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Sort of on this same subject, does anyone know of a good internet tutorial (perhaps a book too, though I'm kinda low on funds AND time =), to learn TCP/IP using C, so I could have an online game (RPG)?
Oh, and by the way, my game's gonna be pure text.. That would be a lot easier, I assume? (I've never seen a graphics engine) I also saves all of the time it would take to draw all of the stuff. https://www.sharkyforums.com/images/.../2005/06/5.gif
i just wanna learn the basics.... i made an rpg with items and weapons onmy TI-83 plus in 6th grade called monkey wars(rip off of star wars) it was texts and i built it all by myself even the battle engines! it took about a week.... how do you make proggys on comp as basic as those on a TI-83. Notepad?
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The lamothe "dummies" book is very handy as a starter, but you wont use it for that long.
Regarding DirectX or 3D the micrsoft book Inside Direct 3D is probably the one to go for except that it covers DirectX 7.
8 is a big improvement and structured differently (with DirectDraw and updates to D3D) so wait for an updated version.
Regarding OpenGL - there is only one book, the Red Book "OpenGL Programming Guide 3rd Edition" - there's a specific Windows OpenGL guide, but it wont tell you anything you cannot get help on in the Microsoft Developer Network or any Win32 book.
If you're looking for a simple game programming language, have a look at Blitz Basic (which was originally around for the Commodore Amiga) - it gives very easy access to DirectX 7 (direct draw only but a 3D version is planned for release) components in Basic (which is always easy). However, i would not recommend this if it means you never get started in VC++ which is undoubtedly the king of games programming.
DirectX v OpenGL is a tough one - i use OpenGL but thats only because its a bit quicker to get started with.
(That was no help at all).
Whoops, added 2 by mistake...
[This message has been edited by GreenGrappler (edited May 07, 2001).]
Yup, before DX8, I prefered OpenGL. MS has finally merged DirectDraw and Direct3D under DirectGraphics, a major enhancment over the previous versions. It it now as easy as openGL to setup a world.Quote:
DirectX v OpenGL is a tough one - i use OpenGL but thats only because its a bit quicker to get started with.
Also, DirectX8 has built in functions to deal with meshes and .x files, a very very handy feature IMO.
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An excellent feature, agreed.Quote:
Originally posted by Slovin8:
[BAlso, DirectX8 has built in functions to deal with meshes and .x files, a very very handy feature IMO.
[/B]
Slovin is probably right to go for DirectX, seeing as it is much more widely used in game development, especially with the advent of the X-box. And it is looking really good these days.
As regards the original question, does anyone think it is possible to program DirectX without first learning C++? Or could you learn both at the same time?
The thing with that is, in my opinion, you have to almost enjoy the programming to be able to learn it, and if you are programming games then you are more likely to be enjoying yourself than say programming a celcius to farenheit calculator.
Which is why Blitz may be a good idea.
I just noticed your system specs Slovin, christ man, you need to upgrade.
Hi,
I'm a techie guy (aka the guy with all the theory but can't make crap) DirectX 8 is inceredeble.I mean it offers near photorealistic grahpics and it suports N-pathes crucuial to decent grahics but need help.Game programing I have Visual C++ Visual Basic and Vicual J++.
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I think it is really hard to get going with DirectX without having some solid background in C++. Things such as LPVOID and BYTE** would make debugging and understanding the process itself cumbersome. You can probably learn how to do some triangles and lighting by reading the tutorials but beyond that, some math, C++, and imagination is required.Quote:
As regards the original question, does anyone think it is possible to program DirectX without first learning C++? Or could you learn both at the same time?
A support for VB has been added to DirectX since DX7 I believe. However, DirectX is imported through layers of abstractions to VB unlike C++ where you can speak to the hardware directly via the HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer).
Now, if you really don't want to bother yourself with the engine itself but want to build a game, there exist some free 3D engines that'll do the job. One really excellent 3D engine is called Crystal Space and is still in development but you can start making simple games with it.
Game programming is really fun, but unless you are really, really dedicated to it, you will get bored, if not stuck, making the engine.
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But is it better to learn Directx8 AND VC++ or stay with VB? Is there a difference in fps or quality?
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Very true, there must be thousands of unfinished engines written by people trying to recreate Quake. It is often better to start with a smaller project and build the engine that is necessary for that. Then with each game, enhance the engine. That way you're not just writing an engine but also have something to show for it.Quote:
Originally posted by Slovin8:
Game programming is really fun, but unless you are really, really dedicated to it, you will get bored, if not stuck, making the engine.
I suppose that with the DirectX SDK they almost provide the beginnings of an engine, being their standard framework.