I''ve decided that I want to program three dimensional games and such on Windows using DirectX, or OpenGL. However, being the old fashion guy that I am I want to learn how to program Windows first, and not rely on glut or something of that nature. My true question is should I learn Windows 32 in C, or can I skip right into C++ and MFC? Thanks.

Well C and C++ can be considered completely different programming languages even though C++ came from C.
C++ has many features that are considered more ''easier to learn'' than C. But C techniques can still be used in C++.
C is older than C++ and is considered obsolete, but I LOVE IT and it works!

Try Win32 and C first, then move into C++... I would not worry about C# yet...(I''m definately not)

Good Luck

If you want to make games then I don''t see why you should ever learn MFC (with the exeption of maybe a level editor or some other utility). I would recomend that you use C++ to learn the Win32 API. Granted, the API itself leans towards a C style aproach, but you can still use C++.

Useless Code

quote: Original post by sympathy
My true question is should I learn Windows 32 in C, or can I skip right into C++ and MFC?

I''d suggest getting very familiar with C++ and then go
out and get one of those basic game programming books. They
will often give you enough for all the windows stuff you''ll need.

I agree with Mike, stay away from MFC .




-------
Andrew

I have written a small tutorial for Win32 programming without MFC, just the basics. You can find it on:
http://www.mdstud.chalmers.se/~md7amag/ under the code-section.

quote: Original post by Mike

If you want to make games then I don''t see why you should ever learn MFC (with the exeption of maybe a level editor or some other utility). I would recomend that you use C++ to learn the Win32 API. Granted, the API itself leans towards a C style aproach, but you can still use C++.

Useless Code

What''s wrong with using MFC? I think it does simplify the Win32 programming process, to a certain extent...

I would not use MFC for learning purposes, MFC is just MFC(More F****** Complicated)! and will just increase your learning curve.

My advice is to go by the language you know best, if you now C best, stick to that. And the same goes for C++.
Trying to learn a new language at the same time as learning the Win32 API is NOT a good idea.

There are some great books describing how to program in Windows, most of them are in C, and do not use MFC.
One of the best (IMHO) is "Programming Windows 95" by Charlez Petzold. This book will describes all important aspects of Windows programming.

/ Tooon

quote: Original post by NuffSaid

What''s wrong with using MFC? I think it does simplify the Win32 programming process, to a certain extent...

Yea, it still surprises me how many people here at gamedev refuse to use MFC. I don''t like it, but I use it over plain API with programs that use a Windows specific user interface.


cmaker

- I do not make clones.

If you''re going to do application development I''m in favor of MFC. It can be used to quickly create quality application. I just don''t see a need to learn it if your only going to program games, and only as a hobby.