stan.nesi blog

stannesi@googlemail.com (stannesi) — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 20:31:00 -0700

Best Game Programming Practices and Tips! 🎮 #IndieDev

Crafting an exceptional game requires a blend of creativity and technical expertise. Whether you are an experienced developer or a novice, adhering to best practices in game programming can greatly enhance both your development workflow and the overall quality of your games. Below are key tips and techniques to help steer you in the right direction.

1. Plan Your Game Architecture

Before diving into coding, take the time to plan your game’s architecture. A well-structured architecture will make your code more organized and maintainable.

"Good architecture is like a blueprint for success. It allows you to foresee challenges and devise effective solutions." - John Carmack

Example Architecture:

2. Use Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

Object-Oriented Programming helps in organizing code around objects rather than actions. This makes it easier to manage and expand your codebase.

Code Example:

#csharp

public class Player
{
	public string name;
	public int health;
	
	public Player(string name, int health)
	{ 		
		this.name = name;
		this.health = health;
	}
	
	public void TakeDamage(int damage)
	{
		health -= damage;
		if (health <= 0)
		{
			Die();
		}
	}
	
	private void Die()
	{
		// Handle player death
	}
}

3. Optimize for Performance

Performance optimization is crucial for ensuring your game runs smoothly across different devices. Focus on efficient coding practices and use profiling tools to identify bottlenecks.

“Performance is not just about speed; it’s about creating an immersive experience that feels seamless to the player.” - Jane McGonigal

Simple Optimization Tip:

Use Object Pooling: Reuse objects instead of creating and destroying them frequently.

Code Example:

#csharp

public class ObjectPool : MonoBehaviour
{
	public GameObject prefab;
	private Queue<GameObject> pool = new Queue<GameObject>();
	
	public GameObject GetObject()
	{ 
		if (pool.Count == 0)
		{
			return Instantiate(prefab);
		} else {
			GameObject obj = pool.Dequeue();
			obj.SetActive(true);
			return obj;
		}
	}

	public void ReturnObject(GameObject obj)
	{
		obj.SetActive(false);
		pool.Enqueue(obj);
	} 
}

4. Write Clean and Readable Code

Clean code is easier to read, understand, and maintain. Follow naming conventions, keep functions small, and comment your code where necessary.

"Clean code is not just a practice; it's a mindset that values clarity and simplicity." - Robert C. Martin

Code Example:

#csharp

// Calculate the damage dealt by the player
public int CalculateDamage(int baseDamage, int strength)
{
	int damage = baseDamage + (strength / 2);
	return damage;
}

5. Implement Efficient State Management

State management is critical in game development. Use state machines to manage the various states of game entities like characters or UI elements.

Code Example:

#csharp

public enum EnemyState {
    Idle,
    Patrol,
    Chase,
    Attack
}

public class EnemyAI : MonoBehaviour {
    private EnemyState currentState;

    void Update()
	{
        switch (currentState)
		{
            case EnemyState.Idle:
                // Handle idle state
                break;
            case EnemyState.Patrol:
                // Handle patrol state
                break;
            case EnemyState.Chase:
                // Handle chase state
                break;
            case EnemyState.Attack:
                // Handle attack state
                break;
        }
    }

    public void ChangeState(EnemyState newState)
	{
        currentState = newState;
    }
}

6. Test and Debug Regularly

Regular testing and debugging are essential to ensure your game is free of bugs and performs well. Use debugging tools and write unit tests to validate your code.

"Testing is the key to delivering a polished and reliable game experience." - Shigeru Miyamoto

7. Stay Updated with Industry Trends

The gaming industry is constantly evolving. Keep yourself updated with the latest tools, technologies, and best practices by following industry news and participating in developer communities.

"Innovation is the driving force of the gaming industry. Always be curious and open to learning new things." - Hideo Kojima

Conclusion

By following these best practices, you can enhance your game development process and create games that are not only fun to play but also technically sound. Remember, great games are built on a foundation of solid coding principles, creative thinking, and continuous learning.

