I've had my GP2X for about three months now.
I've listened to MP3, watched movies, read ebooks, and showed people pictures of my kids.
I've replayed Doom and Doom 2, and Quake.
I've replayed most of my favorite games from years past, on the PCEngine, Lynx, NES, Gameboy, SNES, Megadrive.
I've played Beat2x, Solitaire, Freecell, Sokoban, Dstroy, Miss Driller, Sudoku, The Minigame Project, Oh The Humanity, Hexbattle, Liquidwar, Super Mario War, Bunny Traps, etc, etc, etc
I've messed with gp2x-gpe and qtopia.
I've learned to write simple bash scripts and how to traverse a linux filesystem. I know how to mount a share in samba, or telnet into my gp2x, but...
I still feel like I'm missing something great about this wonderful handheld. It's not so much that I'm getting bored as I'm running out of things to tinker with as I've tried almost everything it seems. (Not that my list is conclusive, just didn't want to name everything.)
What am I missing out on? What should I try? Are there games or programs that might have slipped under the radar so to speak?
Look forward to your responses.
- Mike
Full Version: Feel Like I'm Missing Something
Do you know what this means?
You want to programmmm!
*weee
You want to programmmm!
*weee
I was just thinking the same thing.
Does software/game development interest you at all?
C/C++ or perhaps Fenix?
Does software/game development interest you at all?
C/C++ or perhaps Fenix?
QUOTE(Shikaku @ Aug 19 2006, 03:49 PM) 
Do you know what this means?
You want to programmmm!
*weee
I left my C++ for Dummies book in The States, but I used to program (don't laugh) in BASIC, so I'm not totally unfamiliar with the concept, it's just so daunting because of all these makefiles, toolchains, and things I've never heard of...
Programming for a handheld is a bit harder then
10 PRINT "Hello World!"
20 END
Where do I start?
I don't think C is very hard if you can code in basic, most people started in basic and moved up when they needed to do more.
You should adjust to the different syntax quite fast if you get a project to hack about with.
You should adjust to the different syntax quite fast if you get a project to hack about with.
QUOTE(michaeljustman @ Aug 19 2006, 05:53 AM)
QUOTE(Shikaku @ Aug 19 2006, 03:49 PM)
Do you know what this means?
You want to programmmm!
*weee
I left my C++ for Dummies book in The States, but I used to program (don't laugh) in BASIC, so I'm not totally unfamiliar with the concept, it's just so daunting because of all these makefiles, toolchains, and things I've never heard of...
Programming for a handheld is a bit harder then
10 PRINT "Hello World!"
20 END
Where do I start?
you could start by looking at other peoples code, buying a cheap 20 dollar book with the basics and reading the wiki(if its up yet it was down a couple days ago). Their are also some sites that give you tutorials on writing loops, linked lists and other wonderful things. C and C++ are not that difficult of languages I went from java to C++ and the transition didn't take much and I love it.
Out of curiosity where do you live now?
QUOTE(michaeljustman @ Aug 19 2006, 12:53 PM)
I left my C++ for Dummies book in The States, but I used to program (don't laugh) in BASIC, so I'm not totally unfamiliar with the concept, it's just so daunting because of all these makefiles, toolchains, and things I've never heard of...
Programming for a handheld is a bit harder then
10 PRINT "Hello World!"
20 END
*big smile* Started with that program myself, so it's good place to begin!Programming for a handheld is a bit harder then
10 PRINT "Hello World!"
20 END
"Makefiles" and "toolchains" I have a passing memory of but never looked into them all that hard.
And I've even made a game now (Shameless plug: oxo v0.3 now with AI)! As for things I've not heard of, tend to leave them alone until I need to hear about them
There is a copy of "C++ for Dummies" about the house but it was only useful in so much as the syntax, if you know flow control and that sort of thing, you're half way there.
QUOTE(michaeljustman @ Aug 19 2006, 12:53 PM)
Where do I start?
Grab a copy of the offical DevKit (with Dev-C++ all set up and ready to run in it, it'll make the "makefiles" for you, toolchain already installed and working), and then take a look at the Lazy Foo' Productions "Beginning Game Programming" and run with it...
After that your imagination is your limit!
QUOTE(oqnet @ Aug 19 2006, 04:01 PM)
QUOTE(michaeljustman @ Aug 19 2006, 05:53 AM)
QUOTE(Shikaku @ Aug 19 2006, 03:49 PM)
Do you know what this means?
You want to programmmm!
