Noob Question

[Zipeh]

This may seem silly and pointless to ask in a forum that seems to be full of people that know stuff - but if one has never been involved in moding where the heck would one start? I have been using computers for 20 odd years now and can code a little, enough to understand the concepts behind coding, and enough to allow me to know how to learn more and what sort of questions to ask. If i wanted to learn more, or be of some use to the additions to AOP how would one start, or could one, or should one?

 

[Zipeh]

the more i read up on this the more it seems beyond me, but im thinking that there must be a place to start, something small, easy and hard to screw up... maybe

what language is the code anyhow ?

does one add new code or just fiddle with existing code?

what decompiles and recompiles the code, and this software free or payed stuff?

can a noob be of any use other than asisting in a Q&A fashion?

or does one need a computer science degree to even start ?

 

[LordDrow]

Hmmm... Well I'll field this one for now I suppose. **smiles**

Language:

Its something of a cross between C++ and a custom programming language. Not exactly the one, not completely the other. But somewhere's in the middle.

Adding or fiddling:

You can do either.

Decompiles, Recompiles:

They are regular ascii style text files. a bunch of .ini files you can edit with notepad or any program similar. (I use ultra edit). No decompiling, recompiling needed. Just need to start a new game after making changes.

Noob or Prgrammer monkey:

Best way to learn it is jump in, find something you want to try, maybe read up a bit about what files do what and have a go at it. If you break the game, you might need to change it back or reinstall. But anyone here who has the know-how will try to give you a hand.

Computer Science Degree:

Hah! If you can read the code, sort of figure out what its doing and maybe trace down external file dependencies, you can modify the game.

Hope this helps out, Zipeh!

Cap'n Drow

 

[Thor the Bassist]

I'd also say you need to know specifically what road of modding you want to do. Is it texturing, modelling, scripts, quests <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/dunno.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="dunno.gif" /> the list goes on.

I know about modelling ships in the game. For that you need a modelling program (3ds max I use), TOOL, GM viewer and maybe some other program for specifically adding textures (White_DUNE?). Also if you want to texture your own models you need a 2d graphics editor.

I have to say that if you have 20 years of computer experience you should jump straight into it and you'll proberably get it right - I dont even have 20 years of life behind me so?!?!