Join us at NAPPY CAT as we continue to innovate and push the boundaries of gaming. Stay connected with us on social media for more tips, news, and updates!

original post — https://www.stannesi.com/post/best-game-programming-practices-and-tips-indiedev

⁂ Yapinator JavaScript Selector Library ⁂

stannesi@googlemail.com (stannesi) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:47:00 -0800

.:: Yapinator JS is a pure-JavaScript standalone CSS selector engine designed to be easily dropped in to a host library ::.

● Completely standalone (no library dependencies)

● Competitive performance for most frequently used selectors

● Highly extensible with easy-to-use API

● Designed for optimal performance with event delegation

Download at https://github.com/yapi/yapinator

HOW TO: Install Memcache on XAMPP (Windows 7)

stannesi@googlemail.com (stannesi) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:48:00 -0800

Hey there, its me (Stan nesi) again !!!LOL

Memcached solves this problem for you by letting you write frequently accessed data directly to RAM, where it can be fetched almost instantaneously; plus you can tell memcached how long to store the cached data and it will automatically purge stale data without any further intervention from you, the programmer.

Many web sites & applications such as Facebook, LiveJournal, Flickr, Slashdot, WikiPedia/MediaWiki, SourceForge, Digg and Twitter use memcached to enhance their performance.

I'm often asked "How can I run Memcache on my localhost server?" "Is Memcache a php extension or a serve?" after this HOW TO: all your questions will be answered and I choose to use XAMPP because most people I know uses XAMPP, I recently figured it out recently anyway...because i mostly use File Cache but I use Memcahe now! :D So Lets begin:

1. Edit your XAMPP php.ini (becareful)
Open up the php.ini file located at "C:/xampp/php/php.ini." find this line:
extension=php_memcache.dll
and replace it with
extension=php_memcache.dll
If you cannot find this line append the following line of codes after all of the other extension declarations:
extension=php_memcache.dll




[Memcache]

memcache.allow_failover = 1  

memcache.max_failover_attempts=20  

memcache.chunk_size =8192  

memcache.default_port = 11211

Make sure there are no semicolon (;) before the extension.

2. Download the necessary php extension (.dll) "php_memcache.dll"
Believe it or not this step was quite troublesome for me myself. All resources I search online all directed to this download location: http://downloads.php.net/pierre/. to download the php_memache.dll extension file. Unfortunately I found only VC9-x86 complied version of php_memcache.dll on that site, check it out for yourself. But I'm using XAMPP 1.7.4 and i'm quite sure you use same which requires VC6-x86 complied version of php_memcache.dll. incase you might me wondering how would you know what complier (VC9 or VC6) and architecture (x86) is used, all information are located in your phpinfo(); see below image with markings.

YAY!!! douring my search I was able to some sources where you can download the VC6-x86 dll version.

I think that's enough. After successfully downloading the file, Unzip and copy the file php_memcache.dll and put it into your php extension folder. located at C:/xampp/php/ext/

3. Download and installing Memcache server for windows

Download the Memcache.exe from http://code.jellycan.com/memcached/ and make sure it a win-32 binary or use this for direct download http://code.jellycan.com/files/memcached-1.2.6-win32-bin.zip

After completion of download, unzip and put the memcache.exe file into any desired directory of your choice (e.g. c:/memcached/) I know you wanna know how mine was...LOL!! i used "C:/servers/memcached/". I'm serious i'm not lying... ok here's my proof!!:P

Installing the Memcache Service

Open command line in Windows Administrative Mode.

Click -> Start, in the search bar laballed "Search programs and files" type "cmd.exe" and wait for programme to appear, then right-click on the icon and click "run as administrator".

Type the following into the command line using the right directory (e.g. c:/memcached/)

> c:/memcached/memcached.exe -d install

If you don't get any error it means the memcached service installed and it's working

Starting Memcached Server

There are different ways to run the Memcached service

By typing the any of the following into the command line

> c:/memcached/memcached.exe -d start or
> net start "memcached server"

By double-clicking on the memcache.exe Icon located in "c:/memcached/mecached.exe"
By running memcache from services by finding "memcached server" and clicking on the start button

Restart XAMPP Apache
Restart XAMPP Apache for all changes to take effect/

Testing Memcache

create a new .php file and paste the following line of codes


<?php

$memcache = new Memcache;
$memcache->connect('localhost', 11211) or die ("Could not connect");
$ver = $memcache->getVersion();
echo "Server's version: ". $ver ."<br/>\n";
$oTmp = new stdClass;
$oTmp->str_attr = 'testing memcached';
$oTmp->int_attr = 12345;
$memcache->set('key', $oTmp, false, 10) or
die ("Failed to save data at the server");
echo "Store data in the cache (data will expire in 10 seconds)
<br/>\n";
$res = $memcache->get('key');
echo "Data from the cache:<br/>\n";
var_dump($res);
?>

...and run on your Localhost!!! VOILA!!!