*weee
I left my C++ for Dummies book in The States, but I used to program (don't laugh) in BASIC, so I'm not totally unfamiliar with the concept, it's just so daunting because of all these makefiles, toolchains, and things I've never heard of...
Programming for a handheld is a bit harder then
10 PRINT "Hello World!"
20 END
Where do I start?
you could start by looking at other peoples code, buying a cheap 20 dollar book with the basics and reading the wiki(if its up yet it was down a couple days ago). Their are also some sites that give you tutorials on writing loops, linked lists and other wonderful things. C and C++ are not that difficult of languages I went from java to C++ and the transition didn't take much and I love it.
Out of curiosity where do you live now?
I don't really live anywhere. My family is in Texas right now. I'm an American in the Middle East. I'd give you three guesses as to why I'm here, but you'd only need one.
I've got Dev-C++ installed. Found SDL.dll and put it in system32. I tried to add
CODE
printf "Hello World.";
inside one of the button checking loops in the program, but with no luck. Compiles, but can't figure out why it doesn't work. (Maybe cause I don't really know C
).When I file ends in .c, it is programmed in C and .cpp is C++. What's the difference?
Guess I'll just have to start reading. Thanks for motivating me to try this.
C++ support Object Oriented programming, with classes etc.
And it supports booleans!
And it supports booleans!
QUOTE(michaeljustman @ Aug 19 2006, 01:15 PM)
When I file ends in .c, it is programmed in C and .cpp is C++. What's the difference?
Guess I'll just have to start reading. Thanks for motivating me to try this.
C++ is an object oriented language which is based on C. You can generally compile C with a C++ compiler.
e.g.
C or C++
printf("Hello World\n");
C++ only
cout << "Hello World" << endl;
PS If you want some good games, look at my sig
QUOTE(Montsubai @ Aug 19 2006, 04:18 PM)
C++ support Object Oriented programming, with classes etc.
And it supports booleans!
Isn't a boolean, just an integer? 0 and non-zero and such?
Reading the Lazy Foo Tutorial right now. Silly me: Surface loading and Blitting... not just outputing strings to the screen.
If you run your program from sterm or over telnet, you will be able to see the strings
I wrote this for a PSP forum but most of it should apply. Just replace PSP with GP2X 
QUOTE
If you are just starting out with C++, then completely forget about programming for the PSP for the moment. It will only add an extra layer of complexity that will stop you from learning the language and the main concepts of programming.
Learn the fundamentals first, these include:
- Variables
- Conditional Statements
- Loops
- Functions
- Return values
- Parameter passing
Gamedev have a C++ workshop that has been going for a while now that you still might be able to catch up. 'Thinking like a Computer scientist' is also considered a good free ebook but nothing will substitute a good 'real' book on paper. At this point, you be mostly working with text in a 'console' (ie command prompt).
Targets: simple applications such as a Line based text editor that reads and writes to a file, Tic Tac Toe, a Text Adventure (with a command parser), Hangman, etc.
Workshop: http://www.gamedev.net/community/for...sp?forum_id=76
Thinking like a computer Scientist (C++ version): http://www.andamooka.org/reader.pl?section=thinkcpp
C Plus Plus Site: http://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/
After this you can move onto more language specific areas such as the macros, pointers, references, const, header/source organisation. Also you can start looking at graphical libraries such as SDL and OpenGL, both of which are cross platform and work on the PSP. This means that you can work on the PC and with some minor changes to the code, recompile and it should work on the PSP as well.
Targets: Graphical games such as Tetris, Breakout, snake, Mario clone, a small FPS level.
Thinking In C++ Vol 1: http://www.mindview.net/Books/TICPP/...ngInCPP2e.html
SDL tutorials: http://lazyfooproductions.com/SDL_tutorials/index.php
OpenGL tutorials: http://nehe.gamedev.net/
Finally, you can jump into Object Orientation programming and the finer areas of the language (although you can do this at any point really). Thinking in C++ Vol 2 is probably the best free ebook in this area.
Targets: Anything you want, think big and go for it.
http://www.mindview.net/Books/TICPP/...ngInCPP2e.html
Working on games? At the bottom line, there is little difference in approach to designing a Word Processor and a Game. They both require careful thought and preparation before starting otherwise you end up with very hacky and messy code base which will hinder your project's progress. At present, some of the Lua projects going on here (no offence to anyone, I know you guys are still learning) are falling in that trap, I myself have done so several times in the past as well. However, there several areas that will help you greatly in designing and building a game. One of them is Finite State Machines (FSM). This has been used for the game's structure, AI, item behaviour etc. The other skill is Abstraction which you will pick up with experience. It is basically taking an object and form it in code, from 'base' componments. Eg:
What is a bullet? It has an position in space (X, Y ,Z value), graphical representation and a velocity.
