Intro

~~ Tackling Android development at Purdue University Global has been an intricate exploration of the Java programming language and its application in the Android ecosystem. This blog delves into the technical nuances of my college experience, specifically emphasizing my profound understanding of the Android app lifecycle, all while crafting the fitness tracking app 'BitterFitness.'

The Android App Lifecycle Demystified:

~~ Understanding the Android app lifecycle was paramount in my journey. Delving into the intricacies of onCreate(), onStart(), onResume(), onPause(), onStop(), and onDestroy() methods in the context of activities and fragments was a profound learning experience. Grasping the transitions between these states enabled me to architect robust and responsive applications.

Android Studio as the Epicenter:

~~ Android Studio emerged as my development fortress, offering a plethora of tools and functionalities. From the layout editor for XML design to the rich debugging features, I honed my skills to navigate seamlessly through the IDE, optimizing my coding workflow.

Designing with Technical Precision:

~~ User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design were not mere aesthetic pursuits but a technical challenge. Applying XML layouts, understanding the intricacies of constraint layouts, and optimizing view hierarchies were essential elements in crafting the intuitive interface of 'BitterFitness.

Coding Gymnastics: Tackling Functionalities:

~~ The development of 'BitterFitness' required more than just coding prowess; it demanded a deep understanding of Android APIs and libraries. Implementing features such as sensor integration for activity tracking, local storage management, and asynchronous operations required intricate knowledge of Android SDK components.

Real-time Syncing and Data Management:

~~ The synchronization of real-time data and efficient data management were technical feats in 'BitterFitness.' Leveraging Android's ContentProvider, SQLite database, and handling background tasks with AsyncTask and threads were crucial aspects of ensuring a seamless user experience.

Model-View-Controller (MVC) Paradigm:

~~ A crucial aspect of architectural mastery is the adoption of a well-defined design pattern. 'BitterFitness' was constructed upon the Model-View-Controller (MVC) paradigm, a proven methodology that separates concerns and facilitates modular development. My adept application of MVC ensured a clear distinction between data management, user interface, and application logic.

Conclusion

~~ In mastering app architecture during my Android development journey at Purdue University Global, 'BitterFitness' emerged as a testament to the fusion of theoretical knowledge and hands-on implementation. The strategic utilization of architectural patterns, dependency injection, reactive programming, and Jetpack components culminated in an app that not only navigates the Android app lifecycle with finesse but also sets a high standard for architectural excellence in the realm of fitness tracking applications.

1. Understanding Game Design Principles

~~ Embarking on a journey to deepen my Unity expertise, I am immersing myself in the realm of game design principles. This chapter involves a comprehensive exploration of gameplay mechanics, intricate level design, and the art of crafting unforgettable player experiences, all aimed at enriching my game development acumen.

2. Mastering Unity

~~ As I chart my course through the Unity landscape, my proficiency is set to ascend to new heights. I am committed to delving into the intricacies of Unity's features, exploring advanced techniques, and gaining a profound understanding of harnessing the full potential of this renowned game engine.

3. Building More Complex Games

~~ Armed with growing experience, I am gearing up to confront more complex and ambitious projects, spanning both 2D and 3D realms. This phase will serve as a crucible for experimenting with intricate game genres and mechanics, pushing the boundaries of my creative and technical capabilities.

4. Elevating My Programming Skills

~~ Building upon my foundation in software engineering, I am poised to elevate my programming skills. Proficiency in scripting languages, notably C# for Unity, will empower me to create sophisticated and interactive gameplay elements, marking a leap forward in my technical prowess.

5. Evolving Portfolio Excellence

~~ My portfolio is on a trajectory of evolution, transcending beyond a mere display of early works. I am committed to crafting detailed descriptions, capturing compelling screenshots, and producing engaging videos that not only showcase my growth but also underscore my capabilities as a dynamic game developer.

