So, Justin, all I have to do is download this library (I'm running on MSVC++), put the library into my "include" folder (so I can access it), and then learn the API and I'm set?
Thanks.
--Garfield the Programmer
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So, Justin, all I have to do is download this library (I'm running on MSVC++), put the library into my "include" folder (so I can access it), and then learn the API and I'm set?
Thanks.
--Garfield the Programmer
No, the lib is not compiled. It comes with the makefiles to compile it though. (I think for MSVC there is a batch file that does everything, even install it for ya.) For Dev-C++ there is my compiled version, but I haven't used MSVC for a while, so I don't have a graphical installer for it.
All the instructions are in the Allegro download. Readme.mvc, I believe.
The download also comes with all the documentation, a lot of examples, and some really extremely useful tools you never knew you needed. :)
Um...I don't think I'm understand this. So, it is not a compiled library? I won't have to do:
#include <Allegro library>
What exactly do you mean by makefile? I'm not too sure about compilers, so do you know how (step-by-step, please) I would do this?
I would download it off the site to what?
Thanks.
--Garfield the Programmer
I see what you are asking now.
Most libraries consist of two parts: header files (.h) that define stuff, and compiled source code functions/methods that are in a binary form. The .h files point to these compiled libraries. Usually, .h files are in your include directory and compiled files are located in your lib directory. Allegro gives you the .h files and the source that is not compiled yet for the lib directory. A makefile is a script that tells the compiler how to compile and where to put these files. You may not need to use them directly with MSVC, I think there is just a batch file you double click.. but just to be sure, you had better read the README.VC text file located in the Allegro directory after you unzip the download.
If you have any questions after reading that, I will try to help (or www.allegro.cc forums can help). I haven't installed for MSVC for a long, long time, so I'm a bit rusty. :) We'll get you going though.
(The installation is the only down side to Allegro. That is why I plan on making graphical installers for several platforms and compilers.. right now I only have it for Dev-C++ though.)
-Justin
hmm Garfield, haven't you said you were going to be on the dev team of liero2.
I thought we would do this in directx? so why learn allegro?
BTW is this thing still on, haven't heard of it much?
So to better answer your question:
1. Download this file: http://www.allegro.cc/files/all3939.zip
2. Unzip it in any temp directory. It has a lot of goodies.
3. In the temp directory there should now be an Allegro directory. Enter it and double click on the file named "readme.vc". Tell it to open with any word processor (notepad, wordpad, word, whatever). This file should guide you the rest of the way. :)
Justin, I think I might understand what you are saying. But, when I go to allegro.cc, where do I go to get the batch file for MSVC? I went into the "Files" section, and there were a load of files to download. Which do I unzip?
So, then how do I implement the functions from the allegro library? How do I use them to program DOS games?
Thanks and sorry for the confusion (I haven't had any previous game programming practice).
--Garfield the Programmer
Nevermind about the download, I see your link. You must haved replied when I was.
Thanks! I'll take a look at the file and unzip. If I have any questions, Justin will be the first to know! Thanks so much for your time.
And to answer maes, I'm more interested in making DOS games. Hard to explain. I don't think that killer graphics make a good game.
--Garfield the Aspiring Allegro Programmer
Easy option two (maybe try this to get your feet wet and see if you like it).
1. Install this IDE named Dev-C++. You can use it with nothing lost and it compiles a little better (it is a port of Linux gcc). Dev-C++
2. Install Dev-C++, not difficult, just follow the next buttons.
3. Download my installer from www.envy.nu/main.html At least the first two.
4. Unzip those files in a temp directory and join them by double clicking join.bat. An executable installation prog will now appear. Double click it and follow its next buttons.
5. Allegro is now installed with Dev-C++. Start up Dev-C++ and go FILE; NEW PROJECT. Select the Allegro Template tab. Select Static Link (no dll required). Now you have an Allegro template up that is a typical "hello world" program. Compile with the lightening bolt symbol (toolbar). Run the program and you've made your first Allegro application. :D
No problem Garfield, just glad to help. :) BTW, using Allegro, your game can be compiled for DOS, Windows, Linux, BeOS, or soon Mac, without changing any code, so no worries there.
Feel free to email me any time too: pikeknightataol.com (at = @)
I'm curently following the instruction in the readme.vc
but I have some problems.
this is what I did:
-double clicked vcvars32.bat (couldn't read what was in the command window; closed to soon)
- in the command prompt:
-cd allegro
-fix.bat msvc (something came up: "utod is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batchfile")
got this error message twice. then it said done
-make win2k doesn't know this command. normally he would now be compiling. but this is where it goes wrong
Is this a problem becaus I didn't install djgpp(is this necassery?)
and what is "GNU make (mak*b.zip)" it is listed as required software. (maybe this is the problem???)
As to your first question, do your really need djgpp. You only need it to install Allegro (as I mentioned, the installation is the bad part).
Actually, you only need it if you are using djgpp or MSVC. The reason being, Microsoft's make.exe is.. not up to par with gcc ports (or GNU make that comes with DJGPP). I don't mean to
sound like I'm bashing it, but it can't handle the kind of complex scripting Allegro uses to set itself up. After the setup, you can remove MSVC and all will compile just fine.
To keep the console Window up and to keep the environment settings from disappearing after you set them, go Start - Run - cmd
This will give you a stable DOS prompt. Here you enter things like C:\PATH=C:\MSVC\BIN; and all those other environment settings. (I know, this is a lot of initial work. That's why I plan on eventually creating a graphical installer... *time..time*) Follow the rest of the instructions from this DOS box and you won't lose any error messages. If you encounter some more problems, you can also post them on the Installation forum at www.allegro.cc. About a undred knowledeable people will see it and help you. I'll be better at helping you to play with Allegro (if any is needed) as I haven't played with my MSVC for months... Hope that helps! Have fun with it!
-Justin
That was me, it didn't log me it right. That message didn't make as much sense as I meant it to because it is pretty much a copy and paste from the reply to your e-mail (but in case anyone else was following this...) :) Hope that gets you on the right path though.