Java Game Programming For Beginners: Where to Start

Java is widely used by indie game development companies and for creating mobile games. And it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, given how versatile the language is and given its rich collection of open-source material. Many of the world’s top mobile games have been developed in Java. Minecraft, Mission Impossible III, and Asphalt 6 are just a few popular names you are probably familiar with. If you’re interested in understanding how and why you should study Java game programming, keep reading.

The Ins and Outs of Java Game Programming for Beginners

Java is easy-to-use, so a beginner can learn to create a range of programs and write reusable code, easily moving between computer systems as they do so. In comparison to programming languages like C++, Java is easier to write, debug, learn and compile. If you are looking into Java game programming for beginners, you’ll need to understand the basics of coding with this language first. And then, there’s a slew of different job opportunities that will open up to you. Knowing that you’ll be able to get a job in game development will make it easier to put your head down and study the language. Java game development salary: When it comes to salary, it’s rather your level (Junior, Middle, Senior), not exactly the job title matters. According to glassdoor, if you’re looking for an entry-level position as an entry-level game programmer with zero experience (or close to this), you could earn around $62,000 a year. The more experienced you are, the higher your position will be, hence your salary will grow. The average salary for a game developer is $79,000 but that could go up to $127k/year.

Java Game Development For Dummies: Where Do I Start?

As an application layer programming language, Java isn’t hard to learn. You don’t need programming experience to start learning how to code with Java, it is well-structured and logical, so it is great for beginners. We have outlined a Java game development for dummies learning plan to help you on your way.

First, learn Java Core

• Basic Java syntax: components (objects, methods, classes), primitive data types, Strings, Loops and branches and Arrays

• Learn OOP principles. What is Object, Abstraction, Inheritance, Encapsulation, Polymorphism. Classes and Interfaces, Inner classes.

• Collection Framework: Java Collection Framework defines several classes and interfaces to represent a group of objects as a single unit.

  Learn the data structures using Java Collections interface and Map interface and their implementations (Lists, Maps, Sets).

• Java Exception mechanism simplifies bug catching in programs. All exception classes are subtypes of the java.lang.Exception class.

• Input/Output streams. Java performs Input and Output operations via Streams. A stream seems to be a continuous flow of data.

• Java Multithreading is a really difficult topic. Even the simplest task using Thread API could be challenging for a beginner. However it is important and when you learn how to use it, you’ll love it.

• and other theory basics.

Learn the basics of Android development

Android’s official website is a great learning resource for developers. It has a tutorial that walks you through creating your first Android app. If you already know Java Core, it would be helpful to learn about game components, such as GUI (graphic user interface), game graphics and physics, and sound. If you prefer learning with a mentor, we advise you to enroll in the Android app development for beginners course by CodeGym. You can start learning from zero level, and master programming basics, then move to learning the Android development. Or, if you already know some programming languages, you can go straight to learning of Android. The course includes:

• online lectures with a mentor twice a week;
• support by CodeGym and your mentor in a Slack chat
• creating four full-scale Android applications;
• live debugging sessions;
• big final project;
• course completion certificate.

Learn libGDX

libGDX is a framework for developing cross-platform games. So you can develop one code for different platforms, such as Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, macOS, and Web. It’s written in Java and provides a bunch of great functionality including drawing API’s, sound, asset handling, storage, etc.) for making game development much easier. It has sufficient documentation to get you started. libGDX is based on LWJGL, a library that lets you have access to OpenGL graphics library and contains tools you need to create 2D and 3D games. LWJGL supports cross-platform API for creating music and sound effects OpenAL as well as OpenCL, a standard for cross-platform parallel programming.

What else?

git and gitHub

Git is the most widely used version-control system for tracking changes in computer files and coordinating work on those files among multiple people. Every professional should know it and GitHub, the largest web service for hosting IT projects and their joint development. Some Indie developers make all the game from scratch, with all graphics, design level maps, textures, sprites of characters, texture atlases, but for your first projects you may use free graphics from different resources. Once you get the hang of Android app development, you can start practicing on making games. The Internet is full of written and video tutorials on making simple games.

