Where to go?

#1

Hello everyone. I just had a question about where did some of you go to school for programming, and what types of schools should I look at (technical, 4 year, etc.)? Also, what types of specific degrees should I look at and such as well.

I’m still trying to decide which aspects of programming I’d like to pursue, but I’m not too sure about what goes where. I know html, java and such are for web, but I’m kind of very interested in multimedia and the like as well. That’s why I asked to let me know some of the degrees and such people here have, so I can try and narrow down what I’d like to possibly pursue.

Thanks for your time.

#2

Personally, I did a straight Computer Science degree, with a slight lean towards the graphics side… My course (Bristol University, UK) was only a 3 year course, although a 4 year one was available…

The course gave a wide overview of most areas of computer science - teaching C, Java, Haskell and Prolog.

For image processing, the essential languages are C and C++ - in fact, C an C++ are incredibly valuable for just about anything…

#3

I wouldn’t say that any stream of CompSci will give you all of the answers. Personally my work mainly involves data-communications programming using C/C++, but with a strong programming foundation you can apply your knowledge to just about any field.

The bigest help in CG (on the technical side) is relatively good understanding of high-school geometry (Matrix transforms, planer geometry, vector math, etc etc) and an ability to translate mathematical theories into data-structures for your programmes.

Most schools may offer a few introductory CG courses (ie: writing a simple ray tracer) but like I said before, you just need a school to teach you a good programming foundation and the rest is up to you.

Good luck!

#4

I went to Bournemouth an artist and left a programmer

#5

I did Comp Sci at Pompey, but also had a year out (sandwich course) in industry. Basically it was at a small company with little software development, but the hands on experience of coding in C/C++ was extremely helpful. Something I definately recommend!!

Also, if you do choose to do Comp Sci, it doesn’t box you into a specific area, so if you change your mind about gfx coding, the world of coding other areas is open to you too …

Just my two cents!!

#6

Well I’m crazy, but for some reason I love programming, it’s addicting for some reason, I have no current schooling on it, and everthing up till now was self taught, and now seeing the importance of C+ and C++ it’s what I have to dive into, I have a question for you guys, I recently purchased a PS2 Linux development Kit to create games, and everybody I’ve spoken with says that Linux is a pain, maybe someone can share education with it, is there a order of Operation for programming? I had considered going into software engineering because those guys make a killing in their job field, there payout is ridiculious, and it seems easy (maybe just for me) at 9 years old I programmed my first game on a Commadore 20 and was unble to save it (it sucked bad because I spent so much time on it, but it worked for about 3 trys and then the errors occured :slight_smile: ) programming seems fun, for seeing the after result and I do actually art design content as well, and I like when I say, computer… do a backflip…excellent!!! :slight_smile:

#7

My degree was in Imaging Science and I got into the programming side of things later.
(I do seem to be one of the few TD’s NOT to go to Bournemouth uni! :wink: )

This has really helped me as I came into things knowing quite a bit about the graphics pipeline - including the film side of things. eg I have already covered stuff like making film developer to a bit of fourier theory, BSP trees and that sort of thing.

However I am a shader writer/TD rather than a full on R&D guy so I tend to be working with existing software to achieve specific shots. It’s a pretty specific use of programming skills. I tend to use Renderman Shading Language, MEL, Perl (next to C the best thing you can learn!) and some basic C/C++.

If you want to get a taste of more general programming then a Computer Science degree should give you a good introduction. Definitely get a degree and start learning C as soon as you can!

Simon

#8

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