6 replies to this topic

[zapdude1234]

Hey im pretty new to C and C++ but ive learned all the basics through multithreading and wanted to try my hand at starting with a graphics library. i know of allegro and sdl, but does anyone else have some suggestions?

[Flying Dutchman]

SFML is a C++ platform independent library. Of course there's XNA from Microsoft and you can try OpenGL without any frameworks.

[mebob]

If you want to use OpenGL but don't want to deal with the low level stuff for creating windows and OpenGL contexts, you could try GLFW - An OpenGL library. You can also do it with SFML and SDL.

[zapdude1234]

Thanks you. Right now i have the mingw compiler. how do i add a graphics library in or do i need to get an ide like code::blocks?

[mebob]

It depends. What library are you trying to use? You'll probably find guides for installing them on the respective library's website.

And no you don't need to use an IDE but it may make it easier.

[bbqroast]

zapdude1234 said:

Thanks you. Right now i have the mingw compiler. how do i add a graphics library in or do i need to get an ide like code::blocks?

Everytime you compile you will have to link all the libraries in the command (you could use a batch script) so I recommend a IDE, easiest route is probably to delete MinGW and download the Code::Blocks + MinGW package (less of a headache).

Check out lazyfoo.net for a indepth tutorial on linking SDL (other libraries are similar, just go to the first tutorial, select Windows and then select Code::Blocks).

[Soryy708]

C + SDL + OpenGL + Code::Blocks + Lazy Foo' Productions == Profit$$$