Thread: Windows Graphics Library?

  1. #1
    Student drdroid's Avatar
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    Windows Graphics Library?

    Well, I should be getting petzolds book in a few days now. Um... I saw a chapter in it on graphics, bitmaps and such. So is their a built in graphics library for win32 api?

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    Used Registerer jdinger's Avatar
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    Yes, it's called the GDI (Graphics Device Interface). It's not really fast, but it's great for your first graphic library if you're already familiar with or at least learning the Window's API. It's really simple and you can do some neat things with it. Good to cut your teeth on.

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    The Windows API does include simple to use functions for drawing rectangles and circles, etc. And it has to be able to display bit maps, since windows uses them fo icons etc. Thats all I know, so I'm not sure about more advanced stuff like 3D & texturing.

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    Used Registerer jdinger's Avatar
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    No you can't do any 3d or texturing. Just search MSDN for GDI, you'll get all you need to know about it. Basically it provides text output, blitting/stretching of bitmaps, drawing of your basic shapes (lines, rectangles, ellipses, etc.), floodfills with different brush types, etc.

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    Student drdroid's Avatar
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    so..

    so you suggest to use gdi as a good starters. then should i try something simple like allegro, well I heard it was simple... any other suggestions?

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    Used Registerer jdinger's Avatar
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    Well, simple is relative. DirectX is extremely simple. OpenGL is even easier. You just have to be willing to read the doc's and tutorials and apply it. Be willing to do some reading before you jump head first into code.

    I can't speak for Allegro or SDL as I haven't tried either of them yet, but there are some guys here who have some experience with them, like TechWins, frenchfry and Alphabird32, who've made some cool games and demos with those API's. Maybe PM one of them if you're looking to go with one of those.

    But, yes, you can learn a lot from starting out with the Window's GDI. Hunter2 made a really cool top down shooter with it (search for his post and you can download it).

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