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DS development > Thinking of buying a DS lite specifically to mod it but...

#97215 - blondegeek - Tue Aug 08, 2006 6:01 pm

Before I get in over my head, I'm wondering a few things:

a) How high-level is the programming language (and what is the programming language) for the DS? I have experience with basic javascript and PHP w/ SQL. Would being familiar with such languages be helpful with learning the DS dev. language or is it completely different?

b) What are the hardware specific tech specs of the DS, such as processor speed, RAM, bus speed, ... (if it applies or is relevant)?

c) What kind of shareware/freeware programs are avaliable for DS program development for Mac OSX (10.2 <--ya..kind of behind)? If there isn't much, recommendations for programs for Windows XP, are welcome. (I can't live without more than one operating system)

d) Do you have any advice from your personal experience with modding the DS?

Thanks a bunch for your input! I know the question is a bit broad and vauge, but I don't know where else to start!

#97221 - Abcd1234 - Tue Aug 08, 2006 6:55 pm

blondegeek wrote:
Before I get in over my head, I'm wondering a few things:

a) How high-level is the programming language (and what is the programming language) for the DS? I have experience with basic javascript and PHP w/ SQL. Would being familiar with such languages be helpful with learning the DS dev.


Hah, yeah, no. :) Well, okay, that's not strictly true... javascript gives you a basic understanding of fundamental programming concepts (variables, control flow constructs, etc), but that's about as far as it's usefulness goes.

Get yourself a good book on C or C++ (we'll let the language bigots fight that one out ;), a compiler kit and development environment for your machine (I like the GNU kit (gcc, etc) + Emacs, but the less esoteric out there would probably prefer Eclipse... all of which is free), and start writing programs for your *desktop* computer first. Once you have a strong handle on writing C/C++ apps (in particular, pointers and memory management), then you *might* be ready to start tinkering. 'course, for most people, it'll take 6 months to a year before they're comfortably at that stage.

As for the rest, the answers are in the forums/on the web. Search and you shall find.

#97238 - blondegeek - Tue Aug 08, 2006 8:43 pm

Excellent! Now I can start plowing through that C++ book that my mom bought me for Christmas. Funny how I only seem to use my programming books if it's been at least 6 months since I acquired them.

Thank you!