Do I really need to use "SDL or Allegro"?

I'm starting to make a RTS game(DirectX). Do I really need it or not? Can anyone explain how it works?

If you're planning on making a game in DirectX, then no, you won't need SDL/Allegro. However, using DirectX ensures your game will only run on Windows, and you must use the win32 API. This approach is a lot harder then using an API designed for making games (SDL/Allegro). If this game is 2D, and it's your first game, I would choose one of those two APIs.

You can use DirectX with other multiplatform libraries like glut or glfw but it will only work on windows despite the windowing being easier.

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However, using DirectX ensures your game will only run on Windows, and you must use the win32 API.

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You will only use the API to setup your application message pump, window, etc. After that you will want to avoid the API like the plague.

Or you could just use DXUT. In true form, Microsoft has to clone everything they see - now they have cloned GLUT. :p

You do not really have to use SDL or Allegro, those Libraries just makes the life easier for you. You do not have to reinvent the wheel everytime :P.

The only reason I can see why you would use Win32 API, is if you're solely programming it for windows. But nowadays, cross-platform is the way to go.

I've never used Allegro, so I would have to vouch for SDL.

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Originally Posted by Bubba

You will only use the API to setup your application message pump, window, etc. After that you will want to avoid the API like the plague.

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Yeah, pretty much.

If you don't use SDL or Allegro or some other API you have to implement the graphics yourself, and it'll run slower. So, the answer is, realistically yes you do need to use one of these.