If you could, can you list your skills in programming (languages, software, etc) and any advice you could give. Looking to build my skills back.
As we speak, I am learning C++ right now.
As we speak, I am learning C++ right now.
So, does that mean you have any previous experience with Object Oriented programming?
UnrealScript, Java, C#, bit of C++.
I've always found it easier to learn by having something that works that I can break to find out how and why it works. Starting from Hello World leaves a huge disconnect for me, asking ok, how do I use this to actually DO anything?
For example, a few months ago I started messing around with XNA. I downloaded and set up the Platformer Starter Kit and started making small changes to it so I could pick apart and examine how the code is all connected.
My advice (assuming you're already familiar with the basics of programming languages) would be to find some open source or free source code in the language you want to learn and start poking at it.
VB.NET should be quite OOPish. From the VB syntax to the C++ syntax it's a longer way than from e.g. C#, Java or UnrealScript, though. And all those languages are garbage-collected, while C++ isn't. Also you usually won't get nice exceptions telling you waht went wrong and where, but only weird misbehavior or crashes.
Then you will probably have three main tasks:
- Refresh your VB.NET knowledge (not necessarily in practice, but try to remember as much as possible).
- Get to know the differences between VB-style and C-style syntax.
- Wrap your head around the fact that C++ does not have a built-in garbage collector and you mess with pointer, not just references.
UnrealScript, Java, C#, bit of C++.
Increase my skills (change job situation in 1 or 2 years)
Unless you're planning on using the UE3 version of UDK I'd stay away from UnrealScript as it's now deprecated.
What sort of job do you intend to take? Game developer? Mobile app developer? Web app developer?
Hmm? Oh, I was just listing my skills as requested, not making a suggestion. Yeah I wouldn't learn UnrealScript at this point unless you have a reason to use UE3 instead of UE4.
If you intend to stay in DC, and for traditional business/government software development, I’d say focus on C#/T-SQL.
FYI, those skills won't necessarily be portable everywhere ...
Let's go with Web App Developer. With some Database on the side.