co.uk/james/index.htm) and also having a bunch of coding experience and thing's I'm proud of, I decided to create my own website. It is hosted at http://www.x10hosting.com . My actual website is http://www.supergaming.x10.mx/Index.html ! Anyways, I've decided to post a linky here for you guys to help me improve it and give me ideas! So, I'll leave you to it!

Extra links without playing Hide and Seek in the text:

http://www.wavcott.demon.co.uk/james/index.htm <--James website (Not sure if still being edited =/)
http://www.x10hosting.com <--My web hoster!
http://www.supergaming.x10.mx/Index.html <-- (Yah, sucky name, I know. Couldn't think of anything better at the time, so I might change in the distant future)

Oh, and please note that the E-Mail listed there is for stranger visitors, you guys can contact me at RyanBallou_97@hotmail.com since you guys are special =3

Edit: Also, I need some input whether to keep the "Shoutbox" or to place an actual chatroom (http://www.xat.com). Please give input!

6

Game & program tutorials / Javascript Tutorial 2 - First Codes

« on: April 30, 2011, 09:57:35 PM »

This is a continuation of my previous tutorial, "Javascript Tutorial 1 - Beginner's Guide".

---Chapter 1---
~~Code Structure~~
Code,specifically Javascript code, uses an easily memorized structure. The structure comes in 4 general parts:
<html> - This goes first, so that you can write in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language)
<head> - This goes below <html> and is used for off-screen stuff (CSS, JSS, HTML, Etc)
<body> - Most of the writing will be done in here
<script type="text/javascript"> - This is the most important tag for Javascript coding, since it lets the computer/browser know that everything following this is Javascript related.

Drum these tags into your thick skulled head, since these are the most important parts.

---Chapter 2---
~~Advanced Commands~~
Some of the more advanced commands will be listed and explained here:
Math.random()*Number Here - This is a slightly lengthy line of code that picks a random number. It will pick any number between 0 and "Number Here"

Math.floor() - This is an addition to "Math.random" that rounds the number down to the nearest whole number. Take the number you want and add 1

Math.ceiling() - This is an addition to "Math.random" that rounds the number up to the nearest whole number. Take the number you want and subtract 1

Example:

Code: [Select]

var randomnumber = Math.floor(Math.random()*11);
document.write(randomnumber);
Break it down: This generates a random number between 0-10 and then writes it in your browser.

<img src=\"Enter image URL here"> - This line of code makes the selected picture appear.
Example:

Code: [Select]

<openers>
document.write("This is me!")
<img src=\"URL for a picture of me">
<enders></div>

---Chapter 3---
~~Making a code~~
One example of a code is:

Code: [Select]

<html>
<head>
<body>
<script type="text/javascript">
var variable=5

if(variable==5)
{
document.write("Variable is equal to 5!")
}
</script>
</body>
</head>
</html>
This specific piece of code contains almost all of the points discussed in my last tutorial (Excluding the "else" statement). Now to break it down:

The "openers", or the <html>,<head>,<body>, and <script type="text/javascript"> let your browser/computer know what is going to happen (Re-read Chapter 1, Code Structure).
var variable=5 - Creates a variable, or "shortcut" that is the number 5.

if(variable==5) - This is part of an "if/then" statement. IF the variable (5) is equal to (==) 5....

{document.write("Variable is equal to 5!")} - THEN it writes this.

Then "enders" or </script>,</body>,</head>, and </html> means that the program/code is done, and that it has to stop.

This may seem like a lot, but after only 2 or so weeks, I can write this without thinking about it.


Sources:
http://www.tizag.com/javascriptT/
Various Google sources

Coding Tools:
Notepad++ (Over 40 different code languages!)
Other items all over the internet

As always, corrections and comments are appreciated.


Edit 1: Fixed some errors

7

Game & program tutorials / Javascript Tutorial 1 - Beginner's Guide

« on: April 30, 2011, 06:09:47 PM »

Hello. I'm Ryan (obviously), and I write in Javascript. It's a fun, flexible system and I thought you guys should try it.

