Getting started with Terrarium
Getting started with Terrarium development has been on my radar for a couple of years now but lately, Justin got me enthusiastic enough to actually download the bits and give it a try.
Here are some useful pointers in getting up and running:
- The home of Terrarium is on the Windows Forms site:
http://www.windowsforms.com/Default.aspx?tabindex=6&tabid=42 - Download the Terrarium application :
http://www.windowsforms.com/Terrarium/Download/?tabindex=6&tabid=42
NOTE: You can run the Terrarium application in one of 2 modes: Terrarium mode or Ecosystem mode. Terrarium mode is a "local mode" which allows you to run locally and test your critters in a limited environment. Ecosystem mode is the "online mode" and allows you to pit your critters against those developed by other developers around the world.
You can now start the fun part - creature development!
- Create a new Visual Studio solution named "Critters" at C:\Projects\Terrarium (actual location can be wherever you like) and create a new Project named "MyFirstCritter".
- Grab a skeleton file for your critter (these are template files with common stuff already included)
http://www.windowsforms.com/terrarium/docs/QuickStart/CustomizedTemplate.aspx - Compile your critter project.
- Switch to the Terrarium application and "introduce" your critter.
After you've done that you should read the developer guide to learn more about what is achievable and how to do things in the game: http://www.windowsforms.com/Terrarium/docs/OrganismSDK/default.aspx?currentPanel=Chapter1TheEcosystemOverview
There's also a section on the Terrarium site called "The Farm" where you can go to view code samples which have been submitted by other developers to solve common problems - such as finding food quickly or escaping from a hostile Poodlefang critter.
http://www.windowsforms.com/Terrarium/farm/default.aspx?tabIndex=6&tabId=42
In future posts I'll discuss the various events which are raised by the game which allow you to participate in it.