Thread: Game Programming? Questions!

  1. #1
    Registered User dune911's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2001
    Posts
    140

    Lightbulb Game Programming? Questions!

    Hi there!

    I wanted to know which programming language I should use
    to start game programming. I tried a little Java but someone
    told me I should better go back to C/C++ for game programming.
    Is that true? If so, would you prefer C or C++ to program games?

    I know that I can't start and code something like Quake...

    I'd like to program a PONG clone... or something like this.

    But I don't know which library I should use!

    - DirectX ?
    - OpenGL ?
    - SDL ?
    - Allegro ?

    Can anyone help me or just gimme a hint which one I should use?

    Or did you at last say "forget C and C++ and go back to Java"?

  2. #2
    Used Registerer jdinger's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2002
    Posts
    1,065
    There really is no "best" API. I definitely say stick with C/C++ for games, though, as opposed to Java.

    Since you're talking about a 2D Pong clone and you're new to C/C++ you'd be better off using either SDL or Allegro. I don't have experience with either API but the guys here who use them, swear by them (both for ease of use and smooth learning curves).

    Check the stick thread from RoD that is full of links you'll find useful. RoD's thread

  3. #3
    Registered User dune911's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2001
    Posts
    140
    Thanks for your reply!

    @ all :
    Someone told me to start with Allegro or SDL, too. I think that is
    what I am going to do now. But which one should I choose?

    And, on the other hand: Can I use MSVC++6 or should I better
    use something like DJGPP? And: Should I use plain C or better C++?

    Questions en masse... Sorry But I don't want to try too many things out.

  4. #4
    Registered User gazsux's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2002
    Posts
    72
    Im still learning c and c++ but i found it quite easy to get into OpenGL and get some nice (ish) looking stuff going. So id suggest starting out with that.

    C or C++ is fine, but i spose in terms of use in the industry, most use C++.

    And Vis Studio is king, use that

  5. #5
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Posts
    118
    I just started programming in C about eight months ago, and in C+ about four. I am now using DirectX 7.0 and I really enjoy it. It is hard to get the hang of, but after a few times reading the same book it seems to sink in. I almost have my first tile graphics engine complete and things seem to be getting easier. There is lots of good books and info on the web about it also, so I would have to recommend it to others. I heard Allegro was great for games and easy to use, but I have never used it so I can't say. I think DirectX would be the way to go, since it is used so much in the gaming industry, so I imagine what you learn you will be able to apply to future projects.

  6. #6
    Pursuing knowledge confuted's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Posts
    1,916
    SDL is borderline ridiculously easy to use, but after you get by the basic stuff...well, there isn't anything else. It's easy, but not overly powerful, so eventually you'll have to learn something else.
    Away.

  7. #7
    Redundantly Redundant RoD's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Missouri
    Posts
    6,331
    I reccomend opengl (of course) as the graphics API, and Direct Input should u need user interaction. For more information about OpenGL please refer to the above link to my thread, or refer to our OpenGL tutorials (not all uploaded, were working on getting them up/finished).

    http://www.cprogramming.com/tutorial.html

    Should you encounter any speed bumps with OpenGL (if you use it) feel free to contact me at [email protected]

  8. #8
    Registered User dune911's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2001
    Posts
    140
    Thanks @ everyone for posting a reply!

    I am going to learn a little SDL to get practice in the idea of
    game programming and after I've played a little bit around
    with it, I think I move to OpenGL to program better games!

    But at first I should get more skilled in C++... C won't do it, I guess...

Popular pages Recent additions subscribe to a feed

Similar Threads

  1. Open-source Game Project
    By Glorfindel in forum Projects and Job Recruitment
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 03-24-2009, 01:12 AM
  2. A few questions on game programming
    By mramazing in forum Game Programming
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 01-11-2009, 05:48 AM
  3. 20q game problems
    By Nexus-ZERO in forum C Programming
    Replies: 24
    Last Post: 12-17-2008, 05:48 PM
  4. HELP!wanting to make full screen game windowed
    By rented in forum Game Programming
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 06-11-2004, 04:19 AM
  5. Ideas for my c++ game for semester project
    By Leeman_s in forum Game Programming
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 12-30-2002, 01:57 AM