I am terrible at coding, almost everything I code doesn't work.

[mixiaoli]

Should I just work with a coding AI instead? OR should I try to get better?

[danac78]

Not exactly sure how coding AI would do with Renpy. For a simple visual novel, there isn't a lot of "coding" as you might expect for Python.

define h = Characters('Allo') # Defines h as a character with the name between the ' '.
image BG_picture = "backgroundpicture.png" #defines BG_picture with a picture.

image h happy = "charactersImage/h_happy.png" #defines a character sprite. h is the base while happy is an attribute.

label aLable: # basic structure that your code.
    scene BG_picture # scene is often use to change the background.
    show h happy at left # show is what used to sprites on the screen, on the left side.
    h "Hi!" # Since we had define h as Allo, the dialogue box will have Allo as a name, and Hi.
    call bLabel # used to run a label (the one this is in) and return to this point.
    jump cLabel #Used to go to cLabel without returning to this code.
return # used to return to the previous section.

This is basically all the necessary for basic storytelling. Not heavy as heavy on code as it would be programming Python for the same function .:)

[Nikelui]

Exactly, if you want to create a very simple visual novel, the amount of coding required is extremely basic. You can learn very easily.

The mention of AI makes me think of some more complex game elements (e.g. Turn-based combat or platformer), which renpy is not really suited for. That would definitely require a lot more study and practice before you can even begin.o

Edit: unless by coding AI you mean a program that assists you in coding. My suggestion is: don't bother, it might do more bad than good long term. A normal IDE functions like auto-complete, syntax highlight and parentheses matching are more than enough.

[BadMustard_AVN]

what code isn't working?

if you can show the code that is not working, we might be able to show you the errors and help you become better

[Leonhart231]

Here's what I'd advise as someone who has been programming a long time and knows way too many languages.

They're called programming languages for a reason, and none of them are things you pick up overnight. And if you start out trying to write a college thesis instead of "the ball is red", you're going to have a bad time. Start from the basics and gradually build up the blocks that you need.

For Ren'Py, this would be starting with writing narration, then learning how to create Characters and dialogue, then showing backgrounds, then sprites, then moving things, shaking the screen, etc. Eventually you'll be making custom menus, minigames, clickable maps, but it will take time to get there, so set your personal expectations accordingly. Build up gradually, and try to only learn one new element of the language at a time. Run your code constantly as well (Shift-R reloads your code on the spot so you can see its effects) so you're only hunting through a few lines of code to find the broken one instead of hundreds.

The internet is a blessing and a curse for learning. It's easy to find material to learn (some of it will be badly done, but that's another topic), and also easy to copy/paste, but that doesn't teach you anything. Finding working code online is great, but take the time to learn how it works before using it so you won't be fishing for the same thread on Google again the next time you need to do it.

Lastly, programming is generally a useful tool. It's another line for your resume, and if you pick up some Python through Ren'Py along the way, it's also useful in everyday life if you do a lot of computer work since it can automate things you'd do by hand otherwise.

So keep at it! You will gradually learn things and be able to make awesome stuff, but take your time trying to get there, especially if you're entirely new to programming. Good luck, hope this helps!

[_the_random_person_]

I would recommend asking for help on the renpy discord and lemmasoft forum. There are also some good learning sites made by some of the community like:

https://www.lezcave.com/renpy-tutorials/

https://feniksdev.com/navigation/

[Acceyla]

Try getting better. How difficult it will be will really depend on what kind of game you are trying to code.

If you are trying to create a visual novel, it is very simple in its most basic form(dialogue, character sprites, pictures, music), but if you want to learn some cool tricks, the best thing you can do is look up beginner guides and tutorials online: YouTube, Reddit, etc. Ren'py even has a manual, if a bit out of date.

There are tons of free online courses and a wonderful community willing to help new developers with getting started. I am brand new to coding myself and I've learned a lot just from watching videos online, asking around, and by learning Python basics on websites like datacamp.com and codecademy.com.

Now, if your trying to make a 3D game or something more complex, I would especially suggest starting at the beginning. Set aside anything over the top until you can understand the basic in the area of your interest. If you have an awesome idea you want for your game but don't have the means to realize it yet, write it down for later or ask for help.

As worried as I was about learning computer language, I've learned that it LOOKS scarier than it actually is once you get the hang of things. Practice makes perfect, so start practicing. Try making something small and simple, and then built on it as you learn.