Coding Interest

[rdburg]

I am a Unix Administrator and am well versed in Perl, but I am learning how to code in C++ and I am very interested in learning how to code where I can create an aircraft or aircraft component.  Is C++ the language I should concentrate on?  What other tools/software/books will I need? 

[Goran_M]

If you want to code using the officially supported SDK, learn C/C++

You can also learn LUA and code using Ben Russell's utility, "Gizmo".

He offers support in these forums.

[rdburg]

Thanks for the information. I will continue to learn C++ , Lua, and Gizmo.  Flight Simulation programs have come along way and I know it has a bright future.  As a real world pilot it always amazes me at how real the controls, cockpits and scenery look in xplane.  Do you feel that there is a market for programmers in the simulation world or do most do it as a hobby?  I enjoy programming so my plan is to dive into it and learn as much as I can.

[Goran_M]

Thanks for the information. I will continue to learn C++ , Lua, and Gizmo.  Flight Simulation programs have come along way and I know it has a bright future.  As a real world pilot it always amazes me at how real the controls, cockpits and scenery look in xplane.  Do you feel that there is a market for programmers in the simulation world or do most do it as a hobby?  I enjoy programming so my plan is to dive into it and learn as much as I can.

That's a tough question.

The vast majority of developers for x plane make freeware and they may not be able to afford a programmer.  And obviously they only do it as a hobby.  If you would like to take up some pro-bono work (free), I'm sure many developers would like to see what you can do.  As for payware, depending on the developer, you might have to prove yourself with some previous work. 

The market isn't quite there yet for a giant team of developers working under the one flag on one project, but it is growing very rapidly.  It's definitely possible to make a living with programming for a developer but it's not easy. 

What I would suggest is downloading a freeware aircraft, coding some kind of system in it and make it available for download (with the original developers permission).  If it's something that impresses some developers, it would be a foot in the door and a step on the right path. 

Spend a major part of your time working your craft and perfecting as much as you can.  You're definitely well on your way seeing as you have some background in programming.  Now you just have to get yourself noticed with an example of some x plane work.