Background Knowledge Prerequisites

From Multiverse

This page summarizes useful background knowledge for developing on the Multiverse platform.

Contents 1 Python programming 2 Java programming 3 XML 4 Art and asset creation 5 Game design 6 Advanced topics 6.1 Cg shader programming

Python programming

Python is a dynamic object-oriented programming language you can use for server and client scripting on the Multiverse platform. You can do most programming tasks on the Multiverse platform with Python scripts.

Websites:

• Python documentation - Python Software Foundation

Books:

• Learning Python 2nd Ed. by Mark Lutz and David Ascher
• Python Visual QuickStart Guide by Chris Fehily
• Beginning Python: From Novice to Professional by Magnus Lie Hetland

Java programming

Java is a cross-platform programming language you can use for developing server plug-ins.

Websites:

• Sun Java SE - the official Sun Java site.
• Java SE 5.0 API docs
• Sun's New to Java Center
• A beginner's guide to Java programming from Java Coffee Break.

Books:

• Thinking in Java 4th Ed. by Bruce Eckel
• Core Java 2, Volume I--Fundamentals by Horstmann and Cornell
• Introduction to Java Programming, Comprehensive by Y. Daniel Liang

XML

If you want to customize the Multiverse Client user interface, you'll need to understand how XML works. Not to worry, you don't need to be a whiz—just have a grasp of the basics.

Websites:

• W3 Schools XML Tutorial

Books:

• Learning XML, by Erik T Ray

Art and asset creation

Books:

• 3ds Max 8 Bible by Kelly L. Murdock.
• Inside Maya 5 by Max Sims, Mark Adams, and Erick Miller.

• Modeling a character in 3ds Max by Paul Steed

• Maya 7 Visual Quickstart Guide by Riddell,Robinson and Stein

• Softimage XSI5 the Official Guideby Anthony Rossano

Links:

• CGSociety
• Concept art dot org
• Highend 3D
• Wings 3D A good software package for people who are new to 3D modeling and want to see what its like, while staying within the confines of a tight budget.
• 3D Buzz A great place for 3D Max 8 video lessons!

Game design

See the references in the MMOG Design page.

Advanced topics

These areas of knowledge are not necessary for world development, but if you want to, you can use them for advanced effects.

Cg shader programming

For advanced client applications

• NVIDIA Developer Site for OpenGL ad DirectX
• The Cg Tutorial: The Definitive Guide to Programmable Real-Time Graphics - a popular technical book from NVIDIA.