Game Programming the L Line

This book was a great read. The author simplified the subjects and provided standard ways for doing what at first might seem complicated (like sprite animation). While this by no means is a complete guide to game programming, it does a very fine job of getting someone started making large, if somewhat simplistic, 2D games. It doesn't throw in complicated subjects like AI and 3D (which deserve their own books), and if you're brand new to Python it has a respectable introduction in the beginning. I suspect this would also be a great book for a high school class. It's a shame that it's not immediately obvious from the title that it uses Python and PyGame, as this really is the best book using those tools for getting into game programming.

Let me join the chorus here, this is a really well written book. The focus on free and current software tools (Stanti's Editor especially) makes following along easy. It may be a testament to the ease of use when it comes to python in general (just beware your use of the tab key!), but I had no problems getting the results described and learned buckets as a result.

If you're new to game programming (or even programming in general) Andy Harris' book is certainly a great place to start. I am by no means an "expert" in the programming field, in fact, I only picked up programming again for the first time in about 10 years. Python is a very powerful, user-friendly environment to program in and coupled with what you'll learn in this book, you have the tools and potential to become almost an expert in no time. Game programming is a great place to start if you're looking to pick up programming in general. "Game Programming: The L Line" is very excellently and comprehensively written. In my opinion, Harris has made a very useful guide to game programming and I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have!

Andy Harris did a great job on this book. I sponsor a computer programming club for high school students and this book is the best at getting to actual game creation. The first three chapters go over basics of programming, but then graphics and pygame are used early and well. This book is a bargain at 570 truly helpful pages.

Don't judge this book by it's cover! For some reason, this book is part of a series of Wiley books, and they all have the same cover. This is a book about learning how to program computer games using the Python programming language and the PyGame package. PyGame is a Python wrapper around the SDL library. This book offers step-by-step tutorials that introduce game programming with complete Python programs. All the programs work on several platforms: MS-Windows, Mac, and GNU/Linux. Chapters 1-3 introduce the Python programming language. Starting with Chapter 4, you begin to learn about graphics programming. In Chapter 6 the programs begin to use OOP/classes. Then, in Chapter 7, you begin to learn how to make 2D games with sprites, sound FX, and keyboard and mouse control. Game programming is a fun way to learn how to program a computer, and Python with PyGame makes it relatively easy as well. This book has detailed information on creating graphics and sounds for your games, using free, open source third-party tools that are available on all platforms. The GIMP is used for graphics, and Audacirty is used for sounds. So unlike many other game programming books which require expensive third-party programs in order to make games, ALL the programs in this book are free. The book has an easy-going, conversational style of writing that makes it seem that the author is looking over your shoulder, helping you to learn game programming. I'm really glad I bought this book. It is worth many times its cover price considering the amount of information it contains. Things I like about this book: 1. Easy to read and understand with step-by-step tutorials. 2. Helpful reference tables throughout the book. 3. Complete example game programs. 4. All the third-party programs required are free and open. 5. Source code and extra appendices available for download. Happy Programming!