Help with choosing a c++ graphics library?

Question

Ok, Ive been trying everything to try and find a good graphics library to start making games with. I use dev C++, and im willing to try a new compiler, as long as its free. Can someone recommend a good graphics library? I'm looking for one that professionals actually use, not one that does all the work for you... can i also have some links to the download page and some tutorials?

Answer 1

have you ever heard about OpenGL?

lots of games are made with OpenGL API.

Answer 2

1. Dev C++ has not been in development since 2004. I do think it's time for a new compiler. Allegro uses the MinGW (Minimal GNU for Windows) port of GCC and the GNU tools so start sniffing around here for updates:



http://www.mingw.org



2. Since you are using GCC anyhow there is an old graphics library from the days of mainly 2D games worth cutting your teeth on. Here it is:



http://alleg.sourceforge.net/



Now, since you are talking about industry standards, what professionals use, many professionals do use OpenGL though Microsoft recommends DirectX instead:



http://www.opengl.org/



Microsoft does not care about non-microsoft products and I can assure you HAVE absolutely recommended DirectX for platforms which can't run it -- arm chips, cell processors etc. I'm not joking. That is why I am going to make my last link an OpenGL tutorial.



http://nehe.gamedev.net/

Answer 3

If you want to make games in C++, and intend to do so as practice/learning towards developing a career, there are only two options, OpenGL and DirectX. And though OpenGL has its advantages, it is not as widely used. Most all games released for the PC use DirectX.



You can download the DirectX SDK from Microsoft. You can also get a free version of Visual Studio from Microsoft.