What Can't Lua Do? Benefits & Limitations

[Blackwinter]

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.

 

[SixNein]

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.

 

[Blackwinter]

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.

 

[DavidSnider]

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.

 

[LudusRex]

Lua is a powerful and versatile scripting language that is commonly used in game development and app development. It is known for its simplicity, flexibility, and efficiency, making it a popular choice among developers. However, like any other programming language, Lua also has its limitations.

One limitation of Lua is its lack of built-in support for data structures such as arrays and dictionaries. While these can be implemented using Lua tables, it may not be as intuitive or efficient as in other languages that have built-in support for these data structures.

Another limitation of Lua is its lack of built-in support for object-oriented programming (OOP). While Lua does have some features that allow for OOP, it is not as robust as other languages such as Java or C++. This may make it more challenging for developers who are used to working with OOP languages.

In terms of performance, Lua may not be as fast as other languages such as C or C++. This can be a limitation for applications that require high-speed processing or real-time performance.

Additionally, Lua is not as widely used or supported as other languages, so finding resources and support may be more challenging. This can be especially true for less common applications or industries.

When considering which language is best suited for a specific application, it ultimately depends on the specific needs and requirements of the project. For example, if you are developing a complex application that requires strong OOP capabilities, a language like Java or C++ may be a better choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lightweight and efficient language for scripting or game development, Lua may be a better fit.

In conclusion, Lua has its benefits and limitations, like any other programming language. It is important to carefully consider your project's requirements and the strengths and weaknesses of Lua before deciding if it is the best choice for your development needs.