The best software

Hi, ok since there is so many different links to so many different versions of everything, I am making this post to sort out whats the best software ok.

What version of Visual C++ is the best one to have? There is like, Visual C++ 6, 2004, 2005, 2006, express editions, just too many.

Whats the best version of Visual Basic, sorry i dont know if im allowed to ask that here.

Also, for 2D graphics, i think OpenGL is the best isnt it? Where can i download the full version of it? Because the one from NeHe doesnt contain windows.h which you need to use for his tutorials.

Also, for networking, what software do i need for that? Or can the normal versions of Visual C++ contain all the stuff in it already?

Please let me know about this as my version of Visual C++ runs out in a couple of weeks and I would be lost without it and i cannot afford to pay for it lol.

Cheers. Hugo.

Well if you like Visual C++ then I would suggest you to use the free beta version but I dislike it a lot. As for the best version, I like my Visual C++ 2003 a lot when compared to Visual C++ 6 which is completely crap (supposedly) and later versions' crappy GUI.

For 2D graphics, I would recommend you to use either SDL or Allegro. OpenGL would be much too complicated for things that SDL and Allegro do better (2D). As for 3D you can stick to straight OpenGL or DirectX but I'd rather use a Rendering Engine like Ogre or Irrlicht instead of trying to reinvent the wheel with OGL or DX.

For netowkring, you could use SDL_Net which is a great companion for SDL or you could use Winsock, which is included with Visual C++.

For VB, I'm not much of a VB programmer but unless you want to go toward .NET then I would recommend you to use the latest version which is VB6 if I remember.

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Originally Posted by Hugo716

Also, for 2D graphics, i think OpenGL is the best isnt it?

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I like OpenGL myself, but there have been holy wars between OpenGL and DirectX supporters as to which is 'better'.

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Originally Posted by Hugo716

Where can i download the full version of it? Because the one from NeHe doesnt contain windows.h which you need to use for his tutorials.

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windows.h isn't an OpenGL header, of course it doesn't come with it. If you're using Visual C++, you should already have it.

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Originally Posted by Hugo716

Also, for networking, what software do i need for that? Or can the normal versions of Visual C++ contain all the stuff in it already?

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They should. Google for a few tutorials on Winsock.

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Originally Posted by Hugo716

Please let me know about this as my version of Visual C++ runs out in a couple of weeks and I would be lost without it and i cannot afford to pay for it lol.

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The newest version has a free version that can be downloaded. Google for it, or look around, several board members have it in their signature.
EDIT: Alternatively, there's the MinGW port of GCC for Windows. (How could I forget to plug for my own compiler?)

If you're making a game with SDL (and hence using the graphics part), then SDL_net can provide network functionality for multiplayer, and making porting a tad easier. The Windows version of SDL_net makes calls to Winsock.

You can create simple games with VB.
And for some links:
SDL
SDL_net
For a networking tutorial with sockets:
Beej's Guide

Hugo,

Go learn VB. It's the best programming language and you can do the best games. Good luck and have fun.

very funny

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Originally Posted by Mario F.

Hugo,

Go learn VB. It's the best programming language and you can do the best games. Good luck and have fun.

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I don't mean to start a fight, but TAKE THAT BACK!

It's good as a starting language, definately (look how I turned out, da'hoy!) but has it's limits. Yes it does.

I meant that to Hugo only, Ahluka :)

This is about compilers, not the c++ programming language. Moved to tech.

Any more attempts to breach the forum posting rules, particularly rule 6, will result in this thread being closed and sterner action being taken against those involved.

edit:

Hugo716,

There are many free, legally obtainable compilers which anyone can download. Since your interest seems to be ms specific then you should download msvs-express 2005; you can download those components that you need (visual basic, c++ etc) or the whole visual studio express suite. If you are a student then I believe you are eligible for substantial discounts on a variety of ms software, including visual studio 2005 standard edition - you should check this out with your school or college or contact microsoft directly for more information.