Programming Fundamentals
General Course Information
Edirlei Soares de Lima
<edirlei.lima@universidadeeuropeia.pt>
Programming Fundamentals
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What is computer programming?
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The process of writing, testing and maintaining a computer program
for accomplishing a specific task.
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What is a computer program?
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A sequence of instructions that automate the process of performing a
task for solving a specific problem.
How to write a computer program?
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A computer program is written using a programming language.
Programming Fundamentals
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What is a programming language?
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A programming language is a vocabulary and set of grammatical rules
for instructing a computer to perform specific tasks.
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Examples of programming languages: C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript,
HTML, PHP, Python, Lua, Processing, Ruby, Objective-C, Prolog, Go, …
What is the best programming language?
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There is no "best programming language". It depends on the goals of
the application, platform, programmer’s skills, etc.
Programming Fundamentals
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Professor: Edirlei Soares de Lima
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Education:
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B.Sc. in Computer Science – UnC
M.Sc. in Computer Science – UFSM
Ph.D. in Computer Science – PUC-Rio
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Teaching Experience: PUC-Rio, UNIRIO, UERJ, IADE-UE
Game Experience:
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Game Engines: RPG Builder, 3D Game Builder (http://www.3dgamebuilder.com.br/);
Research Projects: most are related with Logtell (http://www.icad.puc-rio.br/~logtell/);
Games: Krimson (Best Game Award at SBGames 2010 – Indie Game Development
Festival), and several other prototype games.
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More Information: http://www.inf.puc-rio.br/~elima/
Programming Fundamentals
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Games & Apps Development:
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Study the fundamentals of computer programming in a game
development context.
Learning Outcomes:
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. Understand the concepts of algorithm and program
. Construct algorithms to solve specific problems
. Implement simple graphical and interactive applications
. Apply the concepts learned in the development of small-size
computer games
Programming Fundamentals
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Module Content:
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. Introduction to programming: concepts of algorithm and program
. Introduction to Lua: variables, data types, operators and functions
. Introduction to computer graphics: coordinates, color, transparency,
and Löve 2D
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. Conditional statements and user interaction
. Loops and images
. Vectors, physics and collision detection
. Arrays, matrices, animations and level representations
. Music and audio effects
. Introduction to artificial intelligence
Method
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Project-Based Learning:
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Learn by doing;
Teamwork;
"Large" project;
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Active and experiential learning:
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Theoretical concepts;
Practical examples;
Implementation exercises;
Programming Language: Lua
Evaluation
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Continuous Assessment (bipartite):
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[60%] Intermediate assessment:
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[30%] Individual exercises on the concepts learned;
[20%] Project with Math, Physics and Games I;
[50%] Game prototype (2nd delivery) (within the semester’s PBL team
project).
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[40%] End of term assessment:
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[100%] Final delivery of the team project (within the semester’s PBL team
project) with individual discussion.
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Final Assessment:
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[100%] Individual project development, delivery, and discussion.
Evaluation
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Project deliveries:
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1nd delivery: game specification
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No evaluation for Programming Fundamentals.
2nd delivery: working prototype
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General code organization and indentation, appropriate use of variables,
well-structured loops, appropriate use of arrays, functions and correct
physics simulation.
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3rd delivery: final version
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Same as the 2nd delivery + overall code complexity and game experience.
Lua Programming Language
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Lua is a powerful, fast, lightweight, embeddable,
free and open-source scripting language designed
for general purposes.
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In video game development, Lua is one of the most
popular scripting language for game programming.
Lua was developed by a team of researchers at
PUC-Rio (Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de
Janeiro) in Brazil.
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Currently, PUC-Rio has an entire laboratory (LabLua)
dedicated for the development and maintenance of the
Lua language.
Lua Programming Language
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Games that use Lua as scripting language:
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Angry Birds
Civilization V
Far Cry
Grim Fandango
Ragnarok
Dota 2
World of Warcraft
Löve 2D Framework
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LÖVE is a framework to create 2D games in Lua.
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It comprises a library of functions to draw visual objects, control user
interaction, simulate physics, play audio, and everything else a game
needs.
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It's free, open-source and multiplatform (Windows, Linux, Mac OS,
Android, iOS, Web Browsers).
Example of Game (Lua + Löve2D)
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function love.draw()
for i = 1, numStars do
love.graphics.setColor(255 - stars[i].speed,
2
1
55 - stars[i].speed/2,
50, stars[i].speed*0.9)
love.graphics.draw(star_image, stars[i].x,
stars[i].y, 0, stars[i].speed/255 + 0.55)
end
love.graphics.setColor(255, 255, 255)
if spaceship_isBoosted == false then
love.graphics.draw(spaceship_image_normal,
spaceship_x, spaceship_y)
else
love.graphics.draw(spaceship_image_boosted,
spaceship_x, spaceship_y)
end
local totalLaserBeams = table.getn(lasers)
for i = 1, totalLaserBeams do
love.graphics.draw(laser_image, lasers[i].x,
lasers[i].y)
end
end
.
..
Bibliography
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Ierusalimschy, R. (2016). Programming in Lua,
Fourth Edition. Lua.Org. ISBN: 978-8590379867
Ierusalimschy, R., Figueiredo, L. H., Celes, W.
(
Media Limited. ISBN: 978-9888381227
2015). Lua 5.2 Reference Manual. Samurai
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Christer, E. (2004). Real-Time Collision
Detection. CRC Pres. ISBN: 978-1558607323
Web Resources
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Lua 5.3 Reference Manual: https://www.lua.org/manual/5.3/
Löve Documentation: https://love2d.org/wiki/Main_Page
Programming Fundamentals
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Blackboard (Programming Fundamentals):
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https://europeia.blackboard.com/
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Course Webpage:
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http://www.inf.puc-rio.br/~elima/gameprog/
Contact:
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