Hard Light Productions Forums

Modding, Mission Design, and Coding => FS2 Open Coding - The Source Code Project (SCP) => Topic started by: Insomniac34 on June 27, 2011, 10:25:15 am

Title: So...how do I develop?
Post by: Insomniac34 on June 27, 2011, 10:25:15 am

Long story short:
-I'm a computer science student
-2 semesters each of Java and C++, 1 semester C#
-C# and VB experience on own time
-massive FS fan (obvious)

How do I even begin to help out? I won't be able to do much compared to the geniuses here, but I am sure there is something I can help out on. It would be great experience, and it would help make my favorite game even better (hopefully!).

thanks!

Title: Re: So...how do I develop?
Post by: MatthTheGeek on June 27, 2011, 10:49:46 am

Well, if you want to help out code-wise, the fisrt step would be to grab the source code svn and try to figure it out. Repository is svn://svn.icculus.org/fs2open/trunk/fs2_open (http://svn://svn.icculus.org/fs2open/trunk/fs2_open).

The FS2 engine was originally coded in C, but FSO now uses C++. That means that most of the code is still in a C style, aka no object-oriented approach aside from parts that have been recently overhauled (the new HUD code, for example). That also mean that a good part of the code is spaghetti-class code.

That's all I can say, actual coders of the SCP can probably say more about this.

Title: Re: So...how do I develop?
Post by: The E on June 27, 2011, 10:58:59 am

Also, there's a topic covering all the setup stuff here (http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=74840.0).

In addition, I strongly recommend joining the #scp IRC channel on irc.esper.net. That way, you can get in touch with most coders quickly.

Title: Re: So...how do I develop?
Post by: Insomniac34 on June 27, 2011, 11:12:22 am

Wow, thanks guys, that's exactly what I wanted! I am busy with work and school, but I will definitely read over these code libraries in my spare time. I will definitely use IRC if I have any questions/just want to see whats going on.

Title: Re: So...how do I develop?
Post by: karajorma on June 27, 2011, 06:26:15 pm

First step is to stop assuming that the SCP coders are geniuses. We're smart but you don't need to be a highly experienced coder to help out. Determination is about 20x more important to us as it means you'll stick with it long enough to gain experience.

There are many things an inexperienced coder can do that would really help us out so it's pretty easy to go from your first day building FSO to actually making a real contribution to the project.

Title: Re: So...how do I develop?
Post by: chief1983 on June 28, 2011, 10:55:45 pm

Quote from: karajorma on June 27, 2011, 06:26:15 pm

First step is to stop assuming that the SCP coders are geniuses.

Speak for yourself ;)

Title: Re: So...how do I develop?
Post by: karajorma on June 30, 2011, 02:20:31 am

I didn't say I wasn't a genius, just that you shouldn't assume everyone with an SCP badge is. :p