Hey everyone. I'm new to the "real" world of programming because I used to just code alone in my room, strictly on my own PC. My name is NZUKOU DAMIEN (my username is DamixLord), and I'm an 18-year-old developer based in Cameroon.
I've been a fan of programming since I was 12. Since then, I've messed around with several languages: Python, JS, Go, and now Lua. I don't even know why, but I just love Lua for no specific reason, so I wanted to learn it. In one week, I learned variables, functions, tables, and OOP (especially metatables, which I absolutely love). I wanted to build a project to check if my fundamentals were solid enough to reach an intermediate level, and that's how I made SPACE CONQUEROR.
I didn't go with a traditional OOP approach; instead, I mixed it up with metatables because I enjoy it, and honestly, it was a blast. I'm looking forward to your feedback, advice, etc.
Just a quick heads-up (because I have to, since some people on Reddit jumped all over me for this): I did feed my code to an AI to make it more readable (because I do weird things like declaring variables that are as long as a highway), and I copied snippets here and there because my math and logic skills can be pretty bad. I'm not writing my first article to brag or pretend I'm a genius (honestly, I have major imposter syndrome). I'm doing this to get feedback, chat, and learn from my mistakes.
Thanks again! (And one last thing: while making this, I realized that my first real project is very similar to the one Elon Musk coded when he was 12, Blastar. Coincidence? I'll let you be the judge).
The Project : https://github.com/nzukoudamien/Space-Conqueror
Top comments (10)
Great job.
Hmm, is programming still relevant in computer clubs?
This isn't another Reddit, feel free to use it; 99% of the time, you won't be attacked.
Using AI is common practice; almost every third article here is about it. Using AI exclusively to refine your coding style is a good sign**.
I started programming when I was 10 btw.
I've been through a lot. Check my profile if you want. Some guy pinged me here, so if he said you wanted to chat, I'm available (lol, that sounds like a date, but you know what I mean, let me know).
No problem, I’m really keen to chat with more experienced devs.
It's okay to use native language in comments. I don’t speak English myself (this is the 2nd language)
Sending a guy to learn C/C++ is murder. I absolutely don't recommend it, as it offers no advantages. For low-level knowledge, go for assembly. C++ has an insanely complex syntax and memory issues, and it doesn't have a package manager.
In short, if you do go, go for a decent language like Python, Haxe, or Rust.
Yeah I would recommend using game engines for serious development, for example godot, but lua is not native there, but I know that there are unofficial bindings if it’s a bleed.
Freya Holmer will not give pro material, I advise you to go watch 3blue1brown after her
And better than YouTubers who explain exactly what you need.
Better yet, use a simple search on YouTube and don’t get attached to one person.
Thank you so much for your reply!
First of all, thanks for pointing out those bugs. As I mentioned, I’m a beginner and I've been piecing together bits of code from here and there. Also, yes, I'm aware that better alternatives exist (like Python or Go for TUIs) as well as for pure game development—personally, I prefer the Defold engine and the LÖVE2D framework. I'm actually learning LÖVE2D right now and I really love its minimalist approach.
When it comes to making a choice, I’m just a guy who loves to code. When I feel like diving into low-level stuff, I will; and when I want to build something visual, I'll do that too. I like to blend what's useful with what's fun. As for Elon Musk, I don't idolize him at all—quite the contrary! I just thought it was cool that my very first project happened to be the same as his first project (just like billions of other people).
Thank you for your advice (especially for a guy like me who is terrible at math!). I’ll definitely check out the game you recommended. If you'd like, you are more than welcome to contribute to the project and make changes. We could also keep chatting if you're up for it, of course!
No, I don't know it.😅