Introduction
Starting something new is always a mix of excitement and uncertainty. My name is Andreas. and I’m a self-taught programmer from Sweden. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by technology—how a few lines of code can bring something to life. Over time, this passion has evolved into a deep interest in programming, particularly in C++, Python, and Lua. Now, I’m taking on a new challenge: building my own 2D game engine in C++ with the help of AI.
This post is about my journey—how I got into programming, what drives me, and why I believe AI is the future of development. If you’re someone who loves coding, gaming, or just enjoys learning something new, I hope you’ll find my story interesting and maybe even a little inspiring.
The Beginning: How I Discovered Programming
My journey into programming started in the most unexpected way—through Visual Basic scripting in Microsoft Office. I had no idea that something as simple as automating tasks in Excel could open the door to a whole new world. I was amazed at how a few lines of code could change a button’s color or create a script that would turn off my computer after a few minutes of inactivity. It was like unlocking a hidden superpower.
That initial curiosity led me to explore more. I wanted to understand how programs worked, how games were made, and how I could create things myself. That’s when I started experimenting with C++, Python, and Lua. Each language had its own appeal—C++ for its power and efficiency, Python for its simplicity and versatility, and Lua for its use in game scripting.
A Passion for Gaming and Coding
Beyond programming, I’ve always been passionate about games—not just playing them, but understanding how they’re built. I remember playing different games and wondering, How do the characters move? How does the game know what I’m doing? Instead of just enjoying the experience, my mind was constantly analyzing how everything worked behind the scenes.
Having ADHD and Autism, my brain is always spinning with ideas, and games became a way for me to both focus and explore creativity. They weren’t just entertainment; they were interactive puzzles that I wanted to break apart and rebuild in my own way.
Overcoming Challenges
Life hasn’t always been easy. For years, I worked as an excavator driver, a job that came with a lot of stress. Eventually, that stress became overwhelming, and I had to step away. Around the same time, I was struggling with alcohol addiction. It took a long time to recover, but in 2020, I made the decision to become alcohol-free, and I’ve stuck with it ever since.
That change gave me the clarity to rethink what I wanted to do with my life. I realized that coding had always been my escape, my passion, and now, with a fresh start, I wanted to fully embrace it.
Embracing AI in Game Development
One of the most exciting things about coding today is the role of AI in development. Instead of just writing code from scratch, I can now use AI to assist me—offering suggestions, debugging errors, and even generating ideas for better solutions.
This is why I’m taking on my biggest project yet: building a 2D game engine in C++ with AI as my guide. It’s not just about making games; it’s about exploring how AI can enhance the development process, making coding more efficient and accessible.
AI isn’t here to replace programmers—it’s here to empower us. With tools like AI-assisted debugging and code generation, I believe we’re entering a new era of development where anyone with a passion for coding can create something amazing.
Learning Through Experimentation
One thing I’ve learned is that the best way to get better at coding is to experiment and make mistakes. When I first started, I tried building simple programs—little scripts that automated tasks, basic games, and small utilities. Each time I failed, I learned something new.
Now, with the game engine project, I’m applying that same mindset. I don’t expect it to be perfect right away, and that’s okay. The process of debugging, improving, and refining is what makes coding fun and rewarding.
If you’re learning to program, don’t be afraid to fail. Every error message is a lesson, and every bug you fix is a step forward.
Finding Motivation
Some days, motivation comes easily. Other days, it feels impossible to get started. What helps me stay motivated is setting small goals and reminding myself why I started in the first place.
Here are a few things that keep me going:
- Breaking projects into smaller tasks – Instead of thinking about an entire game engine, I focus on one feature at a time.
- Learning something new each day – Whether it’s a new programming concept or a cool AI tool, keeping things fresh keeps me engaged.
- Celebrating progress – Even if it’s just fixing a minor bug or optimizing a function, every step forward matters.
The Road Ahead
This journey is just beginning. There’s still so much to learn, explore, and create. I don’t know exactly where it will lead, but that’s part of the excitement. What I do know is that I’m embracing this new chapter of my life with open arms.
If you’re passionate about coding, gaming, or just learning something new, I encourage you to keep pushing forward. Whether you’re building your first program or taking on a big project like a game engine, every step you take brings you closer to something incredible.
This isn’t just about writing code—it’s about creating something meaningful and enjoying the process along the way.
Thanks for reading! If you’re interested in AI-assisted development, game programming, or just want to connect, feel free to reach out. Let’s build something amazing together!
Stay tuned for more updates on my journey into game development and AI-driven coding.