When it comes to game development, both programming and scripting can be useful skills to have. While you don’t necessarily need to be an expert in both, having a basic understanding of both can be beneficial for your work.
Programming involves writing code that can perform complex tasks and create custom functionality. This requires a strong foundation in programming languages such as C++, Python, or Java. It’s a more advanced skill and may take longer to master.
Scripting, on the other hand, is a simpler form of programming that involves writing code to automate certain tasks or modify existing functionality. It typically involves using a scripting language such as Lua, JavaScript, or Python. While it’s not as powerful as programming, it’s faster to learn and can be a valuable tool for game developers.
If you’re unsure which to learn, it may depend on your specific role within a development team. If you’re more focused on game design or art, scripting may be sufficient. However, if you’re interested in game mechanics, AI, or performance optimization, programming would be a more valuable skill to acquire.
Regardless of which path you choose, having a basic understanding of the other can be helpful. Being able to communicate effectively with other members of your development team, including programmers, can save time and effort when troubleshooting issues and finding solutions.