Best custom output for c++? (want to make a videogame...)

[zensunni]

I'd like to create a game like a simple RPG. For this, I want something beyond just console output. I'd like to start working with something that's "industry standard", meaning that it is flexible, low level code, and can be used in many places.

I would also like to be able to compile it with g++, though I think that's a tall order. My ideal solution is to have a bunch of libraries that let me define a specific area to draw in and then let me make changes in that area. I also want it to be efficient and low level, not like the .NET objects.

Essentially, I want to be able to draw a pixelated screen in color and have sprites. The game would look like FF from the NES.

At this rate, should I even go that route, or should I focus on DirectX and OpenGL?

[zensunni]

I've been researching options and these are the options I've seen:

MFC
WTL
DirectX/OpenGL
Plain windows API

Just a couple of questions:
-Is WTL, in fact, Windows API?
-What does "Windows API" look like in c++ code, or how is it integrated.
-How does COM relate to all of this, or does it?

[ilikepython]

Also, SDL is a good choice, and you can combine it with OpenGL.

[zensunni]

So, can I make GUI programs that uses windows OS features (like setting the desktop, or changing certain settings) without windows SDK? Or, are all these technologies tied into VC++ and/or will only compile using the SDK?

[weaknessforcats]

Do not learn MFC. It was Microsoft's first crack at C++ design and it's terrible. The initial release 10 years ago was 1.0. It's still 1.0.

WTL is an extension of the Active Template LIbrary (ATL) to include graphic components for Windows programs. It is not Win32. Win32 is an interface to the Windows operating system and is very low level.

COM (Component Object Model) was an attempt at object programming in C. A way of making what today is called a mix-in class. This has been upgraded to C++. It uses a secondary interface language IDL which has its own compiler.

So, can I make GUI programs that uses windows OS features (like setting the desktop, or changing certain settings) without windows SDK? Or, are all these technologies tied into VC++ and/or will only compile using the SDK?

At some point you need the Platform SDK.

Read: Programming Windows by Charles Petzold.

[qhimq]

mingw g++ has the windows SDK built for it and is already included in the install. As well as openGL.

-What does "Windows API" look like in c++ code, or how is it integrated.
-How does COM relate to all of this, or does it?

OpenGL source code for a pacman like game, with extra opengl headers, and libraries to compile with g++. This is built on older opengl so thats why those headers need to be added. You need to replace libglaux.a since the one I have on the website is a library that takes out the requirement of a .dll file with the made executable.

https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/qmitche2/www/openGL

COM is a way of taking control of other programs. It is operated with the use of the windows API. Windows API can be operated with many languages. (A least thats what I thought maybe thats COM++)

To figure out windows api in c++ just google "win32 api tutorial".

But to show you an example specifically for g++. <<<<<

http://www.winprog.org/tutorial/app_one.html

to make it work for g++ I just added (HFONT) on line 23. It would have been made without any errors if you used gcc.

https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/qmitche2/www/app_one.cpp

Use some common sense and I think you'll be able to figure it out from that. I'll elaborate more if you can't figure out how to build those two.

[tnga]

I suggest SDL with OpenGL.
You can make a really nice 2D RPG using it and won't have too much trouble...
Trust me.

It is nice for you to learn DirectX if you really want to go into games programming...
But i suggest starting with SDL or even Allegro and then go to DirectX or OpenGL.

Best regards,

TNGA

[zensunni]

SDL seems to be the way to go, and it's a good way into opengl.

But on the flipside, I would also like to know how to make windowed programs like winamp and steam. I think after pulling my hair out enough with windowed programming, I'll come back to my senses and start learning SDL.

Thanks guys for all thoughts and comments!

[Hunderpanzer]

SDL seems to be the way to go, and it's a good way into opengl.

But on the flipside, I would also like to know how to make windowed programs like winamp and steam. I think after pulling my hair out enough with windowed programming, I'll come back to my senses and start learning SDL.

Thanks guys for all thoughts and comments!

Hey I found a good game tutorial for SDL

Check it out

[Firecore]

Hey I found a good game tutorial for SDL

Check it out

Allegro is also very good. And its not just for beginners