MUD Coding

NotL337 · 11-20-2006, 06:47 PM

I've tried learning some Ruby and C on my own, and I've fiddled a bit, but I don't seem to have the knack for teaching myself how to code all alone. However, from my experiences in some other fields, I'm quite certain that I could pick this up reasonably fast if I had someone to help me out a bit.

If someone could help me learn the mud-oriented stuff I need to know for either language (I'm basically a complete newbie at coding, although I've tried to work through a C book and some Ruby stuff so I do know a tiny bit) I'd be very happy to learn.

I'm a writer, and although I only have experience in two different custom code bases (i.e. I'm not familiar with OLC) I'm willing to learn and to offer my services as a builder, RP IMM, or general writer in exchange for teaching me how to code. I know it's probably not that great of an offer all things considered, but once I've learned how to code a bit I'd also be willing to offer that service in exchange.

cratylus · 11-20-2006, 09:50 PM

What exactly is your goal? I understand what you've asked for,
which is help in learning C or Ruby in the context of a mud.

What I'd like to know is exactly what you intend. Is it your plan
to someday write/run your own mud? Or do you want to learn
to code in general, with mud code as a starting point?

What is the "win state"?

-Crat
http://lpmuds.net

NotL337 · 11-20-2006, 10:53 PM

My dream is to head up my own MUD. I would like to be able to do most of the custom coding for it, and the to-be-expected fixing of things that break.

My goal is to learn enough to get my mud started in about three to five years. By started I mean opened to the public with some of the main stuff either done, or mostly ready, such as the magic system.

I really have no interest in code besides creating the mud, but then again there's absolutely no telling what kinds of things I could get into once I get started. Plus I'm willing to do whatever side work is required.

For instance my desire to learn piano, and nothing more, has lead me into taking Pipe Organ lessons... something I never expected, but that totally kicks ass

. I always try to keep an open mind about possible uses for things when I start learning something new.

Another example is when I started singing. I had no idea I would need to learn to completely change the way I spoke to learn how to sing better, and it was (still is) a constant learning process... something I didn't expect, but am still willing to do.

Part of my desire to do this stems from a bad experience I had with a Harry Potter MUD I tried to start. I had some writers, and of course I'm a writer myself, but a few months into the project the coder quit, and we couldn't find another one... the project fell apart because it was a custom codebase and when the coder left he took his code with him--dragging along all of the zones we had created. Being rather silly, I'd never thought to make sure everyone kept a backup of their work.

Also I was part of another project that fell apart because the coder left. I loved the idea of the MUD and I was heart-broken that all I could do was stand back and watch it crumble since I only knew how to write, and not code.

I wish that, back then, I'd had some of the self confidence I have now. I never would've given up on those projects so easily. But back then I figured those were setbacks too large to be overcome.

This new project is my baby, and I'm willing to learn the parenting skills I need to ensure it grows up properly

.

cratylus · 11-20-2006, 11:50 PM

Ok.

If I understand you correctly, you want to learn C/Ruby well enough
not to have to rely on someone else for the viability of your
mud project.

My read on things is that having an online tutor
of C isn't much help. My understanding is that you basically
need to hit the books, and teach yourself the hard way, or
take classes. AFAICT, it involves lots and lots of sweat, and
not much tutoring, except in the case of formal instruction.

However, I'm not a C expert. I'm only repeating the sort of things
I've heard in response to these sorts of requests in the past. If
I am mistaken, I'm sure the correction will arrive here swiftly.

I hope you find the guidance you seek.

In case you don't, I suggest you review an article I wrote a while
ago. It wasn't with someone quite like you in mind, but you may
find it helpful all the same.

http://dead-souls.net/articles/why_ds.html

It may be that a simpler way to code a mud will suit you better
than brute force learning of stuff you're not really all that
interested in in the first place.

-Crat

NotL337 · 11-20-2006, 11:57 PM

Thank you for the advice--lpc were the first style of muds that I looked at, but that's not quite what I'm looking for.

