Independent Course Summary

I'll try to summarize everything that I've learned throughout the independent coursework.

-Learned how to navigate and use Unreal Engine 4 for making games.
-Learned up to Chapter 2.2 on learncpp.com, found out how to make basic console programs.
(made a calculator program and a username/password script.)
-Learned the basics for making a basic c++ mainframe for a DirectX program.
-Learned how to create realistic large scale heighmaps. 
-Learned how to make ultra-realistic lighting in UE4.
-Learned the basics of using blueprints in UE4.
-Refreshed my memory on Lua scripting and made a new script for my server.
-Refreshed my memory on html and created a few pages/buttons for my website.
-Learned how to setup a fastDL server for my Garry's Mod server.
-Used PHP to create a widget that fetches a bunch of player data from the Garry's Mod server and displays it on the website.
-Refreshed my memory on MySQL databases.
-Switched from using a folder based stat-save system on the server to a MySQL database.
(Took away a lot of lag and glitches where stats wouldn't save.)
-Learned a ton in Photoshop. Made a bunch of logos and graphics.

That's it!

Forgot to post yesterday

yesterday, I downloaded 301 new maps for the surf server and uploaded them to the FTP server and compressed them for faster download when players join. I also added a jump assist to the server server so that it's more beginner friendly.

Missing Maps, Disconnecting

I've partially figured out the problem from yesterday. I found out that it is a local problem, this computer is refusing to download any maps from server. I'm pretty certain that it's somewhere in my game's CFGs that is messed up.

Edit: Fixed the problem, it was in the cfg in Garry's Mod root folder. I had to add sv_allowdownload,
sv_allowupload and sv_maxfilesize 64.

Also added a "Join Server" button for the website so that players can join the Garry's Mod server without having to open the game. It was a lot easier than I expected to make.

www.glacier-gaming.com/server

Missing Maps - Disconnecting

Spent the entire class today trying to fix a FastDL error. When new players try to connect to the server, they aren't able to download the maps from the webserver that is set up. all other addons from the webserver download fine though.

I haven't been able to find the source of the problem yet.

Website re-designed, New Top Menu

Today I worked on the Glacier Gaming website. I added a new top menu since the old one was ugly and out-dated.

Old Menu:

New Menu:

The new menu also has a dynamic login/register function incorporated into it.

Server:
Today I added a few addons to the server.
   -Cannibalism for traitors
   -C4 Health Station for traitors
   -Plugin notifies which role and which player killed you
   -3 new traitor weapons
   -Colored smoke grenades
   -End of round music

www.glacier-gaming.com

Garry's Mod, Glacier Gaming

Today, I started a Garry's Mod Trouble in Terrorist Town server called Glacier Gaming.

www.glacier-gaming.com
(I hosted the website with www.enjin.com and created the template myself.)

I added a few basic administrative addons and I added a script that adds rank colors to the scoreboard in the game and the in-game chat as well. 

I also made a quick logo for the community/server in photoshop, I don't have a picture on this computer of the raw logo but I will post the loading screen gif that I made.

2.2 - Keywords and Naming Identifiers - Rust Plugins

Today I read through chapter 2.2 (Keywords and Naming Identifiers) on www.learncpp.com

I also downloaded "Rust" the game by Garry, the same guy who made Garry's mod. It's a PVP survival game and I might make a shop plugin for it using Lua.

Added Lakes, Structures, Misc Props

Today I added a building, some props, and some old-style cobblestone stairs into the side of a mountain. I also incorporated the day/night cycle that I made into this map.

Building Lighting...

Today I made a heightmap using the "Fractscape" terrain generator. I imported it into UE4 and I'm building the lighting so that I can add to it tomorrow.

Upcoming Project Thoughts

Played around with a sample map in UE4 that was provided as a template. Unfortunately it crashed while rendering the lighting so I couldn't get a screenshot. (It was an elaborate mountain scene where the player hang-glided through hoops)

I also read through Ch. 2.1 (Addressing and Variable Declaration)

I'm still trying to decide what my next project will be. I am choosing between a project in UE4, Blender, or Visual Studio.

Learn C++ and Mainframe

Spent the class reading through the rest of chapter 1 on Learn C++.

I got to chapter 2.1 (Basic addressing and variable declaration. 

I also created the starter mainframe for the DirectX program that I will be starting.
Download Mainframe

Simple Login

Today I created a basic numerical username/password script with C++

http://pastebin.com/bN8GBWDU

Calculator (C++)

Made a Calculator using C++, There's only one bug that I'll sort out tomorrow
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7i9h3a51hy1w411/AACKTVSq71ZcgDzSJtj9BeGqa?dl=0

Bug: "No Corresponding Option" message pops up after the answer of multiplication or factorial. It's only supposed to pop up if 1 or 2 isn't selected in the main menu.

Made a 5 minute day/night cycle. Tomorrow I'm going to try and learn some functions regarding events at different times of the day.

Day/Night Cycle:

First Day in UE4 Engine

I played around with the environment tools and used some of the assets provided in the "Starter" folder and made a small scene.

Learning C++

Had some free time so I decided to start the long process of learning C++, I found a website that has 13 chapters and I'm going to start here.

www.learncpp.com

Spent most of the class setting up the computer and installing the required programs.

-Unreal Engine 4 (Game Engine)
-Blender (3D Modelling)
-Gyazo (Easier Screenshot Software)
-Google Chrome (Faster than IE)

Posted at 11:59PM Monday

Played around with unreal engine tonight,
had a bug with grid lines around the landscape

After doing some research on the UE4 forums I found that it was a common glitch and I rebuilt the lighting and it seemed to fix it.

Versed people online today
Screenshot 1:

 Screenshot 2:

-Not enough time to upload video

Screenshot 1:

Screenshot 2:

Video: Click Here