I messed with graphics programming in college and after spending 2 years doing web application development I''ve decided it isn''t my bag. My original experience is using OpenGL, Borland C++ Builder, on Windows. But, before I get into training myself I''d like to know which path is best to find a job. Anyone have any suggestions? -Chris

Search the forum for the OpenGL vs DirectX debate. Even better there is an article written not to long ago that gives a pretty good break down of both. Threads that ask this question get closed pretty quick around here because of the flamewar it starts

As for Windows vs. Linux for getting a job, it all depends on the job. Windows is prolly better for a game dev job, although theres not actually that much OS dependant code IMO.

I''d suggest you get aqainted with Linux since it is becoming more popular in the enterprise field every day, and will open more doors for you than not knowing it.


University is a fountain of knowledge, and students go there to drink.

X vs. Y threads almost always degenerate into flamewars, especially when you pick something people get religiously attached to (You''ve picked two out of three worst ones, the 3rd being C++/XBasic vs. Any Other Language).

The DirectX vs. OpenGL question can be handled by The Article. (This means any DirectX vs. OpenGL posts to follow will need to be pretty good [read: only the facts, no zealot ranting and personal attacks] to avoid deletion).

As for Windows and Linux we can hopefully get some factual points posted rather than personal attacks and baseless ranting(that means any post that starts with "M$ suks" or "Linux is communism" are likely headed for the trash bin)

quote:
But, before I get into training myself I''d like to know which path is best to find a job.

What kind of job ?

Game programming: go with Windows, Linux is not a profitable platform, and that won''t change in the near future. You can still develop under Linux, but the final product will almost always run under Windows. The question D3D vs. OpenGL is more or less personal preference here. Choose what you like, it won''t really influence your job opportunities. But be sure to have a strong understanding of general Windows and DirectX programing.

Professional 3D: Two words: Unix + OpenGL. Most professional vis/sim , as well as movie related companies (special effects, eg. ILM, Digital Domain, etc) work almost exclusively under one or another Unix flavor. Especially the omni-present SGI Irix. Knowing how to program under Linux here (esp. OpenGL under X) will help you a lot. Note that sometimes Windows based systems are used (esp. for data management), but the real stuff is done on Unix supercomputers.

I think anyone with half a brain will tell you that you should use linux and DirectX.

Now thats just funny

actually there is a directx layer for opengl under linux floating around. cant remember where i read it though. might have been a hoax.

Actually you can play Windows Direct X games on a linux platform with WineX 2.0, but only at half the speed. Most of the Direct X 8 and win 32 api features are supported. Currently the focus is on compatibility not speed hence the huge performanec hit. Here is the article from Toms Hardware.

http://www4.tomshardware.com/howto/02q2/020531/index.html

quote: Original post by Michalson
X vs. Y threads almost always degenerate into flamewars, especially when you pick something people get religiously attached to (You''ve picked two out of three worst ones, the 3rd being C++/X Basic vs. Any Other Language).

The DirectX vs. OpenGL question can be handled by The Article. (This means any DirectX vs. OpenGL posts to follow will need to be pretty good [read: only the facts, no zealot ranting and personal attacks] to avoid deletion).

As for Windows and Linux we can hopefully get some factual points posted rather than personal attacks and baseless ranting(that means any post that starts with "M$ suks" or "Linux is communism" are likely headed for the trash bin)

Why don''t you guys close this darn thread? You''re moderators, aren''t you?

DirectX vs. OpenGL: It''s very much a personal preference (as already stated). The important part is that you learn the underlying concepts and theory. Once you know the theory, using either one shouldn''t be too difficult. And there''s nothing stopping you from learning both, just don''t try to learn both at the same time. First get a firm grasp of how things work with whichever one *you* think is ''easier'', then go learn the other one.

Linux vs Windows: As a hobby developer it''s also very much personal preference which platform you develop under. For professionals I believe Windows is the most common platform, and it''s true that most users run Windows, so it will be a good idea to make your games run there. You could make them cross-platform/portable though, so they run under both Windows and Linux (and other OS'' if you like), but you should probably wait with that until you feel comfortable programming for a single platform.

Windows and Linux both have their pros and cons. Since you say that you have been using Windows, why not install Linux and see how you like it. Nowadays installing Linux is easy (depending a little on which distro you choose), and most installers will (more or less) automatically setup a multiboot system for you if you already have Windows installed, so you can use both OS'' on the same computer. If you find that Linux is not for you, then just remove it. You lose nothing by trying.

Remember that knowing things is always a good thing, and you don''t always have to choose one or the other.