Some other bits and pieces of information:
Keep up your math skills at a good level, especially areas such as Trigonometry, Algebra and Vector math. They are invaluable in programming especially game programmming. Later on, you will need to have some knowledge of matrix math when dealing with 3D scenes.
Here are some FAQs for the C++ language, Matrix math and vectors although you wont need them for a while yet:
C++ FAQ lite: http://www.parashift.com/c++-faq-lite/
Matrix Math FAQ: http://www.gamedev.net/reference/art...rticle1691.asp
Vector Math FAQ: http://www.j3d.org/matrix_faq/vectfaq_latest.html
Learn the Standard Template Library (STL) or/and Boost. They have a number of template classes that are extremely useful such as vectors, lists and smart pointers. Abuse them.
Here are a list of good books to read although they will be at an advance level so keep the list as future reference:
Code Complete
Rapid Development
Pragmatic Programmer
Game Coding Complete (Fantastic book, MUST READ)
Effective C++
Design Patterns: Elements Of Reusable Object Orientated Software
There is a ton more information that I can pass on but I think this should keep you going for a while and you will pick up the rest as you go along.
Learn the fundamentals first, these include:
- Variables
- Conditional Statements
- Loops
- Functions
- Return values
- Parameter passing
Gamedev have a C++ workshop that has been going for a while now that you still might be able to catch up. 'Thinking like a Computer scientist' is also considered a good free ebook but nothing will substitute a good 'real' book on paper. At this point, you be mostly working with text in a 'console' (ie command prompt).
Targets: simple applications such as a Line based text editor that reads and writes to a file, Tic Tac Toe, a Text Adventure (with a command parser), Hangman, etc.
Workshop: http://www.gamedev.net/community/for...sp?forum_id=76
Thinking like a computer Scientist (C++ version): http://www.andamooka.org/reader.pl?section=thinkcpp
C Plus Plus Site: http://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/
After this you can move onto more language specific areas such as the macros, pointers, references, const, header/source organisation. Also you can start looking at graphical libraries such as SDL and OpenGL, both of which are cross platform and work on the PSP. This means that you can work on the PC and with some minor changes to the code, recompile and it should work on the PSP as well.
Targets: Graphical games such as Tetris, Breakout, snake, Mario clone, a small FPS level.
Thinking In C++ Vol 1: http://www.mindview.net/Books/TICPP/...ngInCPP2e.html
SDL tutorials: http://lazyfooproductions.com/SDL_tutorials/index.php
OpenGL tutorials: http://nehe.gamedev.net/
Finally, you can jump into Object Orientation programming and the finer areas of the language (although you can do this at any point really). Thinking in C++ Vol 2 is probably the best free ebook in this area.
Targets: Anything you want, think big and go for it.
http://www.mindview.net/Books/TICPP/...ngInCPP2e.html
Working on games? At the bottom line, there is little difference in approach to designing a Word Processor and a Game. They both require careful thought and preparation before starting otherwise you end up with very hacky and messy code base which will hinder your project's progress. At present, some of the Lua projects going on here (no offence to anyone, I know you guys are still learning) are falling in that trap, I myself have done so several times in the past as well. However, there several areas that will help you greatly in designing and building a game. One of them is Finite State Machines (FSM). This has been used for the game's structure, AI, item behaviour etc. The other skill is Abstraction which you will pick up with experience. It is basically taking an object and form it in code, from 'base' componments. Eg:
What is a bullet? It has an position in space (X, Y ,Z value), graphical representation and a velocity.
Some other bits and pieces of information:
Keep up your math skills at a good level, especially areas such as Trigonometry, Algebra and Vector math. They are invaluable in programming especially game programmming. Later on, you will need to have some knowledge of matrix math when dealing with 3D scenes.
Here are some FAQs for the C++ language, Matrix math and vectors although you wont need them for a while yet:
C++ FAQ lite: http://www.parashift.com/c++-faq-lite/
Matrix Math FAQ: http://www.gamedev.net/reference/art...rticle1691.asp
Vector Math FAQ: http://www.j3d.org/matrix_faq/vectfaq_latest.html
Learn the Standard Template Library (STL) or/and Boost. They have a number of template classes that are extremely useful such as vectors, lists and smart pointers. Abuse them.
