Am I ready????

Alright I am getting close to finishing my C++ book(not just reading through it reading through and understanding) and I wanna know what you guys did after getting the basics of C++ I wanna move onto something knew like Game Programming or Windows Programming. I think games look more fun but I think I will learn alot from windows programming too. So thanks for all your answers.

Ryan

Also what do you think I should start with first Games or Windows?

Ryan

I believe that you have to have knowledge (and be fluent with) Win32 API programming. That's the base of DirectX programming and the sort. So, Windows, I believe, is neccessary first.

--Garfield

Well in game programming, all you have know about Win32 programming is how to create a Window. After you know this, then you can program games. Although, it's always better to know Win32 Programming before you learn DirectX, because if you know DirectX, you can use many of the same concepts with DirectX.

>> because if you know DirectX, you can use many of the same concepts with DirectX. <<

I think you mean:

because if you know Win32 API, you can use many of the same concepts with DirectX.

Do whatever you're more interested in first. Either direction is equally good (especially if you aren't restricting yourself to one OS or version of OS).

>> all you have know about Win32 programming is how to create a Window. <<

But, won't you still have to handle messages? Maybe, "game" messages?

Actually, I pretty much just make the Window part too, because I hate doing that whole message deal in games. It makes sense for normal apps, but not a game.. to me anyway.

(of course, haven't used direct X in almost a year, since I found Allegro.)

generally the only messages i handle in a windows game are those for a menu if the window isn't fullscreen.

the rest (mouse intput, keyboard input, timers blah blah blah) should be done with other faster and more precise API calls

U.

>> In order to understand recursion, one must first understand recursion <<

LOL :D :D :D That is the funniest thing I've ever heard!!! It is soooo true, too.

Yeah, I understand about the message handling. Thanks!

--Garfield

Well, when you create a window, you are handling messages.

Quote:

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Well, when you create a window, you are handling messages.

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Only if you copy out of a book a program that handles messages. Just try not handling them. It still works.

Valid Windows program:

PHP Code:

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#include <windows.h>

int WINAPI WinMain(HINSTANCE hThisInstance, HINSTANCE hPrevInstance, LPSTR lpszArgument, int nFunsterStil)
{
    int response=6;
    while(response==6)
        response = MessageBox (NULL, "Would you like me to loop?" , "This will repeat until you say select 'no'.", 0 + MB_YESNO);
    return 0;
} 


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when you create a window you dont have to handle messages, just like justin says.

message handling really isn't a core part of the windows game programming unless you have a windowed game, even then you don't have to do much.

garfield: I'm glad you like the quote, i have to admit i had a good chuckle myself when i first saw it!

cheers
U.