No matter how much Microsoft may try, OpenGL won''t go away anytime soon. As pointed out earlier, there are plenty of companies developing Windows software that use it (often exclusively)--and, of course, a lot of those companies produce engines that are used in many more games. Also, as noted before, Direct3D and OpenGL do the same basic thing and have a very similar feel by now. OpenGL was always the way it is, essentially, and Direct3D has--perhaps by coincidence (though I''d argue not)--evolved toward OpenGL. So, which should you learn? Both, if possible, since they''re so similar. Otherwise, learn whichever you think is cooler. Or, decide on principle. As John Carmack once said, "there''s no good technical reason for the existence of Direct3D," and Microsoft inarguably has used its muscle to push an API that provides functionality that already existed. Of course, Carmack has now come to the point of saying essentially what we have: that both APIs are pretty much on the same level now. But the principle still can''t be ignored--OpenGL had always been there to provide 3D graphics, and could easily have been connected with DirectDraw. But, no, Microsoft just loves to wipe out competition, and can do it based on non-technical merits due to their size and economic standing. OpenGL will not go away, though. On non-Windows platforms, it reigns supreme--as it should. And it is about to evolve to become an even simpler and more abstracted API due mainly to 3Dlabs''s evangelism and enthusiasm. So, OpenGL can only get better, and its direction is controlled by an independent group, rather than just one corporation bent on ruling the PC industry. So, you decide. But I rest easier supporting an API that exists for the right reasons (technical ones), rather than for political and economic ones.

quote:Original post by Maximus
I think he''s refering to the fact that DX includes sound, music, networking, input, graphics, etc...

Ok, on those grounds I could see what he meant .

[Resist Windows XP''s Invasive Production Activation Technology!]

Like my opinion matters, but here we go.

This thread has obviously became another thread about DirectX vs. OpenGL.

Now, I have sufficient experience in both Ogl and Dx, and let me tell you that I don''t drink as much when coding with Ogl.

FROM THE PROGRAMMERS P.O.V:
OpenGL is nice, short, clean, and to the point. DirectX is ugly, messy, hard to remember, and clunky. OpenGL should be used because it is clean and programmer-friendly.

FROM THE PROGRAMS P.O.V:
DirectX has support for sound, networking, and a few others. DirectX should be used because it is more useful.

So I propose this: Why don''t you use what you want? Its obvious that these threads go on and on and on and on, and its always the same thing: People get pissed at one another, scream at anonymous posters, and walk away generally mad with sore fingers from typing. Please, stop!

If you want to program in windows, more power to DirectX. If you want to program a descent game that you might want to play networked or something with a Windows Interface, then by all means, play with DirectX if you want.

If you want to run on Linux, or if you want a more easy-to-follow, programmer-friendly API, then choose Ogl.

Personally, I choose OpenGL. Its much more easy to follow, cleaner, easier to organize, less buggy, and looks great on-screen. It''s layout and general idea behind its structure is more than amazing.

Also, new programmers tend to learn OpenGL first, dominantly due to the fact that OpenGL with GLUT is really, really easy. So thinking about that, OpenGL will logically end up as the more dominant API, but then those who are more seasoned will eventually pick up a windows programming book and learn some directX.

Personally, D3D sucks compared to OpenGL. DirectX cannot possibly suck completely just because of D3D though; Its good points are DirectSound and DirectInput.


So in conclusion I would like to say that this will never end. We all know that. It''s more of a religious battle than anything else. Those of us who don''t like to be forced to learn the evil ways of Micro$oft will say "OpenGL!", and those of you who like DirectX will say "directX!".

If your wondering and haven''t figured it out yet, I like OpenGL just as much as DirectX. Why? Well, I hate D3D, but use DirectInput and DirectSound, so it balances out.

Remember guys, in the end of all this arguing and bullshit opinions, the fact of the matter remains: We are programmers. We are friends. We need to stick together. =)

Your friend,
Jesse Lawson