---Chapter 1---
~~Commands~~
Javascript uses different "commands" that tell different sections to do something. I'll give you a condensed/cut-down version.

document.write() - As the command says, it writes stuff. You can either write a variable(Covered later) or text (Within quotation marks) within the parentheses.

Spoiler: click to toggle

Example: document.write(variable)
Example2: document.write("Hello!")

var  - This is used to set a variable (For those of those who skipped Science and Math, it's a type of "object" that can have any meaning) that can be called upon later on.

Spoiler: click to toggle

Example: var variable=Set value here
Example2: var variable=5
Break it down: var signifies that you are typing a variable. variable is the "shortcut" you type that signifies it, then "Set value here" is what the "shortcut" writes/does.

if - This is part of an "If/Then" statement. If you skipped Language Arts, an If/Then statement is like Dominoes. IF you knock down the first domino, THEN the rest will fall down too.

Spoiler: click to toggle

Example: if(variable==5)
document.write(Text here)
Break it down: "If" is the key here. IF "variable" is equal to (==) the number 5, then it will write whatever you put into "Text here"

else - This command is related to the "if" statement. For example, IF variable is equal to (==) 5, document.write(Whatever), but, what if "variable" is NOT equal to (!=) 5? That is where "Else" comes in. It gives a second option.

Spoiler: click to toggle

Example: If(variable==5)
document.write(Whatever)
else
document.write(Whatever2)
Break it down: "else" gives a second option. This second option will write "Whatever2" IF "variable" IS NOT EQUAL TO 5.

---Chapter 2---
~~Syntax~~
Syntax is like Grammar. It is key to the Javascript language. Syntax is what keeps "Else" and "else" apart, just like having "too" and "to" seperate.

{Curly Braces} - These are used to contain command reactions.

Spoiler: click to toggle

Example:
if(variable==5)
{
document.write(Whatever)
}
Break it down: The Curly Braces is what lets the "if" statement know that if it is true, to "release" the command out of the "cage"(Curly Braces).

(Parentheses) - This shows the parameters (the "boundaries" of the command) of what the command is to do.

Spoiler: click to toggle

Example:
if(variable==5)
Break it down: The parentheses lets the "if" statement know what has to be done. Sort of like the "if" statement's To-Do list.

;Semicolon; - Most people prefer to put these at the end of lines, to make it easier to tell where the line starts and ends.

Spoiler: click to toggle

Example:
document.write(Whatever);
Break it down: The semicolon symbolizes the end of a line, sort of like how in morse-code the operators type out "End" to signify the end of the message.

---Sources---
~http://www.tizag.com/javascriptT/
~Various Google Resources

---Thanks to---
~Jubal - For helping me learn Javascript in the first place
~Dimos - For ideas and comments
~Tizag.com - For making that site in the first place and supplying precious knowledge

~~Corrections appreciated~~

Second tutorial to come soon.

8

Non-game Programs - The Tinkers' Workshop / Ryan's Javascript Skeelz Unleeshd

« on: April 10, 2011, 04:21:03 PM »

Hey, coders, I'ma let you finish, but I make the best Javascript Scripts of all time.... Of all time!

Other than that, I'm going to upload my (Fairly Simple) Javascript scripts .

So Far:
-Random Number Generator - Only needed 2 lines of actual Code, but 5 minutes to fix basic stuff I forgot about  :$ (Thanks to Jubal for "Spell" checking it.)
-Lottery - It provides a random number. If you get a 1, you win. Anything else (2-10) you lose! Have fun ! Took 7 lines of actual coding. (Thanks again to Jubal for helping to fix a problem!)
-Battle Script - Slightly similar to the "Raiders and Traders" combat script. -UPGRADED WITH FUNNEH-
-Donated Battle Script - So fuking freaking complex that I could only add a data table for what it means. Might fiddle with later on


Trying to Fix:


Working On:
Adding an iframe for my Battle Script


Note: Ideas and constructive comments are always appreciated

Updates/Edits:
4/30/2011 - I have updated my Battle Script with a 3rd option, "Stalemate" and new pictures!

