3D Game Programming All In One - blows
by Kyle \"Double-Helix\" Brechin · in Torque Developer Network · 03/09/2007 (6:24 pm) · 14 replies
Is a horrible book. I'm so annoyed about it ol' chaps! I bought the first edition a while back, that didn't tickle my fancy. So I thought the 2nd would make it that much better, and on top of it, I know this book wouldn't teach me (verb) about 3D graphics in depth, so I bought Adv. 3DGPAI1. Which I can't use because I didn't learn anything from the first one.
Is there something I'm missing? I've been reading this book, and not only is it the most confusing thing I've ever read (3D game engine theory was so much easier!!), but it's teaching me absolutely nothing. There is so much fundamental thingies that are missing, Did you expect me to just pick up what "@" does? Granted, I did, but its best to teach it anyways.. And why did they pick such a good, but bad at explainging things to absolute beginners of a new engine, author? I believe if they used someone else, it would've been a tiny bit better.
So does anyone have an recommendations on how to study this book? Or am I in the crapper?
---
"mature" enough?
Is there something I'm missing? I've been reading this book, and not only is it the most confusing thing I've ever read (3D game engine theory was so much easier!!), but it's teaching me absolutely nothing. There is so much fundamental thingies that are missing, Did you expect me to just pick up what "@" does? Granted, I did, but its best to teach it anyways.. And why did they pick such a good, but bad at explainging things to absolute beginners of a new engine, author? I believe if they used someone else, it would've been a tiny bit better.
So does anyone have an recommendations on how to study this book? Or am I in the crapper?
---
"mature" enough?
About the author
Recent Threads
Thread is locked
#3
03/09/2007 (6:47 pm)
That didn't help at all marsh. I stated my opinion, and then asked for some help.
#4
As for help..
You said you bought the first one, that teaches you all the basics you need to know. You can't just not read it then complain about not knowing things in the advanced version.
Take notes if you need to. Just get the basics down, then get into the advanced stuff.
03/09/2007 (6:51 pm)
You could express your opinion in a more civilized manner.As for help..
You said you bought the first one, that teaches you all the basics you need to know. You can't just not read it then complain about not knowing things in the advanced version.
Take notes if you need to. Just get the basics down, then get into the advanced stuff.
#5
By the way, Mr. Finney has done an outstanding job. Just because your having trouble understanding his work doesn't give you the right to make such statements. Showing a little maturity will get you alot more help here.
03/09/2007 (6:56 pm)
@Kyle- I have both books and learned a great deal from both of them. I can not see how anyone that studies these books fails to walk away with a great deal of knowledge. Have you actually tried reading the books? It's not a quick tutorial you can just thumb through. Try to just read it before jumping into the engine. That may help alot.By the way, Mr. Finney has done an outstanding job. Just because your having trouble understanding his work doesn't give you the right to make such statements. Showing a little maturity will get you alot more help here.
#6
03/09/2007 (6:56 pm)
His explanations of objects is very small and vague. And on namespaces, it isn't even a topic, its a note. (pg. 149 - 152) Worse off, there is no sample program I can use to fully understand these. Then goes right off into Server-Client programming. That's a huge learning curve, and further proves he did not think this book out well enough.
#7
Did you check for programs under Appendix C for Shareware and Freeware tools. It should tell you where to pick up a useful program.
03/09/2007 (7:07 pm)
Namespaces....pg. 127Did you check for programs under Appendix C for Shareware and Freeware tools. It should tell you where to pick up a useful program.
#8
From what your saying it sounds more like whining then actually asking for help..
03/09/2007 (7:10 pm)
I have ken and eds books and I learned alot because I have been using torque since 2002.. I would say you need to spend more time learning the engine and read the book.. From what your saying it sounds more like whining then actually asking for help..
#10
03/09/2007 (7:19 pm)
Then check the first book....namespaces is on page 127, first book.
#11
The solution to your problem is quite simple. Strip naked, stand in front of a mirror and beat yourself repeatedly in the groin with the book until it makes sense.
Maybe then your posts will make sense also. You didn't like the first book but bought the second. Didn't think that one would teach you about 3d graphics programming in depth so you got the advanced copy. So now you've bought 2 books in a series of which you didn't like the first. Btw if you bought the first book you would know that you don't get the source code to the engine with the book (makes it pretty tough to cover in depth 3D graphics with no engine code).
Lastly you might want to change your profile. Any intermediate programmer already knows what namespaces and objects are and no specialist in direct x and opengl buys a book about modding an engine (which ken's books clearly are) and expects to learn 3d graphics from it.
Now go away there are people actually trying to get work done.
03/09/2007 (7:54 pm)
@KyleThe solution to your problem is quite simple. Strip naked, stand in front of a mirror and beat yourself repeatedly in the groin with the book until it makes sense.
Maybe then your posts will make sense also. You didn't like the first book but bought the second. Didn't think that one would teach you about 3d graphics programming in depth so you got the advanced copy. So now you've bought 2 books in a series of which you didn't like the first. Btw if you bought the first book you would know that you don't get the source code to the engine with the book (makes it pretty tough to cover in depth 3D graphics with no engine code).
Lastly you might want to change your profile. Any intermediate programmer already knows what namespaces and objects are and no specialist in direct x and opengl buys a book about modding an engine (which ken's books clearly are) and expects to learn 3d graphics from it.
Now go away there are people actually trying to get work done.
#12
Definately look into The Game Programmer's Guide to Torque. That is what 3DGPAI1 wished it was.
03/09/2007 (8:00 pm)
I would have to agree with Kyle. 3DGPAI1 is hands down THE worst book I have ever read in my life. The gap between Chapter 3 and 4 (if I remember correct) was an absolute joke. Definately look into The Game Programmer's Guide to Torque. That is what 3DGPAI1 wished it was.
#14
On the other hand, if you're willing to take the time to read the book thoroughly and apply the lessons to the engine, you'll find them quite valuable.
The books are complex because Torque is complex. It's not something you can just flip through and absorb overnight. You need to study it.
03/10/2007 (5:16 am)
Well, I think that just about sums up the sophistication of this thread, and the value of Kyle's opinion. But then again, if you have the maturity and perseverance Kyle's demonstrated here, then maybe you'd be better off avoiding 3DGPAI1 and its sequel.On the other hand, if you're willing to take the time to read the book thoroughly and apply the lessons to the engine, you'll find them quite valuable.
The books are complex because Torque is complex. It's not something you can just flip through and absorb overnight. You need to study it.
Torque 3D Owner Tom Feni
*edited for maturity I suppose...