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11-20-2006, 06:47 PM	#1
NotL337 Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 42	I've tried learning some Ruby and C on my own, and I've fiddled a bit, but I don't seem to have the knack for teaching myself how to code all alone. However, from my experiences in some other fields, I'm quite certain that I could pick this up reasonably fast if I had someone to help me out a bit. If someone could help me learn the mud-oriented stuff I need to know for either language (I'm basically a complete newbie at coding, although I've tried to work through a C book and some Ruby stuff so I do know a tiny bit) I'd be very happy to learn. I'm a writer, and although I only have experience in two different custom code bases (i.e. I'm not familiar with OLC) I'm willing to learn and to offer my services as a builder, RP IMM, or general writer in exchange for teaching me how to code. I know it's probably not that great of an offer all things considered, but once I've learned how to code a bit I'd also be willing to offer that service in exchange.

11-20-2006, 09:50 PM	#2
cratylus Banned Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 153	What exactly is your goal? I understand what you've asked for, which is help in learning C or Ruby in the context of a mud. What I'd like to know is exactly what you intend. Is it your plan to someday write/run your own mud? Or do you want to learn to code in general, with mud code as a starting point? What is the "win state"? -Crat http://lpmuds.net

11-20-2006, 10:53 PM	#3
NotL337 Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 42	My dream is to head up my own MUD. I would like to be able to do most of the custom coding for it, and the to-be-expected fixing of things that break. My goal is to learn enough to get my mud started in about three to five years. By started I mean opened to the public with some of the main stuff either done, or mostly ready, such as the magic system. I really have no interest in code besides creating the mud, but then again there's absolutely no telling what kinds of things I could get into once I get started. Plus I'm willing to do whatever side work is required. For instance my desire to learn piano, and nothing more, has lead me into taking Pipe Organ lessons... something I never expected, but that totally kicks ass . I always try to keep an open mind about possible uses for things when I start learning something new. Another example is when I started singing. I had no idea I would need to learn to completely change the way I spoke to learn how to sing better, and it was (still is) a constant learning process... something I didn't expect, but am still willing to do. Part of my desire to do this stems from a bad experience I had with a Harry Potter MUD I tried to start. I had some writers, and of course I'm a writer myself, but a few months into the project the coder quit, and we couldn't find another one... the project fell apart because it was a custom codebase and when the coder left he took his code with him--dragging along all of the zones we had created. Being rather silly, I'd never thought to make sure everyone kept a backup of their work. Also I was part of another project that fell apart because the coder left. I loved the idea of the MUD and I was heart-broken that all I could do was stand back and watch it crumble since I only knew how to write, and not code. I wish that, back then, I'd had some of the self confidence I have now. I never would've given up on those projects so easily. But back then I figured those were setbacks too large to be overcome. This new project is my baby, and I'm willing to learn the parenting skills I need to ensure it grows up properly .

11-20-2006, 11:50 PM	#4
cratylus Banned Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 153	Ok. If I understand you correctly, you want to learn C/Ruby well enough not to have to rely on someone else for the viability of your mud project. My read on things is that having an online tutor of C isn't much help. My understanding is that you basically need to hit the books, and teach yourself the hard way, or take classes. AFAICT, it involves lots and lots of sweat, and not much tutoring, except in the case of formal instruction. However, I'm not a C expert. I'm only repeating the sort of things I've heard in response to these sorts of requests in the past. If I am mistaken, I'm sure the correction will arrive here swiftly. I hope you find the guidance you seek. In case you don't, I suggest you review an article I wrote a while ago. It wasn't with someone quite like you in mind, but you may find it helpful all the same. http://dead-souls.net/articles/why_ds.html It may be that a simpler way to code a mud will suit you better than brute force learning of stuff you're not really all that interested in in the first place. -Crat

11-20-2006, 11:57 PM	#5
NotL337 Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 42	Thank you for the advice--lpc were the first style of muds that I looked at, but that's not quite what I'm looking for.

MUD Coding

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