This isn't a question. Only a feedback
This course looks excellent, but unfortunately I'll give up on it due to the differences between the original version and Blender's current 4.01 version.
Kent suggested to follow the course using the original version (3.5?), but I prefer not to do that.
I'm a beginner and I don't want to learn a method of doing something only to find out later that that method no longer exists or has been widely changed.
Whenever possible, I suggest to add small video entries (or maybe discussion section footnotes) with the adjustments of new versions.
Thks
Dear Alexandre sivasu ,
Don't worry, the methods haven't changed.
Especially for beginners it is recommended to use the Blender Version used in the Tutorial/Course (although that might sound unintuitive).
You might also want to have a look at this fresh new Article: https://cgcookie.com/posts/top-7-tips-when-starting-to-learn-blender
Nothing to worry about, there is no need to fear the Blender version, the software hardly ever changes in a meaningful way, workflows have stayed the same since forever, core knowledge is still always there. The thing that changes is just names and buttons placements in the UI, things learned are always 99% applicable.
Specially if you are a beginner, it is the best of ideas to follow what's on screen with the Blender version used in the video, because it is easier to follow and everything you learn will be applicable no matter the Blender version. Updating courses and videos is practically impossible due to the speed in which Blender develops, everything everywhere becomes outdated the moment a new Blender version comes along, everything on YouTube and everything everywhere at the same time, no one can update things their entire library, it is unattainable. But it's just outdated in the sense of what's visibly on the screen, no more than that.
As above 👆☝️
As a beginner your priority is 3D CG knowledge over Blender version.
Once you have the 3D CG knowledge, Blender version is less relevant.
As mentioned in the post Martin shared, the latest version is recommended for your own projects, but not necessary for learning the concepts.
Hi sivasu - Your perspective is understandable and quite common, especially early in one's CG / Blender journey. As a crew we've debated a lot through the years about the best approach to dealing with Blender versions in our courses. The discussion session is a good idea, which is why we have Q&A like this thread. Often students ask a question about a version difference and these 3 gentlemen (Adrian, Omar, Martin) answer quickly.
But if a student follows every course with the Blender version used in the course, that eliminates a lot of need to ask questions. The reality is, while Blender updates frequently, the core methodology of computer graphics has remained essentially the same for the 20 years I've been doing it. Moving vertices around into models, laying out UVs, material parameters, simulation concepts, rendering characteristics...still the same.
I find a lot of new users think Blender is drastically different, version to version. As if Blender 2.8 -> 4.1 is like SNES -> N64. Again, the difference between versions is far less significance than the release hype makes you think.
I encourage you to look at Blender holistically. You're learning the underlying methodology of computer graphics, not merely how to use a certain version. A holistic understanding makes your skills transferrable between Blender versions and even 3D software entirely. And don't make the mistake of thinking previous Blender versions are obsolete. Treat each version like a chisel in a drawer of chisels. No carpenter has a single almighty chisel for every situation. They maintain a collection where each is useful in their own way.
Consider this too: As a student learning Blender holistically, you can learn from countless courses and tutorials throughout the years! If you limit yourself to only learning the latest version, you restrict yourself to a handful of courses and tutorials before the next version releases. Then your problem starts all over again: New version of Blender with zero tutorials recorded for it.
As every artists learns in time, developing a "blender-fluid" proficiency is the best - well - really the only way.
I understand that updating all the courses isn't a realistic option, but even a very simple footnote, like Alexandre suggested, would be amazing in some cases :)
yyanni_f for sure, footnotes can be a reasonable thing to implement. In fact I just got off a call with Bossman Wes about how updates like footnotes, addendums, and even re-recordings (in extreme cases) can be implemented. A key to doing this was hiring IA's like Adrian Bellworthy, Omar Domenech, Martin Bergwerf, and Phil Osterbauer. Together we'll be able to keep a pulse on the constant blender changes and how to best inform students about them.
Still, while those will indeed be helpful, they will never be as helpful as the advice to embrace Blender version fluidity.