Never stop learning — keep practicing

There’s no endgame when it comes to being a developer. Technologies progress, users, shift interests and become more demanding, so you need to constantly improve your skills. Just remember to divide your time between researching topics and doing practical exercises, spend more time on practice.

Things to Keep In Mind When Studying Java

Do you remember how babies try to walk, falling down and getting up again and again? The same story with programming, it is a practical activity. It is all about creating applications! Until you practice your concepts you can’t be sure that you know them. And unless you know Java’s basic concepts, you won’t advance to the next level and dabble in the more complex aspects of Java programming. So keep more practice, less theory, especially for your first steps.

Practice Makes Perfect

Java’s popularity also means that there isn’t a shortage of practice opportunities.

• Practice while playing with CodeGym: It’s designed for beginners. It allows you to create minigames and programs, giving you numerous opportunities to put your knowledge of Java theory to the test.
• Make use of small tasks and exercises on w3Resouce. It's set up so that you can check the theory when you’re working on a project, helping you to practice using the programming language.

Example of coding exercises

Before you go into Java game development, try out some basic coding exercises:

• Logic exercises, such as creating a Fibonacci number sequence or computing a number’s factorial.
• Input and Output exercises such as listing numerous files in your chosen directory.
• String Manipulation exercises such as replacing a single part of a string.

Once you are comfortable with the basics of the Java language, you’ll need to start trying out more complex exercises, such as:

• Building a pyramid with numbers.
• Creating a small 2 player game. Keep in mind that it should be text-based.
• Once you’ve created the two-player game, try to program it so that a single player can play against the computer.

Remember to practice every day as you need time to hone your Java programming skills.

Use Every Online Resource at Your Disposal

When self-studying Java programming, you need to look out for everything and anything that’ll help you. Java is a popular programming language, which means that there are a number of forums, video courses and online resources out there. You just need to use them! Java programming forums will help you to immerse yourself in the language. Stack Overflow and Oracle's Java Community are just a couple of examples of the online Java communities you can use to discuss your Java learning experiences with people who are struggling with the same issues that you are and get advice from professionals who have more experience then you do. You can even find video courses and tutorials on YouTube, here are a few of them:

• Let's Build a Game in Java — a series of tutorials by RealTutsGML; the channel also has topical tutorials like building a Zombie game.

• Java Game Development — tutorials about the fundamentals of Java game development by DevFactor.

• Java Tutorial For Beginners — a detailed course from ProgrammingKnowledge starting from the history of the language and installing the Java Development Kit.

Don’t Forget to Hit Those Books

As much as you need to practice when learning a programming language, Java theory is still important and books are a great source of that. They’re a way of getting the tips, tricks, and Java coding processes straight from the experts. Here are a couple of e-book options that you could try:

• Java Programming Dummies by Wayne Holder
  Don’t worry that it’s an old book. Though published in 1984, it’s still relevant for beginners learning Java’s foundation. It’ll outline the steps which allow you to create games using Java coding. It will also give you an understanding of texture mapping and advanced imaging techniques.

• Introduction to Programming in Java by Robert Sedgewick and Kevin Wayne
  This book gives students the tools that they need to become familiar with Java’s programming language. It focuses on the application and uses examples to bring the highly technical topic alive for students, making it easier for them to absorb the information.

• Killer Game Programming in Java by Andrew Davison
  Killer Game Programming covers Java’s graphics and techniques. This comprehensive guide will give you a number of reusable techniques, to create awesome action-packed games. It also covers 2D APIs and 3D sprites as well as games that require programming and fractals.

Wrap Up

It’s easy for beginners to start using Java for game development, once you learn the basics. It just requires a bit of dedication, persistence, and practice. Devise a learning plan, go to online communities, use practical courses, learn theory, and try out video tutorials to help you along the way. Once you get your head around Java you can start looking for Junior game dev positions and internships. And once you do find a job, keep an eye on the latest trends so that you’re always at the top of your game.