6. Networking and Collaborative Engagements

~~ In the near future, active participation in online forums, game developer communities, and local meetups is on the horizon. I aim to expand my network and actively pursue collaboration opportunities, forging meaningful connections within the dynamic and diverse game development community.

7. Specialization and Reputation Forge

~~ As proficiency in various game development facets deepens, I contemplate specializing in a specific field, be it gameplay programming, AI development, or level design. Collaborative endeavors will contribute significantly to establishing my reputation as an adept and versatile game developer.

8. Unwavering Commitment to Continuous Learning

~~ In the dynamic landscape of game development, my commitment to growth remains steadfast. Staying abreast of the latest trends, tools, and technologies involves enrolling in advanced courses and attending workshops, ensuring a continuous refinement of my skills.

9. Paving the Way for Opportunities

~~ Armed with an enhanced portfolio and enriched experience, I am poised to actively seek entry-level game development positions. Alternatively, freelancing opportunities will be explored as avenues to gain practical experience, further enhancing my professional trajectory.

10. Nurturing Ongoing Personal Projects

~~ As my personal projects continue to evolve, they stand as a testament to my enduring passion and commitment to the craft. These projects serve not only as creative expressions but also as compelling showcases of my skills and dedication for potential employers or clients.

Intro

~~ After committing to pursuing game development I decided to siphon thru game engines and way the pros and cons of each. This is not the first time I've dabbled with game engines, I have spent a lot of time using Unreal Game Engine to move game objects and I attempted to learn their blueprint scripting. After tinkering with a few game engines I've settled on Unity since it was easier for me to import and start scripting game objects in an interactive way.

1. Getting Started

~~ When I first dove into Unity, I was impressed by the intuitive nature of navigating the viewport window. It felt like playing a game itself. To kickstart my learning journey, I set up my development environment by installing Unity Hub and necessary dependencies. Opting for hands-on training, I enrolled in a Udemy master class, covering everything from viewport navigation to cinemachine handling and character controller creation.

2. Learning The Basics

~~ I quickly grasped the concept of scenes, understanding that each scene serves a specific section of the game rather than representing the entire game. Learning about programming patterns like the singleton and observer helped me programmatically regulate the game. However, I faced challenges, particularly when I attempted to edit an object's model instead of adopting a more thoughtful approach like replacing the entire object with a different style.

3. Scripting and Programming

~~ My journey into scripting with C# in Unity has been enjoyable. The straightforward process of scripting directly for an object, without orchestrating a complex web of commands in a single file or class, resonated well with me. The efficiency of Unity's debugger played a crucial role in identifying and rectifying mistakes. For scripting, Unity's comprehensive documentation proved to be an invaluable resource.

4. Exploring Unity's Features

~~ In my exploration of Unity's features like Physics, Animation, and UI, I delved into various projects and exercises that expanded my understanding. I experimented with Unity's physics engine, crafted animations for game characters, and dived into creating a user interface that seamlessly integrates with gameplay.

5. Building Your First Game

~~ My first game project, KitchenChaos, was an Overcooked clone. This choice allowed me to undertake the project solo and served as a valuable learning experience. Development posed challenges such as improper rigidbody placement and object clipping. However, each issue became a learning opportunity, contributing to the debugging phase. From this project, I learned that while game development can be tedious and time-consuming, the creative liberation it offers is immensely satisfying.

6. Advanced Topics

~~ While I have yet to explore shaders and particles, I dedicated time to honing my skills in modeling objects for the game world. As my proficiency grows, I look forward to incorporating more advanced features into my future projects.

7. Conclusion

~~ In conclusion, Unity has significantly impacted my understanding of game development. The journey has been both challenging and rewarding, providing a creative outlet that I find immensely fulfilling. Moving forward, my goal is to continue refining my skills, exploring advanced features, and creating unique and engaging game experiences.