Here are a list of good books to read although they will be at an advance level so keep the list as future reference:
Code Complete
Rapid Development
Pragmatic Programmer
Game Coding Complete (Fantastic book, MUST READ)
Effective C++
Design Patterns: Elements Of Reusable Object Orientated Software
There is a ton more information that I can pass on but I think this should keep you going for a while and you will pick up the rest as you go along.
QUOTE(yaustar @ Aug 19 2006, 02:11 PM)
I wrote this for a PSP forum but most of it should apply. Just replace PSP with GP2X
QUOTE
If you are just starting out with C++, then completely forget about programming for the
(lots of useful stuff removed, see above)
.
(lots of useful stuff removed, see above)
.
Wow, that is a lot of things to think about. Consider it copied and stored offline.
Thanks Yaustar, very useful.
QUOTE(BenScar @ Aug 19 2006, 02:56 AM)
Wow, that is a lot of things to think about. Consider it copied and stored offline.
Thanks Yaustar, very useful.
No problem. Glad someone finds it useful
I might have misread but i didnt see you mention playing neogeo.
I think that it's best start coding C, as people from basic are not familiar with object oriented programming (and also C is faster than C++)
if you have ever used the DIM statement in basic, in C you'll have to do it for each variable that you got
besides that, you'll have to include some headers and you're on the go for your first Hello, world! in gp2x
grab devkit for gp2x/arm but don't try to compile eveything else (squidgesnes, mame, etc..) this time
if you have ever used the DIM statement in basic, in C you'll have to do it for each variable that you got
besides that, you'll have to include some headers and you're on the go for your first Hello, world! in gp2x
grab devkit for gp2x/arm but don't try to compile eveything else (squidgesnes, mame, etc..) this time
first language i learned was c++, then basic, doing java now
QUOTE(xinfernoofdantex @ Aug 19 2006, 11:23 AM)
first language i learned was c++, then basic, doing java now
Yeah, in my Computer Science class right now, they're teaching us the fundamentals of OOP using Java.
Perhaps I can transfer some of that knowledge to whenever I want to learn C++.
Definitely give coding a go, it's a very satisfying endeavour!
- Alex
- Alex
QUOTE(whiskthecat @ Aug 19 2006, 07:46 PM)
I might have misread but i didnt see you mention playing neogeo.
I don't actually own any neogeo games.
, so that's out. But I might be able to aquire some. I guess I missed that whole scene.Internet went down (sand-storm
), so I've been trying to compile something and no help from the internet. No matter what I try to compile I always get the error:QUOTE
[Linker error] undefined reference to `SDL_RWFromFile'
and several such errors with other things instead of 'SDL_RWFromFile'. What is this and what am I doing wrong?
Why not try Fenix, I am starting to write in Fenix myself, so far it seems kewl.
Oh and Boolean isn't an integer, its value can be True, or False. That's all.
Oh and Boolean isn't an integer, its value can be True, or False. That's all.
I also suggest that you start out with Fenix or Python/Pygame, then after you've got a couple of small games under your belt move on to C.
- Alex
- Alex
QUOTE(michaeljustman @ Aug 19 2006, 07:45 PM)
QUOTE(whiskthecat @ Aug 19 2006, 07:46 PM)
I might have misread but i didnt see you mention playing neogeo.
I don't actually own any neogeo games.
, so that's out. But I might be able to aquire some. I guess I missed that whole scene.Internet went down (sand-storm
), so I've been trying to compile something and no help from the internet. No matter what I try to compile I always get the error:QUOTE
[Linker error] undefined reference to `SDL_RWFromFile'
and several such errors with other things instead of 'SDL_RWFromFile'. What is this and what am I doing wrong?
Add -lSDL to your linker line in whatever IDE you happen to be using.
BTW, I have the "C for dummies vol. 1" book (Not C++) and it sucks, it's as thick as my arm, and I could do more in BASIC than I learned to do in C. It's padded out with overly complicated explainations and "fun quizes", and the one time it actually needed a good explaination (writing the clearscreen function) it bottled out, and the code they gave didn't work for me. 
I like Python, at the moment I'm trying to write a 3d engine from scratch in Python
(Although I have no clue how they're supposed to work, so it will probably end up really weird)
And I haven't even got a book yet
I like Python, at the moment I'm trying to write a 3d engine from scratch in Python
(Although I have no clue how they're supposed to work, so it will probably end up really weird)
And I haven't even got a book yet
I also suggest Fenix. It has simple syntax, and is built from the ground-up to make games (and everybody knows these are the things that are most fun to program).
