If I'm understanding correctly, you both do not have experience in C or C++? I don't think buying the GD kit is the best thing at the moment. You need to first be comfortable with the language before you can jump in with game programming. Yeah, it sucks.. but the "pain and suffering" you go through learning the language will pay off later.

The GD kit comes with several books on CD you say? I haven't found reading a programming book in acrobat format too appealing. You'll better off with a paperback where you don't have to put up with the frustrations of trying to find something-- it's easier to jump to the index with a physical book, etc..

Here's what I suggest- You should consider spending the money on a good compiler. The ones in the GD kit's have been relatively dated and limited.

For about $120, you can get the latest version of Borland C++ Builder Professional(v4 I believe). You can get the discounted price because you are a student (I assume). Check out http://www.micromasteronline.com/ for latest pricing.

Edit Note: look for 'Inprise Builder v4.0 Professional' it is listed at $96 right now

My reasoning behind getting the Borland builder compiler?
1. It should come with Borland C++ v5.02 ona seperate CD (edit node: it does, I just checked). BC++ 5.02 allows you to compile DOS and Win32 games. Visual C++ v6 does not.

2. When you are ready to jump into Win32 programming (not DirectX), Borland Builder provides an interface much like Visual Basic (drag and drop items-- NOTE: Visual C++ is NOT like Visual Basic in that sense.). Borland Builder's RAD interface( what the drag-drop thing is referred to) can also be disabled so that you can program DirectX games without all the weight of the RAD slowing the program down.

3. Borland Builder allows for more growth for you as a programmer. You can start in DOS and move your way into RAD Windows programming and even into DirectX.

4.It includes a fully functional version of TASM (assembler). MS VC++ does include MASM.

Now, I'm not advocating Borland vs. Microsoft compilers. I'm considering overall value for price for you guys. For $120 you get 2 compilers. One strictly Win32 (with RAD or w/o ) and one that allows either DOS, Win16 or Win32.

As far as books go, I would consider other people's suggestions for that. (I favor Jan Slamsholm's 'C++ From the Beginning' published by Addison-Wesley ISBN: 0-201-40377-3 .. mainly because it is a very complete C++ book. It may not be the best for beginner's, though)

Six

[This message has been edited by Sixpack (edited December 01, 1999).]

[This message has been edited by Sixpack (edited December 01, 1999).]

What it comes down to is this-- what is your current situation?

If:Are you only going to be designing for the Win32 platform? Do you have no need for use of the RAD (not used for DirectX)? Do you want seamless compatibility with MS API's (including DirectX, MFC,etc..)? If you said yes to these questions, by all means, do not overlook Visual C++ in this respect. Great deals of people use MSVC++. But don't expect to be able to compile 16-bit DOS apps with the latest versions.

IF: You're just starting out and want to get the most bang for your buck, take a hard look at the Inprise Builder Pro package. You essentially getting two compilers for a low (student) price. Since Inprise is not MS and does not use compatible MS .lib's for DirectX, you may run into some compatbility issues somewhere down the road. Borland C++ v5.02 (included in the package) gives you the means to write for DOS. DOS is easier than programming for Windows in many respects. It is a different style of programming that many might find easier to start out on.

I'm not saying to buy one over the other. I'm only presenting my suggestion.

Six

Six