looking for the next step...

[Uchiha23]

the title sort of explains the situation...
i know the basics:
data types
variable definition (global & (private/local))
if statements
do --> while loops
input and output statements
one dimentional arrays
and so on and so forth...

i wanted to know if there is anyone that can point me in the direction for the next step in becoming a game developer - such as doing graphics and making/ getting a suitable api for game creation! if there is ANYONE that will be so kind as to set me onto the right direction that would be GREATLY appriciated! :D thank you in advance :D

[Disch]

Get a game lib and start cracking. Working on actual programs will force you learn what you need to know.

I recommend sfml:

http://www.sfml-dev.org/

[Uchiha23]

can u tell me:
first and formost: what this (sfml) is...(im a freshman college student and am looking to get started early)

and second how do i implement said piece of software?

[Uchiha23]

ok i need some more help...i did what the tutorial on the website said and no offence but they MSUT be doing it wrong cause i followed their directions to the t :P so...disch if you still on can u give some more insight into how to fix there problem?

[Disch]

what this (sfml) is

It's a library which is useful for making games. It has a simple API to draw graphics, play sounds, and get input from the keyboard/mouse/joysticks. It also has some networking stuff thrown in for good measure.

and second how do i implement said piece of software?

1) Download the source.
2) Compile it
3) Set MSVS's directories so it can find the resulting .hpp and .lib files so you can use them in your programs
4) Try compiling one of the sample programs on the SFML site
5) Write your own SFML program (ie: a game)


Setup is kind of hard for a beginner, but there are tutorials. Just follow them and you should be OK.

.i did what the tutorial on the website said and no offence but they MSUT be doing it wrong cause i followed their directions to the t

The tutorials are fine. If it's not working you missed a step or misunderstood something.

disch if you still on can u give some more insight into how to fix there problem?

What exactly is the problem? I can't fix something when I don't know what it is. =P

[Uchiha23]

1. how do i compile it? (how do i do your #2.)
2. how do i "Set MSVS's directories so it can find the resulting .hpp and .lib files so you can use them in your programs"? and lastly

3. can u tutor me in how to begin to do step #5?

[Disch]

1. how do i compile it? (how do i do your #2.)
2. how do i "Set MSVS's directories so it can find the resulting .hpp and .lib files so you can use them in your programs"? and lastly

Assuming you're using version 1.6 (which is easier to set up), this tutorial covers both points:

http://www.sfml-dev.org/tutorials/1.6/start-vc.php

for compiling, see the blurb at the bottom of the page.

for setting MSVS directories, see the "Installing SFML" section near the top. It has pictures of the screens you need to go in and mess with.

3. can u tutor me in how to begin to do step #5?

Start with the example programs on the site (like the one on that tutorial page linked above) and build onto that. There are tons of tutorials for each area of the library.

This page is full of them:

http://www.sfml-dev.org/tutorials/1.6/

But if that is too much or too confusing, then yes I'm willing to help get you started. But first you need to get the example program on that setup tutorial page compiling first.

This program:

#include <SFML/System.hpp>
#include <iostream>

int main()
{
    sf::Clock Clock;
    while (Clock.GetElapsedTime() < 5.f)
    {
        std::cout << Clock.GetElapsedTime() << std::endl;
        sf::Sleep(0.5f);
    }

    return 0;
}

Once that compiles and runs for you, then you can move on.

Feel free to post with any Qs.

[Uchiha23]

when i read and do the first option: it doesnt work when i copy and paste the stuff from one folder into the other folder...

option 2...when i click on"
projects and solutions --> VC++ Directiories it says THIS...
{
"VC++ DIRECTORIES EDITING in tools >options has been depracated."

"VC ++ DIRECTORIES are now available as a user property sheet that is added by default to all projects."
}

this doesnt make much sence :P im running visual studio 2010 :P :(

[Disch]

At that's right. They changed that in VS2010. I don't know why they changed it. The new way is stupid and doesn't make any sense.

http://i53.tinypic.com/2yy1jk1.png

Try that.