Registered: Jun 2002
Location: Oregon, USA
Posts: 19

I'm interesting in getting my hands into fiddling with the Freespace 2 code, but I have no idea how or where to start. What do I need, aside from the source code? If I have to buy something expensive, I'm out, as I have almost no money.

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Registered: Jun 2002
Location: Oregon, USA
Posts: 19

I'm interesting in getting my hands into fiddling with the Freespace 2 code, but I have no idea how or where to start. What do I need, aside from the source code? If I have to buy something expensive, I'm out, as I have almost no money.

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Registered: Aug 2001
Location: Imperial Palace, Coruscant
Posts: 272

Chances are, if you don't know some basic coding already, you'll end up throwing your hands in the air and walking away. Read some of the threads around about the source code (try [url=http://dynamic4.gamespy.com/~freespace/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=50]The FS2 Source Code Forum on HLP[/url]) and see if you have any idea what they're talking about.

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[url=http://www.3dap.com/hlp/hosted/fsport/]Revisit the Great War at the Freespace Port![/url]

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Registered: Aug 2001
Location:
Posts: 214

Chances are, if you don't know some basic coding already, you'll end up throwing your hands in the air and walking away. Read some of the threads around about the source code (try [url=http://dynamic4.gamespy.com/~freespace/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=50]The FS2 Source Code Forum on HLP[/url]) and see if you have any idea what they're talking about.

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Galemp, you should be shoved into the intake of a Boeing 777.
-Mikhael, upon seeing my [url=http://dynamic4.gamespy.com/~freespace/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=19105]FS uglies[/url]

[url=http://www.3dap.com/hlp/hosted/fsport/]Revisit the Great War at the Freespace Port![/url]

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Registered: Dec 2001
Location:
Posts: 80

quote:

---

Originally posted by JudgeMental
I'm interesting in getting my hands into fiddling with the Freespace 2 code, but I have no idea how or where to start. What do I need, aside from the source code? If I have to buy something expensive, I'm out, as I have almost no money.

---

Looking into a language such as PHP or JavaScript that's based on C/C++ is probably a good idea. It'll give you a good idea of how a basic program functions, which will make the transition to C/C++ easier. There's a whole bunch of things different between PHP/Javascript and C/C++, but if statements such as "if", "elseif", "else", "while", and such are second nature to you, it's one less thing to have to figure out.

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Registered: Dec 2001
Location:
Posts: 80

quote:

---

Originally posted by JudgeMental
I'm interesting in getting my hands into fiddling with the Freespace 2 code, but I have no idea how or where to start. What do I need, aside from the source code? If I have to buy something expensive, I'm out, as I have almost no money.

---

Looking into a language such as PHP or JavaScript that's based on C/C++ is probably a good idea. It'll give you a good idea of how a basic program functions, which will make the transition to C/C++ easier. There's a whole bunch of things different between PHP/Javascript and C/C++, but if statements such as "if", "elseif", "else", "while", and such are second nature to you, it's one less thing to have to figure out.

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Registered: Jun 2002
Location: Oregon, USA
Posts: 19

Hmm, I've already done a bit of programming, both in VB (beginners language, I know) and JavaScript. It's just been two years or so, so I am basically considering myself a newbie.

Those statements, at least, I am familiar with for the most part I'll have to look for a few books at the library, as soon as I pay off my fine. Are there any programs needed or anything?

*sighs*

But I don't give up easily. And I'm patient.

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Registered: Jun 2002
Location: Oregon, USA
Posts: 19

Hmm, I've already done a bit of programming, both in VB (beginners language, I know) and JavaScript. It's just been two years or so, so I am basically considering myself a newbie.

Those statements, at least, I am familiar with for the most part I'll have to look for a few books at the library, as soon as I pay off my fine. Are there any programs needed or anything?

*sighs*

But I don't give up easily. And I'm patient.

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Registered: May 2001
Location: Israel
Posts: 144

Well, right now, you have to have Microsoft Visual C++ v6.0 or higher if you want it to compile out of the box (Or the zip, rather). The code is fairly easy to understand in some parts (Like the graphics rendering), and pretty horrible in others (like FRED).
If you want to fiddle with the code, start with small things, and progressively go to harder things to modify.

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Registered: May 2001
Location: Israel
Posts: 144

Well, right now, you have to have Microsoft Visual C++ v6.0 or higher if you want it to compile out of the box (Or the zip, rather). The code is fairly easy to understand in some parts (Like the graphics rendering), and pretty horrible in others (like FRED).
If you want to fiddle with the code, start with small things, and progressively go to harder things to modify.

__________________
-"Oh God, please don't kill me today. Tomorrow is so much better."
Spathi prayer, Star-Control 2

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