where to start learning code so i can make a synth/ tracker for 3ds? (Page 1 of 2)

Do you have any coding experience at all? If not, that's okay, it will just take you longer to get to where you want to be. I would strongly recommend against starting trying to learn 3DS homebrew and C/C++ (or whatever they use) at the same time. 3DS scene has little to no documentation, little support, and is constantly changing.

Start learning about some basic C++ data structures, then start playing with SDL in C++. Once you can make a decent tracker in that, you could probably make a really nice tracker for the 3DS.

In this case and as Catskull say.
Try to write some simple stuff with c/c++ then when you think you are ok add the sdl, it will help you a lot.
If you want to make sub bass, you can learn how to write oscillator with c/c++ it's a big part.

The psp is easier to start IMHO today.

C++ is the C language with ketchup and potatoes.
I think C++ is easier for a beginner.
C# is a Microsoft clone of Java, I have no experience at all but it's designed for and by Microsoft so you like or you hate.
SDL is free gpl stuff and IMHO it's really a great library to make game but also tracker interface.

If you work, learn a lot you will be able to write tracker with C++ and SDL.
It's the two big things to master.
If you know how to so this you can jump to more hardcore platform : 3DS.

It's always better to start learning something with an idea of what you want to make of it.

If you are serious about this, then start with plain C. I recommend http://c.learncodethehardway.org/book/. It is a series of coding exercises that will help you learn C. As most other programming languages nowadays are derivatives of C (either borrow much of the C syntax as is the case with C#, C++, etc. or are built on C as is the case with higher-level languages like Python), just learning plain C is a gateway to so much more.

After learning C, probably also familiarize yourself with x86 assembly (which is the machine code that all programming languages devolves to--super low level) and get a better understanding of processor architecture and development. The Intel Developer's Manual is a good place to start (or die as is the case with most): http://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/pu … 325462.pdf. However, as 3500 pages is a bit much for any person and the 3DS uses the ARM architecture, you may want to read up on ARM, but still learn x86 assembly as it will be of vital importance.

There is some stuff in the 3DS homebrew wiki: http://3dbrew.org/wiki/Setting_up_Devel … nvironment.

I myself have never directly made homebrew applications, but I have reverse engineered a few. There is also an IRC channel for the homebrew wiki too, so you might want to check that out.

Hope this helps.

Fine. I will start with c. I got a very dated book "the c programming language 2nd ed." by kernighan and ritche along with the c answer book some time ago, but couldn't get any compiler to work. what is it with newer versions of windows dos? how would i make my dos run commands like an old pc? would i have better luck on a windows me computer? point me to some software that would allow me to do the stuff in this book!
update: i am setting up virtual box with ubuntu linux inside it. that c the hard way wants me to use linux or osx.

Last edited by bitjacker (Jun 18, 2015 7:28 pm)

or make something in PetitComputer !
http://petitcomputer.wikia.com/wiki/Petit_Computer_Wiki