Interested in learning how to program with Java? Let’s face it, the best way to learn to program is by writing programs. This can be a daunting proposition with the specter of hours of simple command line example programs hanging over your head. Fear not! Now you can learn to program in Java in a fun way by working on video games.
With this book, you’ll get to work with three Java game projects and have access to the complete game code for each project, including a full Java game engine. After completing Introduction to Java through Game Development, you’ll be proficient in Java programming, having worked with the language’s fundamental aspects throughout the text, and will be ready to further your Java and game programming expertise with confidence.
What You'll- Master the fundamentals of the Java programming language
- Use different data structures like arrays, lists, stacks, and queues
- Understand game programming basics including the main game loop
- Gain experience working with three different game projects via the book’s coding challenges
- Work with the 2D game engine that powers the book's included games and learn to create your own new game projects
- Understand advanced Java topics like classes, encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism
- Work with exceptions and how to use debugging techniques to trace through code
- Sharpen your skills with over a dozen coding challenges that test your abilities with a development task on a real game project
Who This Book Is For
This book requires little to no programming experience to understand and benefit from the text.
Author(s): Victor G. Brusca
Edition: 1
Publisher: Apress
Year: 2022
Language: English
Commentary: Publisher PDF
Pages: 261
City: New York
Tags: Game Development; Java; NetBeans; IDE; Game loop; Expressions; Flow control; Arrays; Data structures; Debugging; Object Oriented Programming
Table of Contents
About the Author
Introduction
Chapter 1: Introduction
About This Text
Notes on Formatting
Notes on Conventions
Objectives
Java Fundamental Topics
Java Advanced Topics
Game Development Topics
Setting Up Your Environment
Getting the Game Projects Setup
Checking Out the Games
Conclusion
What We Covered
Chapter 2: What Is Java Programming
Computers and Programming
Programming Computers
Programming Languages
Types of Programs/Programming
The Java Programming Language
The JRE
The JDK
Syntax and Semantics
Basic Syntax Rules
Keywords/Reserved Words
Game Programming
The Main Game Loop
Program Structure
Overview of Included Games
Conclusion
What We Covered
Chapter 3: Variables
Data Types
Basic Data Types
Using Basic Data Types
Challenge: Basic Data Types
Challenge Solution
Advanced Data Types
The var Keyword and Dynamic Typing
Arrays
Using Arrays
Challenge: Arrays
Challenge Solution
Lists
Using Lists
Challenge: ArrayLists
Challenge Solution
Conclusion
What We Covered
Chapter 4: Expressions and Operators, Flow Control, and More on Variables
Expressions and Operators
Numeric Expressions
Boolean Expressions
Assignment Expressions
Increment/Decrement Expressions
Bitwise Expressions
Bit-Shift Expressions
Operators and Operator Precedence
Flow Control
If-Else Statements
Switch Statements
Try-Catch Statements
Challenge: Flow Control
Challenge Solution
More on Variables
Enumerations
Very Basic Java Classes
Casting and Conversion
Challenge: Enumerations
Challenge: Solution
Conclusion
What We Covered
Chapter 5: More Data Structures
Multidimensional Arrays
Declaring Multidimensional Arrays
Using Multidimensional Arrays
Hashes
Declaring Hashtables
Using Hashtables
Stacks
Declaring Stacks
Using Stacks
Queues
Parameterized Types and Data Structures
Challenge: Stacks
Challenge Solution
Conclusion
What We Covered
Chapter 6: Looping and Iteration
For Loops
Basic For Loop
For-Each Loop
While Loops
Basic While Loop
Main Game Loop
Do-While Loops
Basic Do-While Loop
Break and Continue
Challenge: For-Each Loops
Challenge Solution
Conclusion
What We Covered
Chapter 7: Objects, Classes, and OOP
Classes
Fields
Methods
Static Members
Constructors
Challenge: The MmgBmp Class
Challenge Solution
Challenge: The ScreenGame Class
Challenge Solution
Advanced Class Topics
Access
Class Design
Static Main Entry Point
Challenge: Dungeon Trap’s Static Main
Challenge Solution
Conclusion
What We Covered
Chapter 8: Encapsulation, Inheritance, and Polymorphism
Encapsulation
Inheritance
Challenge: Inheritance
Challenge Solution
Polymorphism
Challenge: Polymorphism
Challenge Solution
Importing Class Libraries
Video Game Project Structure
Challenge: Create a New Game Project
Challenge Solution
Step 1: Create a New Project to Customize
Step 2: Add the Default Project Libraries
Step 3: Copy Over the Resource Folder
Step 4: Copy Over the PongClone Java Classes
Step 5: Configure Project Settings
Step 6: Execute the Pong Clone Copy
Conclusion
What We Covered
Chapter 9: Debugging Techniques
Output Trace
IDE Debugging Features
Exceptions
Handling Exceptions
Defining Exceptions
The Stack Trace
Conclusion
What We Covered
Chapter 10: Conclusion
Accomplishments
Acknowledgments
Where You Go from Here
Saying Goodbye
Index
