What's the Best way to get familiar with the other applications?

[iPlus]

I just need a little info about getting familiar with the applications. The best methods whether it be books or online tutorials, just suggestions would really help.

[Moschops]

I just need a little info about getting familiar with the applications.

Which applications?

[iPlus]

The most used ones like directX and some others if I spelled that right.

[Mats]

What are you currently familiar with? What do you want to do in future?

[iPlus]

Visual c++ 2008 and another one I can't think of the name it's like win32 or something like that. I want to create small games just for the fun but also trying to learn as much as I can.

[Mats]

If you want to create more games, I would suggest looking at:

SFML
SDL
Allegro

Learning to use 1 or more of these will help you develop games in 2d.

[Code Assassin]

Mats is right, but I'd like to add a few tid-bits...

SFML, is great for beginners in C++. It's easy, and almost(rofl), painless to use. Great for 2D games!

SDL, is for more... advanced or seasoned programmers, who have a bit more experience in C++. Exactly like SFML, but with a few differences, It's also a great choice for 2D game dev.

Hmm... Allegro. I've heard of it, but haven't really given it a shot, so I have nothing to add on that part. Good Luck.

[iPlus]

anything about 3d games that could help and thank you guys so much u really helped!

[iPlus]

Oh and how would I do that by getting some books or something online? Any suggestions?

[Code Assassin]

When it comes to 3D, the only thing that comes to mind is OpenGL. That's tough. You'll need to know some higher levels of math if you want to go into 3D dev. I would suggest learning through books, but sometimes you wont find any books. It's really up to you. They are both great learning resources.

[iPlus]

Would you recommend getting a book on algorithms or should I get an advanced book on c++ you know the one by the creator of c++?

[Code Assassin]

Haha.

Well, thats all up to you, and I've tried a book by Bjarne Stroustrup and It's a bit... dry, I would say (lol). All C++ books are "advanced", so I would suggest trying C++ Without Fear. That's one of my favorite C++ books... as a matter of fact, I'm reading that right now =]

[Code Assassin]

Check this out, may be helpful:

http://www2.research.att.com/~bs/bs_faq.html#best-book

[iPlus]

Would you recommend the Stroustrup book or the C++ WIthout Fear book? Do you have a skype or an aim by any chance?

[Mats]

3D games you can use lightfeather, Irrlicht or OGRE. None are specifically aimed at game making, but will give you '3d powers'.

3D game making in C++ is really really hard though. I have made some 2D games and some C++ engines for playing games and I still feel far far away from 3D game making.

You could also look at the UDK for 3D game making, but again it's difficult. I would suggest making stuff in 2D first and learning about getting mouse/keyboard input, timers and graphics first, along with the kind of algorithms you are going to need to make AI play games and to make games work.

[iPlus]

Ok so I will work on 2d games also do you have a skype or anything like that and how do u know so much at only 12?

[Code Assassin]

Oh my :0
(Lol, I have lots more to learn, I am far from good )
I just guess I have a passion for C++ :), I love doing it.

Here's my email:

[e-mail]

[ascii]

SDL, is for more... advanced or seasoned programmers, who have a bit more experience in C++. Exactly like SFML, but with a few differences, It's also a great choice for 2D game dev.

What makes you say this?

C++ Without Fear is an okay book, but it's a little short. Looking at the amazon page, the fact that it doesn't cover the STL is a turn-off for me (it also says it doesn't cover bitwise operators, which is a little weird). It also looked somewhat lacking in the Object-Oriented sections.

I'm currently reading The C++ Primer, which is an excellent book, but not well suited for beginners (as is Stroustroup book). I learned from Beginning Visual C++ 2008, which is a great book, and another one I would recommend is The C++ Black Book. As far as picking a book up on Algorithms, that will always come in handy across a multitude of programming languages :)

[Code Assassin]

That's my opinion. I think that SDL is good for people who have a bit more experience in C++, I found it a bit difficult when I tried it. Lots of people recommend beginners to SFML because of the "complexity" of SDL. I guess I find SFML simpler, but it's entirely up to the person's programming ability.