What Can't Lua Do? Benefits & Limitations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the limitations of the Lua programming language, particularly in the context of game and app development. Participants explore what Lua may lack compared to other programming languages, as well as considerations for beginners interested in learning Lua for game programming.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express interest in learning Lua specifically for game and app development, questioning its limitations compared to other languages.
  • One participant notes that the primary differences between programming languages often relate to whether they are compiled or interpreted, and the level of library support available.
  • Another participant mentions that Lua is typically designed to run within other applications, providing examples such as its use in modding games like World of Warcraft, which are primarily written in C or C++.
  • A participant who is new to programming seeks advice on whether learning Lua first is appropriate, expressing a desire to create simplistic games and eventually work with game engines like Crytek or Havok.
  • Advice is given to start with small projects, such as "Rock Paper Scissors" or TicTacToe, and to utilize online source control for managing code.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the interest in Lua for game development and the importance of starting with small projects. However, there is no consensus on the specific limitations of Lua compared to other languages, and the discussion remains open regarding the best learning trajectory for beginners.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the specific limitations of Lua in detail, and there are varying opinions on its suitability for beginners. The discussion does not resolve which languages might be better suited for particular applications.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in game development, programming beginners, and those considering Lua as a first programming language may find this discussion relevant.

Blackwinter
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I am interested in learning Lua for game development, app development. I was wondering, what are it's limitations? what do other languages have that Lua doesn't? Perhaps you could list common programming applications and which language is perhaps best suited for those certain applications.

Thank you.
 
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Blackwinter said:
I am interested in learning Lua for game development, app development. I was wondering, what are it's limitations? what do other languages have that Lua doesn't? Perhaps you could list common programming applications and which language is perhaps best suited for those certain applications.

Thank you.

The largest difference between languages usually comes down to two basic things:
1. Compiled languages vs interpreted languages.
2. Library support.

Generally, Lua was designed to run inside of other applications. For example, world of warcraft was probably written in C or C++; however, it allows gamers to create mods using LUA.
 
I want to learn Lua for game development.

As the title suggests, I would like to learn Lua and program games.

I am new to programming, so is it inappropriate to learn Lua first? I would like to start making simplistic games and eventually learn Lua for game engines like the Crytech or havok.

So any advice pertaining to an appropriate learning trajectory will be greatly appreciated.
 
Reading the "Programming in Lua" book seems like a good way to start.
http://www.lua.org/pil/contents.html

My best advice for game programming is start small and work your way up and no matter what make sure you finish what you start.

So as a first game I'd set a goal to make something like "Rock Paper Scissors" then just work your way up from there. Try TicTacToe next. Do them as text games first and then as you get more comfortable start making them graphical.

Also, save everything you write in some kind of online source control system like BitBucket.
 

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