Getting started with inputs and controls

Software works with human interaction. The most basic activity of any computer interface is a user providing information and the computer reacting to that information. In other programming languages, one of the most basic concepts you learn is the function. The basic premise of a function is to work with inputs.

The way the user inputs information is actually really important. Imagine a simple calculator application that has really nice buttons and works exactly the way you expect it to. Now, imagine a calculator application where the buttons were in a different order than the usual one. The application would be much harder to use. Obviously, you want the application and the user experience to be as good and as easy as possible. Applications such as games have a purpose, and the software and hardware should not interfere.

Let's move this concept to games. Let's imagine a platform game, which is a game where you run and jump onto platforms...