Thread: very confused (buying book)

Originally Posted by dhardin

The first book (see below) has had reviews saying its for people who want to dive into game programming w/ out learning too much about direct x and such (wouldn't that be needed?). Also, I want a book based on C++, but reviews have said you need an understanding of C (don't know if my knowledge of C++ will be efficient).

I would not worry when a books says it presumes a certain knowledge of a language. That is just syntax and if the book is interesting, it won't be hard for you to fill in the gaps in your knowledge because you have an example to work with -- if you don't understand it, study it until you do!

Vis learning directx and such, I think programming books can be divided into two catagories, ones that cover how to use specific tools and libraries, and ones that focus more on algorithms and generic techniques, leaving the specifics of the implementation up to you. The second vary in quality more -- from pointless to genius -- a good book on technique is a beautiful thing. However, with graphics programming, it probably is a good idea to have at least one book which focuses specifically on how to use the tools and libraries you want, since those libraries can be very complicated. So I would make sure you have a good example of the first kind before you get one of the second kind. Like, find one deals explicitly deals with DirectX. The game book you mention seems like a tool oriented book BUT if you are more serious about programming than gaming, (which it sounds like you are), then a DirectX book will be better than one that works with a specific "game engine" like Allegro and/or spends every chapter introducing you to another topic (you can find lots of short introductions on the net -- you want something in depth on ONE topic).

You don't need to use any game engine at all, but you do need to use a graphics library, preferably one of the hardware accelerated ones, ie, either DirectX or openGL.

Most game books are written with an assumption of c/c++ knowledge, as that is the language most commercially distributed games are written in. The great news is that you have stumbled upon a forum dedicated to just that language and we will be happy to help you learn if you need to.

Games, contrary to popular belief are not the best place to start when learning to program. Unfortunately so many new programmers think they are going to write the next great MMO, programming games is probably one of the most difficult types of applications there are, which is one reason scams like Full Sail ........ me off so much.

One thing I'd point out is that Richard Wright Jr, who wrote the openGL superbible, teaches at Full Sail. I have my doubts about Mr. Wright for a number of reasons.

For example, I just learned that GL "immediate mode" programming (that is, the use of glBegin(), glEnd(), and glVertex()) have been OBSOLETED in OGL 3.2.

Everyone is supposed to start using VBO's, which have been around for more than a decade, and the whole idea does make quite a bit more sense.

In the 1100+ pages of my 2004 2nd edition of the "Superbible", VBO's are not mentioned once. You would think immediate mode was the only mode.

Presumably he is teaching somewhat more updated techniques at Full Sail, just he can't use his own textbook to do it