Just in case it doesn't work: I ran the c:/memcached/memcached.exe file as administrator. This opens the ports on the Windows firewall which might solve some problems.

There will me more!!!LOL Feel free to contribute by dropping your comments:

E-books or Printed books: Which Do You Prefer???

stannesi@googlemail.com (stannesi) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:14:00 -0700

E-Books or Printed Books: Which Do You Prefer?

Have you ever wondered which medium of reading is better for you — electronic screen or printed text (paper books)? I know I have!

I recently read an article on Masable by Veena Bissram (a communication specialist), which highlighted a study on the issue of reading that was conducted after readers in Germany became skeptical about reading from electronic devices like e-readers and tablet PCs compared to traditional printed books. The study proved that reading from an electronic device has no negative effects, contradicting the misconception from those German readers. It was concluded that there are no disadvantages between both…blah...blah…blah…you can read about it on her article eBooks or Printed Books: WhichAre Better for You?

Well, speaking of preference, the two formats of reading are very similar. Both methods enable you to read texts. The main important thing is the texts, not the medium. Both medium have their moments…though….lol (pros and cons) I mean! J Well I’ll state some obvious difference between them:

Differences:

Portability - E-books takes this one, you can carry multiple books on one device. I don’t want to even imagine carrying the amount of e-books I have in one of my folders on my PC in Printed format (heavy-weight). No!! No!!
Printed Books don’t normally cause significant eye-strain, can’t say same for e-Books. Eye-strain and RSI. Long hours spent in front of a computer screen are not very healthy.
You need a light-source to read Printed-Books, e-Books don’t depend on the sun-light or form light, they have in-built light.
Printed Books do not need power to function; reading your favourite novel on e-Books wouldn’t be so much fun if you have batter-life to worry about.
Hmmmm….. I want to include that eBooks are prone to viruses, but I found some of my dusty old printed books collections in my library has been brunch for rats and insects…lol I guess e-Books needs McAfee as Printed Books need an exterminator..haha.

Hmmmmm…Which Do I Prefer??

Well, I’m guilty of using both medium, but based on my cool life-style I’ll stick with my Printed Books. I don't need batteries, and I can read them just about anywhere.

Despite the fact that Late Steve Jobs brought the page-flipping feeling which we all enjoy in Printed Books to iPad, it’s still not the same as the real things. I love to doodle, a lot, on my booksJ. Using expensive readers like iPads puts a guy on the edge, entering rough areas which i normally do, a lot might attract the wrong company....lol. besides I love drinking tea while I read, most times I spill, come on!! Who doesn’t! have got lots of power issues fault from my providers, which really sucks!!! Remember those times where you freely fall on your bed, wagging your legs until your shoes fall-off and flinging any object you might be holding in your hands across the room, I normally have lots of that moment…hahaha.. I wouldn’t want to fling my eBook readers!! Oouch!! One last thing don’t you just love the smell of New Books!!! Gatcha!!LOL!

What do you think? Which do you prefer??

HOW TO: get your own Google+ short/Vanity URL

stannesi@googlemail.com (stannesi) — Thu, 4 Aug 2011 01:45:00 -0700

...sharing my profile pages with my friends on social networks sites like twitter, facebook becomes so easy when using my short-name "stannesi" most times I just say "hey buddy, follow me on twitter" without even telling them my @handle, they figure it out since I'm the only @stannesi they know that ever existed on earth....lol anyways my point exactly is unlike facebook and twitter, Google+ Profile doesn't have short URLs for their users profile, making it more difficult to share your Google+ profile with other people, maybe probably they expect you to google search your friend. Google+ uses a (21) digit long ID to identify users (e.g.103467992719504744575 ) or you can use your google account profile it auto-redirects you to your Google+ Profile page here's mine http://profiles.google.com/stannesi.

