Hi there, I''ve programming java for some time now and although I find it a nice language, I think it has some problems with games programming other than some smaller games. Performance in java is actually quite good nowadays, but there''s always the problem of the JRE the user needs and java''s difficulties in dealing with low level machine features. So, I was thinking about learning C++. I already got started using open-gl so I guess I''ll stick with that API for a while because I''m already quite fond of it. Also, I know some C but my skills are probably very rusty (not programmed anything in C for many years). Do you have some advice for this poor java fellow/C++ newbie? - A good, friendly, *free* IDE and compiler (for java I use Eclipse now, which I think rules). Preferrable one that is much used. - Some sites with some good C++ tutorials. - Any other advice you can come up with? - should I go for dx instead of ogl? Thanks in advance, Erik

I did much more programming in Java than in C/C++ during college. Did some C with OGL for a graphics class, and have decided to start some development with C++ and OGL and put Java aside for a while.

Books - I bought Accelerated C++ as a way of quickly bringing myself back up to speed. I already owned The C++ Programming Language, 3rd ed, form school. Using this as my reference.

IDE/Compiler - I have Visual Studio 6, and am sticking with that. Most tutorials for game programming seem to be geared towards this VC++, so it seems to be the way to go. I was lucky enough to get a licensed copy free, through school. There are many books that include Introductory or Academic versions of VC++. You may be able to find one of these versions online as well; I am not too sure. Others exist, some free, but I don''t have enough exp with them to give any advice.

Sites -Check out Game Tutorials and Nehe for some good tutorials.

The Tyr project is here.