Python/Pygame is awesome, but the performance is not on-par with fenix ATM, because fenix is seriously optimized by Puck2099 and pygame was just a quick port (I think).
Python/Pygame is awesome, but the performance is not on-par with fenix ATM, because fenix is seriously optimized by Puck2099 and pygame was just a quick port (I think).
Im missing Vobbo and his great PC Engine emulator, man May/June was exciting waiting for the next update...
Im missing you Vobbo come back to us !!
Im missing you Vobbo come back to us !!
I'd really like to learn C++ because I'm in a computer field and I won't be taken serious unless I program in a "real" programming language, but Fenix and Python aren't out of the picture. I could learn them, I imagine.
I can't seem to get the Bloodshed Dev-C++ that was made to make GP2X apps to compile anything. It's really a bummer.
I tried adding -ISDL to the linker section for my project, but it still errors out, even with the demo program.
What am I doing wrong?
I can't seem to get the Bloodshed Dev-C++ that was made to make GP2X apps to compile anything. It's really a bummer.
I tried adding -ISDL to the linker section for my project, but it still errors out, even with the demo program.
What am I doing wrong?
Its -lSDL not -ISDL.
QUOTE(yaustar @ Aug 20 2006, 06:04 PM)
Its -lSDL not -ISDL.
I guess I proven my might when I comes to C++ programming.
May every problem that I have be a simple of a fix as this one proved to be. It compiles! Yay! Curse the romans for making '1', 'l', and 'I', so alike.
QUOTE(michaeljustman @ Aug 20 2006, 03:16 PM)
QUOTE(yaustar @ Aug 20 2006, 06:04 PM)
Its -lSDL not -ISDL.
I guess I proven my might when I comes to C++ programming.
May every problem that I have be a simple of a fix as this one proved to be. It compiles! Yay! Curse the romans for making '1', 'l', and 'I', so alike.
endl is the bintiest part of c++ there ever was...
Surprised no one's mentioned The C Programming Language, by Kernighan & Ritchie. If you're looking to learn C (and already know the basics of how programming usually works), this is the book. Probably considered the most essential
I actually have that book on my shelf. Completely forgot about it.
for c++ the book i sued was C++ without fear by brian overland, great book, i also have c++, the complete reference by herbert schildt
What?!! No deep C secrets .. ??! best book for the toilet C programmer to leave in the loo ..
does anyone know of an english-language Fenix tutorial - one that's more indepth than the one by ED?
An Absolute Beginner's Guide to C is an awesome book for learning C. I sat in front of my PC and read it for a couple of days, and I didn't find C difficult at all (though I regret not reading in-depth about pointers; it covers that, but I didn't quite get it).
QUOTE
Feel Like I'm Missing Something, What am I missing from the 2X experience?
I was feeling the same way and realised for me it was probably the lack of commercial games/software.. hopefully that will change someday.
wanna know what you're missing from the GP2X experience?
SD MONSTERPACKS!! Bwaahahaaha! These rock, to be honest .. especially since there's a vast cataract, nay flood, verily some form of deluge or spate of them out there on the 'net ..
Why do they rock? Unzip to SD, plug in SD, play. Zero futzing around, beyond the watery bit ..
SD MONSTERPACKS!! Bwaahahaaha! These rock, to be honest .. especially since there's a vast cataract, nay flood, verily some form of deluge or spate of them out there on the 'net ..
Why do they rock? Unzip to SD, plug in SD, play. Zero futzing around, beyond the watery bit ..
QUOTE(torpor @ Aug 21 2006, 10:47 AM)
Zero futzing around
Where's the fun in that?
QUOTE(subcon959 @ Aug 21 2006, 05:28 PM)
QUOTE(torpor @ Aug 21 2006, 10:47 AM)
Zero futzing around
Where's the fun in that?
I always set up the emulator myself...
Lazy asses!
QUOTE
Feel Like I'm Missing Something, What am I missing from the 2X experience?
Have you bricked it? Have you ported a version of Pang? Have you flamed a newbie on the forum? Have you tried three different menu artworks? Have you tested to see how far you can overclock? Have you published a magazine? Have you tried all the homebrew games? Have you asked somebody to port World of Warcraft? Have you painted your case? Have you fried your voltage regulator? Have you found that one special overlooked treasure that nobody talks about?
Try the Vic20 and C64 Emulators
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