Google+ doesn't use short URLs probably because most Google+ Accounts are linked to Gmail accounts, giving spammers a means to figuring out the e-mail addresses of millions of Google+ users, and you know this leads to some trust issues. Just a thought, anyways i trust Google, they always figure it out.

I hope i didn't bore you with all that, so the reason why we're here is you don't want to be telling people use your 21 digits long ID or http://profiles.google.com/stannesi to circle you on Google+. That's where Gplus.to and several others makes an entrance. gplus.to its a simple tiny web-app that lets you create a custom short URL for your Google+ Profile page, making it easy to share your profile with friend. It took me less than a min to create mine Gplus.to/stannesi, which is easier to remember than a 21 digit long ID or http://profiles.google.com/stannesi.

Gplus is not Google way of offering short URLs service. Google+ doesn't offer short URL for now, maybe they will in the future, but before then you should give it a try.

other Google+ vanity URLs sites

Feel free to post your thoughts and I still offer Google+ invite if you need one..lol.

Your New Beginning!!!

stannesi@googlemail.com (stannesi) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:14:00 -0700

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away behold, all things are become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17)

It's amazing that even today a lot of Christians still don't understand what Christianity really is. Some think to be born again means to change your ways. Others think you can only be born again at the beginning of every year after you've made a good New Year resolution. Irrespective of what you think it means, the Word of God still remains the same on the topic

Now, there is a difference between that 'you' before and the 'you' after you received Christ. The person before had the nature of the devil, therefore he sinned at will. But that person is dead! Right now you're a brand new person. The new creature has no past. When you do know who you really are in Christ, such talk as, "When I used to..." or "When I was..." will completely leave your vocabulary because it was never you. Don't let us minimize the impact of Christianity and eternal life.

The new creature is like a new baby; he has no past, because "...old things are passed away...all things are become new" Hallelujah! As far as God is concerned, you never existed before; your past has been buried in the grave from which Jesus arose victorious. Isn't it exciting to know that you have a new beginning in your life? Your past failures and disappointments don't matter anymore. You can now chart your course for victory and success in the Word of God. Moreover, God has already determined a great future for the new creature; He is the God who declares the end from the beginning "...and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure" (Isaiah 46:10).

What is His counsel or direction for you today? Check His Word, everything you are and you'll ever be is in there. Take time to acquaint yourself with your new nature today.

God bless you.

For Further Scripture Study:
Proverbs 4:18

The new creature is like a new baby; he has no past, because "...old things are passed away...all things are become new"

If you are NOT Born-again and you want to make Jesus the Lord of your life, click this link Prayer of Salvation

You are called to be FREE!!

stannesi@googlemail.com (stannesi) — Thu, 8 Apr 2010 16:38:00 -0700

"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another" (Galatians 5:13)

God has ordained for you to live completely independent of circumstances. You must not find yourself living in bondage to poverty, sickness, disease or death, because you're the fruits of redemption. Jesus dealt with sin, which is the root of sickness, poverty, disease and death.

Jesus said "If the son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." (John 8:36)

When Jesus died on the cross. He died to make you FREE, and he who the Son has set free is free indeed! (John 8:36). The Bible says sin shall not have dominion over you; you've been called into a life of total FREEDOM; and you must remain in that liberty.

"Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son." (Colossians 1:13)

There's no need running around seeking deliverance from sin or from the devil, because you've been delivered already. It's your responsibility not to allow yourself be entangled by any yoke of bondage. Take advantage of your complete liberty in Christ Jesus and stay in it. (Galatians 5:1).

The budget or economy of your country shouldn't by any means determine your financial status in life; you've been FREED from that. You've been FREED also from that wheel chair; from that habit and from that disease, Stand up and enjoy your inheritance NOW!!, in the Name of Jesus!

God bless you.

For Further Scripture Study:
Galatians 5:1, John 8:36

"The budget or economy of your country shouldn't by any means determine your financial status in life; you've been FREED from that. You've been FREED also from that wheel chair; from that habit and from that disease, Stand up and enjoy your inheritance NOW!!, in the Name of Jesus!"

