The programming techniques described in this book rely on the C++ programming language in a Windows environment. This means that you use C++ code to develop programs that run on the Windows operating system. In order to compile C++ code into an executable Windows program, you need a C++ compiler that targets the Windows operating system. Fortunately, there are several C++ development tools available that support Windows.
You might think that you can use any C++ compiler to build games for Windows, but in order to support Windows a compiler must include the Windows API (Application Programming Interface). From a programming perspective, the Windows API is a set of unique functions and data structures that allow you to create programs for Windows. From the perspective of a development tool, the Windows API is a set of header and library files that are essential in allowing you to build Windows programs. So, you must use a compiler that is capable of creating Windows programs using the Windows API.
The next few sections introduce you to a few of the popular C++ development tools available for creating Windows games. All of the code examples throughout the book are targeted for Microsoft Visual C++, which simply means that I’ve included project files to make it easier to build the programs in Visual C++. I chose Visual C++ simply because it is the most widely used C++ development tool for Windows. However, if you choose to use one of the other tools, you shouldn’t have any problem creating new projects within the tool and building the examples.
Note
Project files are used to inform a compiler of the source code files that need to be compiled, along with library files that should be linked into the executable program, as well as other compiler and linker settings.
It’s safe to say that Microsoft Visual C++ is the industry standard for C++ program development in Windows. It is technically part of the Visual Studio development suite, but you can also purchase it as a standalone tool. Although it’s not the cheapest option for game development, you aren’t likely to find a better solution when it comes to a professional grade C++ development environment for Windows. The program examples and games created throughout the book were developed using Visual C++, and I’ve provided Visual C++ project files with the source code that is also available for download online (http://www.michaelmorrison.com/cbooks.html). For the record, this isn’t an endorsement for Microsoft; it’s just that Visual C++ has long been the industry standard for serious Windows application development.
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The latest version of Visual C++ is actually called Visual C++ .NET, which has to do with Microsoft’s .NET framework for creating Web applications. None of the games developed in this book have anything to do with .NET or features of Visual C++ related to .NET.
To find out more about Microsoft Visual C++, visit its Web site at http://msdn.microsoft.com/visualc/.
A close rival to Visual C++ is Borland C++Builder, which is also a very popular professional grade C++ development tool. There was a time when an earlier version of this tool was pretty much the only C++ development environment for Windows, but Microsoft quickly geared up and challenged Borland with Visual C++. Nevertheless, Borland C++Builder is a very capable development tool for game construction. There is a version of C++Builder called C++Builder Personal that is geared toward individual developers, and it is priced accordingly. I highly encourage you to check it out.
To learn more about C++Builder and download a trial version to take for a test drive, visit http://www.borland.com/cbuilder/.
If you think that the cost of this book is about as much as you’re willing to invest in game programming, you’ll probably want to steer clear of Visual C++ and C++Builder. Fortunately, there is a high-quality C++ development environment available that is completely free. I’m referring to Dev-C++ by Bloodshed Software, which relies on an open source C++ compiler to power its graphical development interface. Although Dev-C++ doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of Visual C++ or C++Builder, it can definitely get the job done.
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Open source software is software that is created by a community for the purpose of being freely accessible to anyone. Open source software is typically free, with any voluntary costs usually consisting of a donation to help support open source initiatives.
To find out more about Dev-C++ and download it free online, visit the Bloodshed Software Web site at http://www.bloodshed.net/.
Another option in the realm of open source C++ development tools is DJGPP, which is a command-line tool that is designed to work on several different platforms, including Windows. Because it is a command-line tool, DJGPP is a little trickier to install and use than a graphical environment, but it comes with straightforward directions that really aren’t too tough to follow. The biggest challenge to using DJGPP is setting up projects for your programs so that they compile in a single step. Again, the documentation for DJGPP will help you along in this task.
For more information on DJGPP, including a free online download, visit http://www.delorie.com/djgpp/.