Okay, so I have finished with that C++ For Dummies book and now know the basics of C++ (classes, inheritance, etc.) I would like to know where I go from here. I of course want to get into game development, so I was thinking of purchasing Tips of the Windows Game Programming Gurus, however I have a problem. My problem is that I am not sure if I am ready for such a book, so i would like to ask this question to anyone who has read it; I only know how to program in DOS so if I purchase this book will I need to know a lot about windows programming or will knowledge of how to program C/C++ dos be enough?

So you know console programming really well ?
You should make sure that you not only know the object model
of c++, you should *really* know how to take advantage of it.
And make sure you have a good idea about the C runtime library.

I think that you should first learn ordinary windows programming.
There''s no doubt that Programming Windows from Charles Petzold is
the best book to learn it. With about 1500 pages it might sound
heavy, but it only gives you a firm gasp of the API functonality
of Windows. At least you should know how to write a tool like
paintbrush before you continue with game development.

Now you might want to start with OpenGL. It''s a nice and simple
3D API that lets you focus on the 3D engine, not on the API
or the OS. You could learn it with the OpenGL redbook, the standard
book to learn gl.

But the OpenGL redbook doesn''t teach you much about 3D engine or
game development, it just teach you how to use a high level gfx
AP, OpenGL. So you need to know how to develop something like
Quake. This is mostly a algorithmic problem. Stuff like BSP, PVS,
collision detection, radiosity, AI, portals, bump mapping...

So it''s time for a 3D gfx theorie book. Maybe "Realtime rendering"
or something else. This should give you the background to code
some cool 3D demos. But a game needs more...

Maybe now its time to learn DirectX. It should get you started
with sound, multiplayer and 2D programming. Maybe you want to
switch from OpenGL to D3D. I just suggest that you learn OpenGL
first, it is MUCH easier and you can focus on the heavy 3D theorie
instead of messing around with a complex API. If you feel
confident with 3D, D3D should be an interesting choice...

I hope that helps you



Tim

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glvelocity.gamedev.net
www.gamedev.net/hosted/glvelocity

Just one remark:

I don''t think those "game programming" books are any good. You can''t learn game dev in a single book. It''s a combination of C++, OpenGL / DX, algorithmical and mathematical skills, more than you could ever learn in a single book. The book you mentioned doesn''T contain any 3D stuff. I read trough a few chapters, it''s one of the better books out there



Tim

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glvelocity.gamedev.net
www.gamedev.net/hosted/glvelocity

I think it sounds as though you could handle Tricks of the Windows Gurus. It''s explained very well IMO. It would be a nice start, and the next volume will explain 3d plus there''s info on 3d on the CD that comes with it.


"'Nazrix is cool' -- Nazrix" --Darkmage --Godfree

Now I''m confused.
One person is telling me to start with plain Windows Programming and then go to OpenGL and then on to Direct X, and the other is telling me to go straight into Direct X with TOTWGPG!

Okay eventaully I''d like to become a professional game programmer (or at least a programmer not nessesarily in the game industry but preferable, that''s irelivent anyways)
so maybe that would help anyone to adivse me on the correct path.

Oh and BTW I''ve seen that Windows Programming book and it''s HUGH there has to be a gazillion pages in it!

I have to agree with Nazrix: if you feel like you really understand the basic concepts of programming, i think TWGPG is a good step to take next. It explains a bit of Win32 programming, a decent amount of DirectX, some general graphics, less AI/Physics/etc.. basically, a bit of everything, enough to do something, but by no means the end-all of anything.. it won't teach you how to make games, but it'll help you along the journey..

the most important thing right now, though, is that you are comfortable with programming (in C++, or any language of your choice)..

i own all the books tcs mentioned, and they're all great, and i recommend all of them, they're excellent books.. i think Petzold is a bit of overkill for being a pre-req to game programming, though...

by the way, i started off with DJGPP and Allegro, which really eased me into it.. i know DOS is 'out', but it's alot more fun than programming windows, and IMHO a much better learning environment..

Edited by - pUnkOuter on September 28, 2000 8:54:54 PM

Of course I did not expect that TOTWGPG would be the "only book I''ll ever need" for game programming.
As I said I would love to be a professional Game Programmer and could not expect to read only one book about game developemnt and be an expert.
I expected I would have to read other books about windows programming, Open GL, Direct 3D and such. I was merely asking if I was ready to learn the basics of Game Dev.
However I really didn''t like the notion of starting with 3D, or that of reading that enormous Windows book.

Questioner,
From what you''ve said I definitely think you''re ready to learn game programming. TOTWGPG covers enough of windows programming to get you started IMO. It also focuses on 2D for the most part, which is of course better to start w/ than 3D. TOTWGPG is very easy to understand too.


"'Nazrix is cool' -- Nazrix" --Darkmage --Godfree

Thank you for your help and I will be sure to follow your advice.
I am going out to buy TOTWGPG this weekend.

I think coding in DOS is a bit uneccesary, you can learn most of the stuff while doing win32 console programs. Maybe you want to write a software renderer, this helps you later while learning DX / OpenGL and replaces most of the "DOS experience" Part. I thought reading Pezold was fun. I first learned OpenGL after learning C++ cause it was so easy compared to win32. I think LaMothes book is a good one, but expect to buy a few books on gfx programming theorie if you want to do a real engine. Even if you read the redbook.


Tim

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glvelocity.gamedev.net
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