Open GL programming

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Neo_Cortex

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I would like to start programming Open Gl aplications such as game engines
but I don't know which programming tool is the best and where can I download it.

And what is the difference between visual c++ and visual basic???

Thanks
 
What language is the best depends on what you want to program (although I'm a completely C-convinced guy). Anyway, for a game engine, you should use C and/or C++, with perhaps a bit of assembler (of course, there are other languages, such as Delphi, which is good too). However, do not use Visual Basic to program such a thing. It is damn to slow and too limited for a game engine.

Now you're asking for the difference between Visual Basic and Visual C++. These are completely different languages, so I can't make a list of the differences between them. The important aspect is the one I mentioned above: Visual Basic is very slow and too limited, although it is easier. Believe me, I know what I'm talking about. I've been using Visual basic for years, being reluctant to learn C++. When I finally decided to learn it, I was amazed by all the things I could do with it.

As for your last question, "Where can I download it"... Both VC++ and VB are made by Microsoft, and I guess they would not give you them freely. :lol:
 
You can download a free C++ compiler, like Dev-C++, and find an online tutorial to get started programming.  However, I'd recommend buying a book, or better yet, taking a class.  I tried learning online for a while and it just isn't as good. :P
 
Dev-C++ is indeed a good free IDE/Compiler.

BTW, while you're talking about it, I learned C and C++ online. Of course this is not "clean programming" like a professionnal programmer would do, but it does its job. :lol:
 
If you get dev-cpp, get the freeglut DevPak at http://www.nigels.com/glt/devpak/ .

BTW, you need to change glut.h to freeglut.h with that. Remeber that Dev-C++ has no glaux.h, so you will not be able to follow the tutorials on http://nehe.gamedev.net exactly. You will have to use the glut versions. There will be problems when you need to load bitmaps in those tutorials.
 
I'm with Aaron on this.  You should definitely take some classes.

Before you think about coding a game engine, I'd recommend taking:

* A class on the basics of C++ (most schools actually offer this in two courses: one on the very basics, and another that teaches you about stuff like dynamic memory allocations, etc)
* A Data Structures class
* A class on Object oriented programming.

Then you might consider looking into GLUT and seeing what you can do.

Also:  Visual Basic is total garbage, don't use it.
 
Thanks for so many replies and good advices! I'll download the files and see what can I do !!
 
Thanks for so many replies and good advices! I'll download the files and see what can I do !!
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Just think the worst that could happen is you don't get very far.  So keep on plugin. NeHe is good, and loading bitmaps is not a big deal, you just need to be sure you know how to decode that particular bitmap at the time.  I've even used JPEGs :D

Cyb
 
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