Attachments:

• 1_10_Number_Generator.html (157 Bytes)
• Lottery.html (283 Bytes)
• SoldiersVSRaiders.html (968 Bytes)
• SoldiersVSRaiders_Donated_.html (1.36 KB)

For some reason the thing isn't working, so here's a link for my Mini-Site:  http://www.mediafire.com/?y8fou4fd3n3cwj9

9

Computer Game Development - The Indie Alley / Ryan's Games

« on: July 29, 2010, 08:46:05 PM »

Hello! I am making some small games, although fun. I'll not be making anything big until I can get this whole thing down. So far I have made a "Fruit Frenzy", and I'm now working on "Explosive Extinction". If any of you have ideas, give them here.

Uploaded/Finished:
Fruit Frenzy

*Note*
I will put them at the bottom, so click those.

Please give me opinions, ideas, etc.
Thanks!

Credits to:
Game Maker (Program)
Private Clark (Telling me about Game Maker)

Attachments:

• Fruit_Frenzy.zip (1.32 MB)

10

General Gaming - The Arcade / Haven & Hearth ~Pictures~

« on: June 20, 2010, 01:01:42 AM »

Hey guys! I know it may seem like a Spam-Thread, but I thought we could use a thread to show our establishments and buildings and everything without cluttering the H&H Forums, or the other thread! So, I'll post mine first. It'll be of my Barcania Out-Of-Town farm. I just spent about 2-3 Hours buffing it out    

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

11

M&B Mods - The Explorer's Society / Favorite Faction(s)

« on: May 26, 2010, 08:14:39 PM »

Ladies and Gentlemen! I have come today, for a Public Opinion! Please choose your favorite faction, or factions. Choose honestly. If you choose a Faction that is a different Mod, then list the Mod Name, and the Faction or Factions. Thanks you!
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Here are some Stats of the Factions:
_______________________________

Swadia: Focuses on Heavy Cavalry, decent crossbowmen
Vaegir: Focuses on fast, light troops. Have low armor, but best bowmen
Norse: Have the best Footmen in the game, focus on Melee and high damage
Khergit Khanate: Totally mobile, uses bows on horse-back
Other: N/A

12

Non-game Programs - The Tinkers' Workshop / What's Reason for this thing

« on: May 25, 2010, 08:55:15 PM »

I was visiting, and saw this here... What does it do/help us with?

13

Forum Games - The Beer Cellar! / The Game Game

« on: May 02, 2010, 04:38:18 AM »

Ok, so, I have made up my OWN  game, for you all to play. Here is how it goes. Someone posts a forum game they know of, the person below finds some way to make it suck, and posts his own game, etc. etc. etc. Here's an example:


King of The Hill
--------------
King of the Hill is violent, and is there-for banned from all forums (except black market)

Indigo Room
--------------
Etc, etc etc etc


Now, the first one is....

Indigo Room

14

M&B Mods - The Explorer's Society / Advertisement Company

« on: April 11, 2010, 03:21:15 AM »

Hello, I have taken this time to make a useful (if not spammy ) thread. Here, You can make a post about services, Proficiencies, and etc. I will then post it on the "Home Post" and others can see who they must contact if they need a mod member. So, I know that I am posting a crap-load of threads, but i hope they're useful

15

Computer Game Development - The Indie Alley / Need Gaming Advice

« on: April 06, 2010, 09:55:26 PM »

I want to be able to make a Tower Defense Version of....*Suspense*.. MOUNT & BLADE  B)    
Only one thing.. I don't know crap about scripting a GAME. I can change some basic lines on some things, but I can't do anything form scratch. Anyone think they can help?