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Interested in development. Any advisable reference?

Posted: Wed Sep 25, 2013 12:08 pm
by Rydra
Hi there,

I want to spend some time trying to understand how does freeorion work and its overall structure, as I'm aiming to do a future Master on Videogames and I'd wish to acquire some knowledge and be able to contribute a lil bit. As far as I have seen the code, it seems freeorion depends on OGRE 3D engine and any other possible frameworks.

Does anyone advice me to pick up a book about OGRE, GiGi, etc... in order to fully understand the project? If so, which book do you recommend me and how did you get started into FreeOrion project? I'm more used to work on business projects but never got into the realm of 3D and videogames.

Thank you and greetings.

Rydra

Re: Interested in development. Any advisable reference?

Posted: Wed Sep 25, 2013 1:23 pm
by Geoff the Medio
If you want to gain familiarity with FreeOrion code, you don't need to and shouldn't spend a bunch of time learning libraries before you start. If you really want to learn about a library like OGRE3D, then you should probably consult their website and documentation.

In my opinion, trying to accomplish something with FreeOrion code is the best way to learn how it works. There are numerous tasks that can be worked on without much (or any?) use of complicated dependencies.

There is a high-level description of the structure of the code here. There are numerous features that can be worked on listed here, or you can pick a bug or missing feature that interests you and work on it.

To submit a change, make an SVN diff patch and post it to a forum thread with an explanation of what you've done.

Re: Interested in development. Any advisable reference?

Posted: Wed Sep 25, 2013 2:17 pm
by Rydra
Geoff the Medio wrote:If you want to gain familiarity with FreeOrion code, you don't need to and shouldn't spend a bunch of time learning libraries before you start. If you really want to learn about a library like OGRE3D, then you should probably consult their website and documentation.
So, instead of reading a book, are you suggesting me to read the online documentation?
In my opinion, trying to accomplish something with FreeOrion code is the best way to learn how it works. There are numerous tasks that can be worked on without much (or any?) use of complicated dependencies.
I'll try finding something easy to get started with. Could you please suggest me any possible small IU improvement, or anything where I could get started quickly?

Thank you, I appreciate your support.

Re: Interested in development. Any advisable reference?

Posted: Wed Sep 25, 2013 2:51 pm
by Geoff the Medio
Rydra wrote:So, instead of reading a book, are you suggesting me to read the online documentation?
Or use a book they suggest. Whatever works for you.
Could you please suggest me any possible small IU improvement, or anything where I could get started quickly?
There are a bunch of suggested tasks here, many of which are reasonably approachable.

Re: Interested in development. Any advisable reference?

Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2013 11:43 pm
by Rydra
thanks a lot :D, I'm on my way.