Thread: Hello

Hi there, my name is Mark. I've just started learning programming in the past few months and have slowly been working through the University of Helsinki online course for Java. I'm a 22 year old student and will be going for a Masters in Political Science this September. My hobbies include video games, reading and politics.

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Wow, a PoliSci programmer. Are you learning to program because you want to, or is it an odd elective for your major? Doesn't matter, just curious. Whatever the reason, glad you're here.

Thanks a lot, learning programming just for the fun of it. Always been interested in trying it out since I've enjoyed video games for so long and finally found an online class that seemed like I would enjoy. Also was looking for a more marketable skill if I didn't make it into Masters.

Enjoyment of video games motivates many to learn programming but many of who start that way become overwhelmed by how hard it actually is and give up - and programming by itself is not really that hard. Most (all?) modern video games are made by a talented team, each member with a specific talent and years of experience. One person crafting something representative is almost impossible.

Don't mean to discourage but instead encourage patience and acceptance that the games you enjoy take time and require many talents to create. Learn the basics, and even if you don't get much further than that, you should gain the ability to think logically, something missing in today's PoliSci graduates (j/k).

Haha, don't worry I don't have any delusions on my ability to make a game by myself. It's just kind of where I developed the interest and if I want to do it someday I may as well start now. Thank you for the warning/encouragement.