Want to move onto a graphics library

Lewis Tozer · 2014-08-02T14:37:51

Hello all, I've just joined the site so I hope that I am posting in the correct forum. If not, then I am terribly sorry for the trouble. I have a question for those who are wise about programming libraries like DirectX, SDL and OpenGL. I have been programming in C++ for almost 4 years now and understand the basics, including the STL. I have picked up a book on DirectX and SDL and understand the code inside them. I think I am ready for moving onto a library to begin using graphics. I also know and understand how to build a Window using the Windows API. My question is this: What library is the best (not so much easiest) to begin with? I have no hopes of designing a game. I just wish to mess around with the graphics, input, sound, etc. so I obtain a better understanding of how it works and how to write it. Thank you, Lewis

For Beginners

Started by PvtFreddy July 29, 2014 10:14 AM

15 comments, last by Fredericvo 9 years, 8 months ago

Misantes

2,093

July 31, 2014 05:59 AM

Based on this, you want a multi-purpose library, and not just a graphics library. OpenGL is purely a graphics library, so doesn't handle sound and input.

I just wanted to note that OpenGL and SFML work nicely together however(or glfw, if you want another option), and the sound/input parts of SFML are rather easy to implement(same goes for glfw). So, I'd say to not let this deter you too much from OpenGL. Between the three you really have most of the basics covered I think. If you are looking for a cross-platform and open source library, I still think OpenGL is a pretty viable option for you.

Beginner here <- please take any opinions with grain of salt

PvtFreddy

Author

July 31, 2014 12:05 PM

How do I include the .lib files to Visual Studio for SLD2?

#pragma comment(lib,'SDL2.lib')
#pragma comment(lib,'SDL2main.lib')

Pasted into my Evernote. Thank you.

LennyLen

5,720

July 31, 2014 03:29 PM

How do I include the .lib files to Visual Studio for SLD2?

#pragma comment(lib,'SDL2.lib')
#pragma comment(lib,'SDL2main.lib')

Pasted into my Evernote. Thank you.

Don't use it in code you want anyone else to compile, as that will only work with MSVC.

Fredericvo

1,765

July 31, 2014 09:11 PM

How do I include the .lib files to Visual Studio for SLD2?
#pragma comment(lib,'SDL2.lib')
#pragma comment(lib,'SDL2main.lib')
Pasted into my Evernote. Thank you.

Don't use it in code you want anyone else to compile, as that will only work with MSVC.

True but he said visual studio explicitly. Ironically I edited my post removing "windows only" for this very reason. Lol

PvtFreddy

Author

August 01, 2014 11:30 PM

Starting to learn DirectX and looking into SDL. I am taking in a step at a time, looking up 2D graphics creation at the moment. I have finally got a window with a picture on it. Now, I just need to know how to develop sprites then use them in the program. Doesn't sound difficult now, does it...?

LennyLen

5,720

August 02, 2014 12:29 PM

True but he said visual studio explicitly.

I just wanted him to be aware that while it might work for him while using VS, if he gave the code to someone else to compile, it might not work for them.

Fredericvo

1,765

August 02, 2014 02:37 PM

True but he said visual studio explicitly.

I just wanted him to be aware that while it might work for him while using VS, if he gave the code to someone else to compile, it might not work for them.

True but I think the pragmas are ignored by other compilers but have the added benefit to sort of self-document all required libs whereas IDE configurations etc get lost in translation and he would have to reconfigure his different IDE with whatever that uses to find libraries anyway, whether the pragmas are present or not.

Want to move onto a graphics library

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