Kuryn

I was wondering which language would be best to use for a career move? C# or C++?

Wizard1988

Depends what will be doing. Will you be programming 3D games and such? then go with C++. Windows applications? then C#

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Infinite Recursion

A few years ago I switched my focus from C/C++ to C#. Mainly because I switched gears to writing web-based applications and services. No regrets. However, if you can, it would be beneficial to know C++ AND C#.

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"There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root."

Jimbo

++
It's probably not necessary to be an expert in both, but knowing how to use each and how some of the semantics are the same or different is probably useful. That said, focus on the language that gets you into the job you like more.

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Kuryn

Well thats what i'm trying to do now. but at the same time I wanna use directx 10 to be a game programmer but at the same time stop worrying about MFC, WTL, Win32 C API, etc. But then again I wanna learn COM and Windows Shell programming. I'm so confused with what I wanna do

lectricpharaoh

Bear in mind that you can adopt C#, and still use C++ where the situation requires it. If you're wanting to write DirectX apps, remember that Managed DirectX is there, and constantly improving. For many games, it's fast enough, and it's a lot easier to learn than native DirectX. Don't forget that if there's something you want to do with the Win32 API in C#, but there's no direct support for it, you can use p/invoke to cross the managed/unmanaged code boundary (though there is a slight performance hit).

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Kuryn

MDX is gone from the SDK from the recent one. But meh I'll never get a job as a C++ game programmer. And C++/CLI isn't all that easy its even harder than native C++. I guess I will make my venture through the managed world and still use C++ when I need it. I just hope I didn't make the wrong choice down the line.

Wizard1988

I believe MDX is now XNA.

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lectricpharaoh

Yeah, what Wizard1988 said. XNA is essentially the next version of Managed DirectX.

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And once again, Probability proves itself willing to sneak into a back alley and service Drama as would a copper-piece harlot.
- Vaarsuvius, Order of the Stick

King

It's not like you can't go back. My first job i was wring C# and for my job now I write code in C# and C++ (depending on the project). If you get a job in C# for a couple years, there is no reason you can't get a job in C++ after that. Most programmers are skilled in more than one language, and if not they can usually learn another language or brush up on there skills in another language quite quickly.

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