App and Program writing code in C and C++
Hey everyone, I'm an intermediate max learner and have had a go at developing some of my patches into apps (standalones) and was wondering if anyone had any info on begining to write in C or C++? Basically, I'm thinking on learning how to write programs from low level platforms like C so I can create totally original things (correct me if I'm wrong - I've only done a little research). I've tried to find a compiler to allow me start writing in C and C++ but have had no luck finding a download link (I'm on mac X 10.6.6.).
Also, I have come to notice that recently apple have turned their backs on JAVA and if I wanted to make an iphone/ipad/mac app what's the best way to learn how to do this? Any preferred platforms, programs, compilers, methods, info for beginners to get into this stuff?
Sorry for such a broad question.
Thanks for your time
Jason
I don't know the first thing about C (except that it doesn't make much sense to me yet), but you could have a go at the Max SDK to make your own objects, if that's what you mean. For the iPhone/iPad I believe you need to work with Apple's framework and use their tools. It costs a bit but isn't terrible.
If you're into Java, why not have a go with the Android platform? There is a *ton* of potential there and it's a lot more broad. The tablets are a lot cheaper too.
Or the forthcoming Google App Inventor, to get started easily:
Clever, eh? It's based on Scratch from MIT:
Pretty anxious to see what the App Inventor is capable of!
Hi Jason.
The thing is complex... first of all C and C++ are quite tough languages if you have never written code in your life. If this is the case, I'd suggest you to start with something simpler - for instance, why don't you have a look to Max's js object, and start coding some JavaScript? After you've grasped some basic concepts, it will be easier to turn to more difficult (and powerful) languages such as Java, C or C++. You need some good texts as well, but you can find plenty of references and links by searching this forum.
About the compiler, you already have gcc installed on your Mac. But probably you'll want to download Xcode at developer.apple.com (after setting up a free account) which is a great integrated development environment providing you with (almost) every tool you could dream of.
Finally, if you want to develop apps for Iphone/Ipad, Objective-C is the way to go.
Good luck!
aa
Hey seejay, yeah I saw the app inventor but was unsure as to the capabilities so didn't immediately download. I'm reading through the SDK and it sounds interesting, I have thought of a few things I would like to make as externals but I guess this is going to take some serious study. Do you know if a max standalone application would be considered for the android platform or does it have to be created in their personal app inventor or SDK?
Bests
J
P.S. Thanks for the great info
Andrea, awesome advice. Thanks so much, yeah I'm willing to take a bite out of anything really, I'll certainly have a look at the js object and see what I can do there. Also, I'll check the xcode program out too.
Very Helpful, thanks
J
Max standalones require either OSX or Windows, so they can't be put on the Android or iPhone platforms. However there are a *ton* of ways to integrate these platforms into Max, mainly by using them as wireless controllers (like TouchOSC or mrmr). Really great stuff.
Depending on how quickly you learn coding, the Javascript idea is a good one. For me, it's probably the simplest to grasp and work with. And the things you can do with it in your Max patches are amazing...
I think this is where I shall begin. It looks daunting but so did max so I'll see what I can get from it. With the launch of the new mac app store is there any hope for max standalones there? or is there announcement of no apps to be written in java totally screwing that one for all of us?
J
Hi Jason,
When you feel comfortable enough to jump to C, grab a copy of K & R "The C programming language". Always helpful, although some later additions to the C standard are not there.
Later on when you are more confident, since you want to do audio stuff I presume, you will need to understand the api's of your operating system for handling such tasks (e.g. os x: CoreAudio, or AudioUnit for plugins). Otherwise you can download Portaudio, a MIT licensed library for cross platform audio. Also, as suggested above, have a go at reading the Max/MSP SDK.