After Programming.....then what?
OK, I am currently learning how to program in C++ through a helpful book called "Beginning C++ Game Programming" and I'm learning Text based games and stuff like that, but after I finish the book what should I move on to? The last activity is a text basked blackjack game. I think I want to start programing 2D graphics games, what should I dd and what do I move on to?
Learn Win32 programming if your on windows, it should help. Then learn an API such as DirectX or OpenGL.
You could make a couple of extra console games for practice if you don't mind doing it, figuring out the design and implementation for yourself (rather than being walked through it by the book) can be an excellent excersise.
If you want to move on to 2d graphics you'll need to pick up a graphics API of some sort next. Some common options include SDL, Allegro, OpenGL and DirectX. Personally out of those I'd recommend starting with SDL (which will do a few other things for you as well), but it mostly comes down to personal preference as to which API you choose.
If you want to move on to 2d graphics you'll need to pick up a graphics API of some sort next. Some common options include SDL, Allegro, OpenGL and DirectX. Personally out of those I'd recommend starting with SDL (which will do a few other things for you as well), but it mostly comes down to personal preference as to which API you choose.
Quote:Original post by Cyncro
So what about Win32? What's that about?
Win32 is basically how you make windows and such using c++.
Quote:Original post by Cyncro
So what about Win32? What's that about?
Win32 is another API dealing largely with window creation and handling in Windows as well as some drawing operations. Depending on your choice of graphics API you may find you'll need to learn some Win32 to create a window to actual draw onto, while others (such as SDL) will handle this for you. It definately wouldn't be a bad thing to take a look at some Win32, although most people find it a lot more complex than SDL, which is quite capable of most of the tasks a beginner might wish to carry out using Win32.
Ok, but I've been hearing that OpenGL is mostly used for 3D graphics programming, and that DirectX is also very popular and one of the industries standards. Someone's clarification?
Quote:Original post by CyncroIt is true that DirectX is probably more used then OpenGL for game development. OpenGL is usually used for graphics development, but that does not mean it's limited to that area; OpenGL is used in the PlayStation for instance. I personally prefer DirectX, how ever it is COM based though so it is a bit different then probably what you are used to. Assuming you want to develop in DirectX you will probably need some Win32 experience.
Ok, but I've been hearing that OpenGL is mostly used for 3D graphics programming, and that DirectX is also very popular and one of the industries standards. Someone's clarification?
You don't necessarily need a book on the subject of Win32; it is your choice depends on how hard you find it. The website http://www.foosyerdoos.fsnet.co.uk/ can teach you a lot of the basics of Win32 through source examples. You might want to experiment for awhile though.
Ok, I would probably like to purchase a book though, I feel a lot more comfortable reading a book like the one I have now. But do most tutorials and books focus on a certain language when coming to things like Direct X, or will I use C++ to incorporate that API? I've seen a few things that say things like "You will use this language to make a game using (API)" Stuff like that. So how does that work? Do I use any language combined with this or is it different each time in each book/tutorial?
Quote:Original post by Cyncro
Ok, I would probably like to purchase a book though, I feel a lot more comfortable reading a book like the one I have now. But do most tutorials and books focus on a certain language when coming to things like Direct X, or will I use C++ to incorporate that API? I've seen a few things that say things like "You will use this language to make a game using (API)" Stuff like that. So how does that work? Do I use any language combined with this or is it different each time in each book/tutorial?
I personally have found most of the books concentrate on C++. How ever books such as DirectX might focus on a different language. I find it is best to look through the book and see exactly what they are using to teach you before buying a book.
Unless you are buying them online which might be a harder problem. I can't really recommend any specific Win32 books. You should probably just look around on amazon for some books see how they are described and see what language they will be using, it should probably mention it. I am sure there are some in the book section of GameDev along with reviews, I would start there.
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