I've always been interested in learning how to make multiplayer games, or even simple server/client applications that might transfer text between each other sort of like an IM application. However I've never really been able to find a good tutorial or book that teaches network programming in C++. How did you guys learn and maybe you could point me in the right direction to some good resources? Obviously I'm not going to go out and start working on a multiplayer game right away but I want to be able to atleast make a simple program that can send "Instant Messages" back and forth between two users. Or is that still a bit too complicated?
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How to start Network Programming?
Started by Cryptiik, Feb 01 2013 01:37 PM
4 replies to this topic
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#2 Members - Reputation: 115
Posted 01 February 2013 - 02:07 PM
Considering I'm already pretty proficient with C++, for learning networking, I looked at existing documentation and code for engines like Source, Doom 3, and UDK. They were really helpful in understanding how I would design my game architecture for networking and the different ways that are possible. UDK's documentation on its networking is extensive, and Valve has a developer wiki with information about how they handle networking.
Sending messages between servers is very easy depending on what kind of library you use, such as RakNet.
Unfortunately I can't really point you towards a specific book or tutorial since I never used one myself.
#3 Members - Reputation: 269
Posted 01 February 2013 - 05:04 PM
Hi Cryptiik
There are some tutorials I wrote over on www.win32developer.com that should get you started. 
They will get you doing what you are after pretty easily. Basically you can cut & paste and you will be up and running.
But, once you are a little more confident you will have to handle error correction and packet framing etc, for better reliability and so on.
