Getting Started with Corona/Lua
Corona is the IDE to use, so the first thing you need to do is to download and
install it (check here).
If you are working on the school computers (e.g., SCI 234 lab), the software
should already be installed. If you need it installed somewhere on campus that
doesn't already have it, request it with the instructor (although it may take
sometime for IT to get to it).
Lua is the programming language to use. It is a procedural language so it
looks very much like Java and C++. However, for the most part, it is not
object oriented, so you won't see classes and you won't have to deal with
associated concepts. (Note: there is a structure you can use which will allow
you to work with objects and attributes.)
There are lots of resources to get you started. The official Corona website
also has a list of tutorials here.
Some specific tutorials that have been recommended in the past:
-
Intro to Lua and
updated techniques
Working through this tutorial helped understand how Lua worked, use of
images and user interaction. This tutorial has 4 parts. By the end, you
create a basic game where you control a jet with a touch to avoid mines.
This youtuber also has other Lua tutorials such as a flappy bird game.
- Specific exercises for learning user interaction (listeners, buttons,
text, etc.):
one,
two
- Exercises for learning basic use of images and audio:
one,
two,
three
- Exercises for learning the use of storyboards:
part1,
part2,
part3,
another
one
- Exercise for creating tables and retrieving data from the database:
here
- Links about using parse:
overview,
guide,
log
in and user account