1. Introduction to 3D Modeling Fundamentals

~~ I'm eager to grasp the foundational concepts that breathe life into digital creations. Starting with Blender's user-friendly interface and navigation tools, I aim to master the basics of vertices, edges, and faces, laying the groundwork for my artistic endeavors. This phase promises an exploration of object manipulation and transformation, setting the stage for a comprehensive understanding of Blender's core modeling principles.

2. Mastering Blender Tools and Features

~~ As I delve deeper into my Blender adventure, my focus shifts towards mastering the intricate tools and features that define this powerful 3D modeling software. From the artistry of extrusion to the precision of loop cuts, I am committed to gaining proficiency in Blender's diverse modeling toolkit. Modifiers and their applications will be unraveled, empowering me to create dynamic and complex models. This phase promises to be a captivating exploration of creativity and technical skill, bringing me closer to realizing my vision through Blender's versatile features.

3. Texturing and Materials in Blender

~~ Stepping into the realm of textures and materials within Blender, I anticipate a captivating exploration of the visual aesthetics that elevate 3D models. This phase involves unraveling the intricacies of UV unwrapping and texture mapping, with a keen eye on the principles of material creation and shader application. From procedural textures to image-based mapping, I am set to imbue my creations with depth and realism, delving into the artistic nuances that make a visual masterpiece in the world of 3D design.

4. Advanced Modeling Techniques:

~~ In this phase of my Blender journey, I am eager to push the boundaries of my modeling skills by exploring advanced techniques. Sculpting and boolean operations will take center stage, allowing me to craft intricate and detailed models. The art of re-topology will be mastered, ensuring that my creations maintain clean and optimized structures. Embracing non-destructive modeling through the use of modifiers, I am poised to create with newfound freedom and creativity.

5. Rigging and Animation in Blender

~~ Animating my creations comes into focus as I delve into the essentials of rigging and animation within Blender. From character animation to object movements, I am eager to bring life to my models through the intuitive animation tools at my disposal. Key-framing and the Graph Editor will become my allies as I explore the principles of animation, aiming to tell compelling stories through the movement and behavior of my 3D creations.

6. Lighting and Rendering:

~~ Entering the realm of lighting and rendering, I am geared up to transform my 3D scenes into visually stunning masterpieces. Understanding the nuances of lighting setups in Blender will be crucial, as I experiment with both Cycles and Eevee rendering engines. Compositing techniques will add the finishing touches, allowing me to create captivating visuals that transcend the boundaries of imagination.

7. Game Asset Creation in Blender

~~ In this phase, I shift my focus towards the practical application of my skills for game development. Specializing in creating assets optimized for games, I'll delve into the intricacies of efficient topology and LODs. These considerations, combined with a keen eye for optimization, will ensure that the assets I create are not only visually striking but also seamlessly integrate into the gaming environment.

8. Integration with Unity:

~~ Bridging the gap between Blender and Unity, I am excited to streamline my workflow for game development. Exploring the intricacies of exporting Blender models to Unity, I aim to grasp the import/export settings that ensure a seamless transition. Attention to materials and shading considerations will be key, creating a harmonious connection between the assets crafted in Blender and their integration into Unity's game engine.

9. Building a Diversified Portfolio

~~ The culmination of my Blender roadmap leads to the creation of a portfolio that reflects the breadth and depth of my 3D modeling journey. Curating a collection of diverse projects, I aim to showcase proficiency in various aspects of Blender, from modeling and texturing to animation and game asset creation. This portfolio will stand as a testament to my growth, creativity, and dedication, ready to impress potential collaborators, employers, and clients alike.

Intro

~~ I found the initial stages to be both challenging and enlightening. In this blog post, I'll meticulously detail every step of my learning process, beginning with the intricacies of Blender's interface and culminating in the essential techniques of UV unwrapping and texturing.

1. Familiarizing Myself with Blender's Interface

~ Starting with Blender's user-friendly interface and navigation tools, I aim to master the basics of vertices, edges, and faces, laying the groundwork for my artistic endeavors. This phase promises an exploration of object manipulation and transformation, setting the stage for a comprehensive understanding of Blender's core modeling principles.