If you are NOT Born-again and you want to make Jesus the Lord of your life, click this link Prayer of Salvation

Believe and Confess...

stannesi@googlemail.com (stannesi) — Sun, 4 Apr 2010 16:14:00 -0700

"...that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath rasied him from the dead, thou shalt be saved" (Romans 10:9 -10)

The only way that anyone can be saved is to believe in his/her heart that God raised Jesus Christ from the dead for his/her sake and confess Him as the Lord of your life. You have to make the confession with your mouth..it is clearly written in (Romans 10:9).

Some may say "I'm confession with my heart" or "i'm praying in my heart". but No! you don't confess with your heart, you believe with your heart and confess with your mouth!

When you need anything, whether it's salvation from sin, sickness, failure, poverty, bad habits or a wrecked marriage e.t.c., the same law applies.. to get your desired result.. according to Pastor Anita Oyahkhilome.. she called it the faith-and-confession system.. It's as simple as it sounds.. all you have to do is to believe (have faith in) and confess the Lordship of Jesus over your life before you were saved, now that you are saved, you must also believe in what the Word of God says concerning every area of your life.. your healing, your health, your prosperity, your success e.t.c. and confess the same for them to be evident in your life.. Keep Saying it.. Keep Talking it.... Don't Stop SAYing it!! Don't Stop Talking it.!!!

If you have the word in your heart and you don't talk it, things will not change, a man is not saved by believing only but also by his confession.

What we believe in our hearts we must confess with your mouth. Let confession become your way of life because its the principle given to you by God to get whatever you want in this life. Be bold and courageous to confess with your mouth today, because that's the Bible way of Salvation!

God bless you.

For Further Scripture Study:
Hebrews 10:23

If you are NOT Born-again and you want to make Jesus the Lord of your life, click this link Prayer of Salvation

Prayer of Salvation

stannesi@googlemail.com (stannesi) — Sat, 3 Apr 2010 14:28:00 -0700

If you are NOT Born-again and you want to make Jesus the Lord of your life, then say this Prayer whole-heartedly and believe it:

O Lord God, I believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. I believe God raised Him from the dead and I confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life from today. I receive by faith, remission of sins for my soul, and right now, in the Name of Jesus Christ, I receive eternal life into my spirit.

Thank you Lord, I am savd. Thank you for saving my soul. I am born again now. Thank you Father. Amen

God Bless you.

If you have given your life to Christ, you can drop your comments...

Reject Poverty...

stannesi@googlemail.com (stannesi) — Fri, 2 Apr 2010 16:03:00 -0700

"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9)

According to this scripture, the Lord Jesus came to make us rich. But there are Christians who assume poverty is necessary to live a godly life. There are even some ministers that pledge to poverty and that's totally ridiculous! Poverty might be the mark of religion but it's definitely not a mark of Christianity.

A long time ago, a great man of God made a remarkable statement that stirred much controversy back then. He said "Poverty is a sin." i'm sure this statement will stir up as much controversy today as it did a long time ago. It's imperative that we correct the impression that poverty is a prerequisite for serving God. Otherwise, the scripture above (2 Corinthians 8:9) will be false and meaningless. Poverty is contrary to the provision of God in His word; reject it in its entirety.

Even the dictionary defines poverty as the state of being poor, lack, deficiency, lacking skills or ability, weakness... etc.. imagine what some people pledge to.

Even if you are getting married it is wrong to say for rich and ~~"for poor till death do you path"~~. This is a totally wrong way of starting your family.

No father would want his children to live in poverty. God is our Father and is wealth is beyond human imagination or comprehension. We are heirs to His vast estate; He has given us a blank cheque, so it's up to us to fill everything we need in the blank spaces. This how to take advantage of the grace in Christ Jesus

"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus".

(2 Timothy 2:1)

Don't let the world put the mark of religion on you; reject poverty because prosperity is your right in Christ.

God bless you.

For Further Scripture Study:

The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it. (Proverbs 10:22)

The Lord is my shepherd I shall nor want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters (Psalm 23:1 - 2)

God is our Father and is wealth is beyond human imagination or comprehension. We are heirs to His vast estate; He has given us a blank cheque, so it'sup to us to fill everything we need in the blank spaces. - Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Ph.D)

If you are NOT Born-again and you want to make Jesus the Lord of your life, click this link Prayer of Salvation