How to Develop an Online Program
- 1). Download and install a basic online program such the game TripleA, the virtual radio RadioTray, or the painting program TuxPaint.
- 2). Run the program, and write on paper answers to the following questions: "What features about this program would I like my program to have? Which features do I want to leave out? How would I improve this program?" Answer questions related to these as they come to mind. Be precise in writing your answers, as doing do will make programming the application easier.
- 3). Download the source code for the online program whose functions best match those of the program you want to develop. Download the source code files from the same web page housing the program's executable.
- 4). Read the downloaded documentation, taking special note of the language the original developer used to create the program.
- 5). Download a kit for developing programs in the language you noted in step 4. A Java development kit is available at the JDK download page. Python's development kit is available from the Python download page.
- 6). Open all source files for the original online program, in either a word processor (e.g. Notepad) or integrated development environment (IDE). Print out the source files.
- 7). Create, in Notepad or the IDE, a new set of source files by typing them. Refer to the printouts from the previous step to complete this step.
- 8). Compile the new source files, using instructions that came with the development kit from step 5. This step ensures your typing was accurate.
- 9). Delete one of the source files, then retype it--but without referring to the printout unless necessary. You will need the printout at first, but repeat this step until you no longer need it. Typing the source file solely from memory shows you how the code in the source file works.
- 10
Retype the original online program's remaining source files from memory. This action will provide the skill you need to tailor the program to the notes you wrote in step 2. - 11
Write the source code for one of step 2's simpler changes, such as changing the color of a display element (e.g. game character or background). - 12
Compile and run the revised program. correct program errors, AKA bugs, using the debugging tools in your language's development kit. Read the kit's documentation for detailed instructions on using these tools. - 13
Write the code for the remaining changes listed in step 2's notes to produce your customized online program.