2. Basic Object Creation

~~ Adding Mesh Objects: Navigating the "Add" menu, I selected basic mesh objects like cubes, spheres, and cylinders to populate my 3D scene.
~~ Object Transformation: Through the use of toolbar options and shortcut keys (S for scale, R for rotate, T for translate), I learned to manipulate the position, size, and orientation of my chosen objects.

3. Refining the Model

~~ Edit Mode: Transitioning into Edit Mode, I gained the ability to select and manipulate vertices, edges, and faces with precision.
~~ Extrusion and Beveling: The application of extrusion and beveling techniques enriched my models with intricate details and smoother transitions.
~~ Loop Cuts: The incorporation of loop cuts provided a higher level of control over the subdivision of the model's surface, enabling me to define sharper edges and contours.

4. UV Unwrapping

~~ Selecting Seams: Within Edit Mode, I strategically marked seams along edges, guiding Blender in the subsequent UV unwrapping process.
~~ UV Unwrapping: By pressing the "U" key, I initiated the UV unwrapping process, resulting in a flattened UV map representing the model's surface.
~~ Packing UV Islands: Optimizing the UV map layout involved efficiently packing islands to minimize distortion, ensuring a seamless transition to the texturing phase.

Conclusion of UV Unwrapping Stage:

~~ Navigating through the intricacies of Blender's interface, creating and refining 3D models, and mastering the art of UV unwrapping marked significant milestones in my learning journey. In the upcoming segment of this blog series, I'll delve into the transformative world of texturing, exploring techniques that breathe life into our 3D creations. Stay tuned for the continuation of my adventure in Blender!

Story Time

Embarking on my Blender journey has been nothing short of an exhilarating odyssey, a transformative experience that has not only expanded my skills but has also unleashed a wave of creativity that speaks volumes to my potential in the realm of 3D modeling and animation. Picture this as a recruiter exploring my web portfolio a virtual tour through the vibrant landscapes of my Blender adventure.

From the very foundation, I immersed myself in the intricacies of Blender's interface, navigation, and fundamental tools. It was here that I laid the groundwork for what would become a thrilling creative expedition. The game-changing moment arrived with the incorporation of keyboard shortcuts, elevating my workflow to new heights of intuition and efficiency. These nifty tricks not only streamlined the process but also became the catalyst for the diverse modeling techniques that followed.

Experimentation became my modus operandi extrusion, subdivision, sculpting each technique unlocking a new dimension of creativity. The result? A repertoire of intricate and diverse 3D models that burst to life on the digital canvas, captivating attention with their visual allure.

Enter the realm of modifiers Mirror and Array emerged as my creative allies, revolutionizing my approach to modeling and fast-tracking the entire creative process. Unwrapping UVs and delving into detailed textures became second nature, transforming my creations into visually stunning masterpieces.

But the journey didn't halt there. Materials, shaders, and texture painting added layers of depth and realism, breathing a unique soul into my models. As I ventured into the seas of rigging, a robust armature and rigging system became my compass, steering static models into dynamic, lifelike animations. Inverse Kinematics (IK) and the art of weight painting emerged as the secret ingredients to successful rigging, giving my characters a natural, organic movement that captivates the viewer.

Mastering the nuances of animation principles became the cornerstone of my craft from timing and spacing to anticipation and follow-through. The Graph Editor, my trusty ally, provided precise control over animation curves, ensuring the fluidity and realism of my creations.

This holistic learning journey in Blender has endowed me with a well-rounded proficiency in the intricate art of 3D modeling and animation. Every challenge met, every technique mastered, has woven together to form a tapestry of skills that I proudly showcase. As the Blender odyssey continues, I am eager to see where the next turn of the creative path will lead me a journey that promises innovation, excellence, and a portfolio that stands out in the eyes of recruiters seeking true creative prowess.