I was wondering if anyone out there is using Borland (Inprise) C++ Builder for game development? It seems like most people use Visual C++. What would be the advantages/disadvantages of using C++ Builder? Any input appreciated. Thanks. Marcus

Don''t know why everybody uses Visual C++. I know why I use MSVC though. I don''t like Borland C++ Builder''s IDE. This is mainly a personal issue. Other than that, I''ve no complaints.

Well, there are many schools of thoughts about which compiler to use for Game Dev. Actually, most Independant game programmers use VC++ because it''s the most up-to-date compiler and also because DX is made for VC++, if you''re using a DX 8, you won''t be able to compile your code using the BCB as they didn''t put the Borland version in it( for some unknown reason, they had it up to DX 7 )... Anyhow, micro$haft works in a really weird manner. But that''s just my point of view. I personally prefer Borland C++ to BCB and VC++ but the compiler I use for my code is Metroworks which SEEMS to work with the VC++ libs of DX8...

Well, that''s it for my point of view. Hope this sheads a bit of light on the subject for you...

I''m using Metroworks Code Warrior for all of my work, I''m working on a multi platform game with a couple of other guys and Metroworks allows me to target Mac OS, Windows, and Linux without changing from one machine to another (except in the case of a few libraries).

Umm yes, quite a few people use it.
I do, in fact, for DirectX game dev, made a library for use w/ it (old version tho'', new version is nearly done)
There''s the turbo forum on this site (hosted), which is for C++Builder / Delphi people to post on.
(If you feel outnumbered by our MSVC friends, retreat to turbo
Anyway yeah, I like using components to simplify setup of directx. For example setting properties to setup fullscreen / windowed, format, etc.

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BCB DX Library - RAD C++ Game development for BCB

There are no problems using Borland for DirectX8. All you have to do is run implib on some of the dll''s to create your own lib files. It only takes a couple of seconds.

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Andrew

Cyberdrek: What do you mean VC++ is the most "up to date" compiler? Borland''s compiler better conforms with the C++ language standard, and with the resources being poured into C#, don''t expect Microsoft to spend a lot of time bringing their compiler up to standard. See http://www.eckelobjects.com/ThinkingInCPP2e.html#Compilers for some more info from a C++ author...


--groucho

"Outside of a dog, a book is a man''s best friend. Inside of a dog, it''s too dark to read."

I think Cyberdrek means that it''s the most Up-To-Date with the latest features in Windows. It is, after all designed by Microsoft. Besides, I think MSVC''s conformance with the ANSI C++ standard is a joke. A really bad one at that.

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In a team, you either lead, follow or GET OUT OF THE WAY.

Thanks for all of the replies. Lot''s of good input.

Marcus

You can get implib''ed libs for DirectX 8 from my site. That could be some help. I''ve also done the c_dfi* constants for DirectInput which you cannot get by simple implibing
I have to say tho, that VC has 1 good thing. Good editor. Very good editor.

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BCB DX Library - RAD C++ Game development for BCB