Hi all i'm Tooke and I joined this forum because it seemed like a good place to start. I am wanting to learn how to make my own text based game, one like ZorgEmpire, Ogame and EternaVerse, only with more depth. However I have no background in programming and I have no idea on what I should learn or where to learn them.

first - I need to know what I need to learn.
second - I need to know where I can learn it. An online site would be helpful but I would prefer a program for download.
third - If somebody has any sample coding I could get (just to use as an example), it would be really appreciated

thanks, tooke

Hi Tooke, welcome to astahost. I personally started programming learning Java and I know that it is possible to create a text-based game using Java (as well as GUI). I'm pretty certain you can create a text-based game using other languages as well. Just look around and see what you like.

I have just what you need, I have started writing a series of tutorials on how to create your own text based game using php and mysql. First of all I would suggest you run through this first tutorial called "PHP 101". This is an excellent tutorial and will get you to grips with the basics of php and mysql which will be enough for you to go on to my php text based mmorpg tutorial.

I'll post the links for each tutorial below. I'll be writing more tutorials to go with the others soon, I've just had a busy month and haven't had chance to add to it yet.

PHP 101: http://devzone.zend.com/article/627

Text Based Game Tutorials:
Part 1: Advanced User Account System
Part 2: Creating your first modules

I hope these get you through what you need to learn and well on your way to creating your own text based game.

8ennett

thanks 8ennett this looks really good, i will start reading it right away.

okay so in PHP 101 i';m downloading PHP-5.3.3.tar.gz.gz is this the right one? also it says something about apache where do i download this?

Welcome to Astahost. You can also start learning C++ and develop some text-based games in a console. If you'd like, you could learn Win32 programming with C++ to develop games with a GUI and maybe some graphics with a Game Engine.

If you're using Windows, you can download Wampserver from http://www.wampserver.com/en/index.php

and use it, it's a simple all in one solution for localhost, it has PHP, MySQL and Apache which you can use on your computer and you don't need to install everything separately.

Just remember to free port 80, for example when installing, turn off skype if you're using it, if you're using skype, make it not to use ports 80 and 443 so that Apache server could bind them.

I am very glad to find such an open and helpful community. Just goes to show that you should always thrust your gut feeling. I picked this forum just because it was the first to pop up. i didn't even sign up for others because I just had the feeling lol. Thanks again and I am installing it. But about the ports? i'm using windows xp pro. where do I go to open and close ports, i have never had too this before.

tooke

OK, probably you already guessed it, the name of the WAMP bundle stands for Apache, MySQL and PHP for Windows.
If you installed nothing special on your PC, you can leave the port things as default.
If you have (intentionally or not) installed server programs which use IP ports like 80: you will have to find which ports are in use and choose different ports for WAMP.

okay i haven't got anything installed yet so its all good

Okay so I have decided to put the whole text based game on hold for a little while, while reading more posts here I have found a text saying i should have everything on paper first. So while I am playing around with all that stuff (got everything in my head, just not on the paper). so while I do that i'm going to make a forum, sounds easier to begin with and I need one for the game anyways, plus this way I can get future player input.

so with that said, I am now looking for a tutorial on how to make a forum, If possible with lessons as I learn better by doing then if I just read.

thanks, tooke

Right well if you can be patient the next part of the tutorial I'm writing includes a forum and an admin panel, however it won't be ready for about 2 weeks. There are other good forum tutorials out there, and once you have run through them you can then go on to start making your own changes and additions.

I'm sorry the next part of the tutorial won't be ready soon though, I've just been very busy getting my new site ready to go.

Hope you got a copy of apache, php and mysql ready. If you aren't using WAMP and doing it yourself then install apache first of all, then install php and mysql after that. You need to install apache first because when you install php you need to select the "Apache 2.2.x" module and point it toward apaches config file. Also it would probably be best if you did a full install of php so you have all the extensions included (like GD2 and MySQL).

Finally when setting up mysql, make sure you set it to a developer machine, this way the amount of concurrent connections is limited to about 15 which should keep memory consumption to a minimum.

You will find around here we love to be helpful. Also since you have signed up looking for help are you aware of myCents and how they work? I suggest you click on the billing and support link on the left menu and sign up for it immediately using the same email address you signed up for this forum with. You earn myCents by making posts on these forums, and when you have gathered enough mycents they are converted in to $ in the billing and support area and you can use this money to purchase full premium web hosting packages. If you already knew that though then ignore this lol

No I didn't know that so thank you very much. and I am using WAMP so i got no worry's there. I will for sure have a look at your tutorial when you get it out.

And just one more thing real quick. What are the steps of things I need too do while I make the Forum. What do I start with the login page or what not, and what do I do first on that. (I find it easier when everything is broken down into steps, most people do i would think. So if somebody could do that or post a link too a post/site that does, it would be really nice.

thanks, tooke

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