which IDE is better for game development? Eclipse or Netbeans?

[kiran770]

As a beginer to JME game programming, which IDE would be suitable? Netbeans or Eclipse? I couldn't find any books on Netbeans in the computer book stores but a lot on Eclipse. Which one would be easier for game development?

[peterblazejewicz]

hi,

from my experience while starting learning java/netbeans there is no need for any book at all for that IDE, most of configurations is done via wizard-like dialogs or already pre-made for use in various projects,
With j2me related projects which requires using MobilityPack add-on there are no extra steps required to build j2me project from scratch,
And there is one book for NetBeans that is updated from time to time:
http://www.amazon.com/NetBeans-IDE-F...253739?ie=UTF8
but I think you will look into that book not frequently,
Maybe using eclipse is different (and requires more book) but NetBeans is very strighforwared ide in use,
articles for NetBeans;
http://www.netbeans.org/kb/50/index.html
http://www.netbeans.org/kb/kb.html
http://www.netbeans.org/kb/articles/learn-java.html
http://www.netbeans.org/kb/50/flash.html

regards,
Peter

[awoywood]

I started programming with Eclipse about a year ago. By then, I had to install EclipseMe, antena, postguard and spend a lot of time configuring it all. It was worth it, Eclipse was the tool I needed. Maybe today the install procedure is easier, but back then I spend a lot of time in it.
A couple of months after, one of my students started working with me and told me about netbeans. I have to say, that's one of those times when the student becames the teacher. Netbeans has it all (ant, preprocessor, obsfuscation,emulation, visual designer) right from the start. That was 6 months ago. Since then we're developing commercial games, and Netbeans is our preferred tool. I bought the netbeans field guide, but as Peter said, you'll never need it. Just follow the tutorial available in the netbeans site and you'll be ok.
One of the things I like about netbeans is its visual designer. It's great for prototyping or for developing form-based bussiness apps. A similar tool is available in Carbide.j 1.5.
If you want to develop games, you'll also like the integration between netbeans and the game designer available in Carbide. There is a great example explained in the users manual from Carbide. It's called spaceworld.
(I think this integration is also available in Eclipse).
If you are looking for a book, I would recommend:
Developing Scalable Series 40 Applications: A Guide for Java Developers (Nokia Mobile Developer)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/032...328932?ie=UTF8
Its meant for Nokia development and MIDP2 and includes a ton of examples and tips for games and bussiness apps.

Good luck!

[dimitrist]

I started with Eclipse, but i love NetBeans!!
The best easiest program is Net Beans

[peterblazejewicz]

The best easiest program is Net Beans

welcome to the club!
:)

that's never bad time to promote NB:
so:
Why NetBeans? part I
Why NetBeans? part II (includes MobilityDemo slides)
regards,
peter

[regiel.arcon]

hey guys, just wanna ask. is it ok if i use carbide.j as a standalone app for creating a midlet game?
thanks in advance
it's for my thesis:)

[canxu]

I use idea because it is easy to use

[Icando]

I like eclipse & eclipseME

[calzada]

eclipse & eclipseME

[krusty-g]

Hi guys. Registered just to join this post. Have decided to stick with Netbeans after playin around with Eclipse. Gonna attempt to develop a (basic) game for a mobile phone. Any ideas if there is a 'drag and drop' type or 'storyboard' expansion/plugin for creating graphics (scrolling, tile based, I aint picky). Have gone through most tutorials I can find and see no mention of it.
Any help much appreciated.

[awoywood]

Hi, as far as I know there is no extension for that. But you can try Tile Studio here http://tilestudio.sourceforge.net/. As it's name suggest, its a tile editor, and a good one, and free. (Some other developers use mappy http://www.tilemap.co.uk/). Follow the included tutorial and in an hour you will be drawing your RPG game. It includes an export scripting language. If you need help with that or how to parse the map into your app, just let me know. Good luck!

Hi guys. Registered just to join this post. Have decided to stick with Netbeans after playin around with Eclipse. Gonna attempt to develop a (basic) game for a mobile phone. Any ideas if there is a 'drag and drop' type or 'storyboard' expansion/plugin for creating graphics (scrolling, tile based, I aint picky). Have gone through most tutorials I can find and see no mention of it.
Any help much appreciated.

[krusty-g]

Cheers awoywood. Looks like Tile Studio could be very handy. Gonna play around with it. No doubt I'll get stuck on something along the way but for now this is great. Greatly appreciate the nudge in the right direction.

Hi, as far as I know there is no extension for that. But you can try Tile Studio here http://tilestudio.sourceforge.net/. As it's name suggest, its a tile editor, and a good one, and free. (Some other developers use mappy http://www.tilemap.co.uk/). Follow the included tutorial and in an hour you will be drawing your RPG game. It includes an export scripting language. If you need help with that or how to parse the map into your app, just let me know. Good luck!