So I've been making games with Python and Pygame for sometime but eventually want to move into C++ (still learning). What are good libraries for making 2D games with in C++? I've heard of Allegro, SFML, SDL; would you recommend any of these? Are there better options? Which are the most supported/robust and which have the best communities around them? Thanks for any info.

Quick summary,

Personally i prefer SDL, you can find some great tutorials for a beginner at http://lazyfoo.net/tutorials/SDL/index.php.

However you might find it easier and a little bit quicker to use SFML.

I've checked out allegro but i have never actually used it so i cant say anything about it.

If your not so comfortable with C++ id consider trying SFML first, but that's up to you :)

I think pygame is based on SDL, so you might find it familliar.
SFML is very much more C++ though, so if you are used to using modern C++ I'd recommend that.

SFML is a really good choice if you want to develop your game.

SDL is a bit lower then SFML + it doesn't give you networking it handles couple of additional things.

Learn OpenGL/DX if you really want to get into the GPU and learn how the lower api works.

I advise this as learning, because it would take time to actually build something with raw openGL and C++ code.

Thanks, I'm leaning towards SFML for my first game. I'll see how this turns out.

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My particular conclusion: SDL has greater community/tuto support (lazy foo is great), SFML is better at optimizations (more modern also) and Allegro fights well to not be taken apart (last versions).

Yes, SFML fits very well towards we, beginners.