Ok, im going to be putting about $100 into some good books on either Open GL or Direct X. I want to get into game programming. Which (open gl or direct x) will work west for making games?
Is one better for applications, and the other for games?
Is one better for FPS and 3d games and the other for 2d games?
Is one more supported and the other less?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I will try my best, here we go! *scary face*
Which (open gl or direct x) will work west for making games? If you're on Linux OpenGL, DirectX for Windows
Is one better for applications, and the other for games? Both are used directly for gaming mostly I believe. Both are equal in gaming goodiness.
Is one better for FPS and 3d games and the other for 2d games? I believe they're both equal on 3D/2D
Is one more supported and the other less? Linux only supports OpenGL *. Windows supports DirectX and OpenGL
* = I'm sure there are some tricks, but exclusively, I believe not.
In my experience, OpenGL has an easier interface (especially when using glut) that can get you started quickly. DX can be a bit tricky but once you get the hang of it it's good. DX also has more buildt in functionality, like image loaders n stuff. Note that OpenGL is just graphics while DX is graphics, user input, network, sound, music, video and more.
MagosX.com
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Neither one is better unless you are programming for a platform other than windows (in which case openGL is the winner).
Let's put it this way: The two best games (graphically speaking) out today are Doom3 and Halflife 2. Doom3 was created with OpenGL, and Halflife2 was created with Direct3D. Both libraries can create cutting edge stuff, so you are not missing out on anything when you choose one over the other.
well, directX does have the advantage of being more than just a graphics library. It has sound , network etc. built in. but yes, openGL is portable.
"You are stupid! You are stupid! Oh, and don't forget, you are STUPID!" - Dexter
There's WineX, which is a DirectX implementation for Linux, but I believe it's commercial.* = I'm sure there are some tricks, but exclusively, I believe not.
OpenGL's pendant is really Direct3D/DirectDraw. DirectSound/DirectMusic finds its pendant in OpenAL perhaps, or the audio capabilities of the SDL. DirectInput has the input capabilities of SDL as equivalent. DirectPlay has no direct match, but then, I think DirectPlay sucks anywayI wish Blizzard would publish their Net Play libraries.
All the buzzt!
CornedBee
"There is not now, nor has there ever been, nor will there ever be, any programming language in which it is the least bit difficult to write bad code."
- Flon's Law
And here is my tip, search! This question has been debated countless times!
Most DirectX vs OpenGL arguments are outdated. The later generations of both APIs have significantly improved and I haven't yet found a thorough comparison of them.
Some modern games use a hybrid of DirectX and OpenGL. I suggest you learn both.
Last edited by BMJ; 01-28-2005 at 10:17 AM.
Quake3, for example, uses OpenGL for graphics, but on Windows it also uses DirectInput and DirectSound.
I agree with BMJ. Learn both, then specialize on the one you like more. The hard part of 3D programming is in the principles anyway, not in the names of the functions.
All the buzzt!
"There is not now, nor has there ever been, nor will there ever be, any programming language in which it is the least bit difficult to write bad code."
- Flon's Law
it seems to me that if i learn open gl, ill probably be wanting to also learn direct x for the sound, networking ect.
If i learn direct x, i will have almost everything I will need.
Ill start out with direct x. Thanks for the help guys.
But you don't learn "DirectX". You learn COM, which DirectX is founded on, and then you learn those components of DirectX you need. And whether you learn Direct3D or OpenGL shouldn't make too much of a difference.it seems to me that if i learn open gl, ill probably be wanting to also learn direct x for the sound, networking ect.
All the buzzt!
"There is not now, nor has there ever been, nor will there ever be, any programming language in which it is the least bit difficult to write bad code."
- Flon's Law
i think ive found a good book to use.
http://glbook.gamedev.net/oglgp.asp
any other suggestions for books?
There is also OpenAL for sound.Originally Posted by Frantic-
Additionally, DirectX is also proprietary, intellectual property of Microsoft. With OpenGL, you have the ability to modify the libraries to your particular needs if current libraries like glut, SDL, and many others to choose from, don't provide exactly what you need (which would be a very rare case indeed).
I agree 100% with you. It all depends on opinion. Like chocolate and vanilla. Either are good but you have to choose.
P.S. which had the feature where if you hit wood a splinter appears, and when you shoot metal it acually makes a 3d dent, etc.?
i have no idea, infact i dont know if ur even joking or what.
But since opengl is for graphics more than anything (or so i think) id say its opengl.
