I know SDL, should I learn openGL? - for a simple program

i've been learning c++ for a while now. I know enough c++ to make the program I want, and I know enough SDL to make the interface. Should I learn OpenGL or DirectX and Win32 instead of SDL?

I want to make a simple program that just deletes certain files. But i want to give it an interface so I need to know some API's.

also this has been bothering me for a while. cin is a variable that stores whatever is in the input stream right? then how come the program doesn't need more memory every time you type something?

Well, for the kind of program you are talking about, it sounds like using the Win32 API would do just fine. It is quite easy, maybe a bit tough to get down at first but in the end you'll realize how easy it really was. I would go with Win32, it has basic GDI functions and can make windows, dialogs, and all kinds of child windows. OpenGL(used in windows, and not using glut) actually requires the use of the Win32 API. The Win32 API is extremely useful for so many different things.

You don't need directx, opengl or SDL to write a windows interface unless you want to use these.

Originally Posted by yahn

also this has been bothering me for a while. cin is a variable that stores whatever is in the input stream right? then how come the program doesn't need more memory every time you type something?

Code:

cin >> Variable

cin takes input and stores it in a variable, space for the input has allready been alocated when that variable was declared.

ok thanks for the quick replies. I guess i'll just go with win32 then.

>> I guess i'll just go with win32 then.

You could always check out a portable toolkit. such as Qt or wxWidgets.... They are also alot nicer to work in, IMO.

Originally Posted by xhi

>> I guess i'll just go with win32 then.

You could always check out a portable toolkit. such as Qt or wxWidgets.... They are also alot nicer to work in, IMO.

I'll second that. Win32 is a C API, why don't you use a nice OO C++ API?

Win32 is old, ugly and requires you to write waaay too much boilerplate code. wxWidgets is really nice, OO, portable and best of all your GUI will look native on each platform!