I just got tricks of the windows game programming gurus that comes with the directx 8 sdk. Should I use that or get version 9?
I just got tricks of the windows game programming gurus that comes with the directx 8 sdk. Should I use that or get version 9?
silk.odyssey
Well, most of the samples from the book will be in 8 I would guess. The main concepts are the same and it's pretty trivial to change a DX8 program over to 9. My personal opinion would be to get 9. Also make sure you get the summer update version. Lot's of improvements and when you start getting more advanced you won't have to download the 9 sdk later.
"...the results are undefined, and we all know what "undefined" means: it means it works during development, it works during testing, and it blows up in your most important customers' faces." --Scott Meyers
Can dx8 and 9 coexist?
silk.odyssey
Sure. While I wouldn't suggest interfaces from both in the same application you can safely have both SDKs installed on your machine.
"...the results are undefined, and we all know what "undefined" means: it means it works during development, it works during testing, and it blows up in your most important customers' faces." --Scott Meyers
ok then I'll get dx9 sometime. Thanks for the help.
silk.odyssey
dx is also backwards compatible. that means you can have the dx9 sdk and use functions from dx8, dx7, dx6, and so forth, without having those specific sdk's on your computer.
So if I install the dx9 sdk, I would be able to compile the source in the book without making any changes?
silk.odyssey
DX is backwards compatible yes, however ..Originally Posted by DavidP
I was under the impression that the backwards compatibility is in runtime only. If you install the sdk libraries, you only get the functions for that release version. I've tried to compile dx8 source code I wrote for my Nibbles clone with the dx9 sdk and I had compiler errors not being able to find the functions.
Perhaps it was a case of bad sdk installation, I don't know.
c++->visualc++->directx->opengl->c++;
(it should be realized my posts are all in a light hearted manner. And should not be taken offense to.)
it should work with the SDK as well.
i remember awhile back ago I was coding in dx7 and dx6 as well, but using the dx8 sdk. it worked fine for me.
DX is fully backwards comaptible as long as your IDE knows where to find the version of the interfaces you are using.
DX8 is in DX9, but DX9 is not in DX8.
Problems with DirectX 9.0
You've probably already chosen your DX SDK or run time. But just a head up for those thinking about going to DX9.0.Problem's have been reported especially depending on the video card driver your system supports..namely the GeForce Video Cards
check this out:
http://forums.belution.com/en/directx/000/000/35.shtml
I have an old GeForce 3 64MB with 56.72 drivers and the only problems I've experienced are in IL2FB. The terrain in the distance is off color a bit...kinda rainbow pattern. Probably something to do with the mip mapping. Not sure if it is just related to something IL2FB is doing or my drivers.
Overall 56.72's are good drivers. As far as programming in DirectX 9.0 I have not encountered any glitches between DX9 and my card.
I have a GeForce FX 5200, and all the drivers past the 4's won't work on it. I never tried DX with the newer drivers, but I know that OpenGL apps won't work. So I'm still using 43.45 I think.
