DirectX -

[.pcbrainbuster]

Sup guys,

Could someone please tell me where I can find the headers and basically the files for DirectX 9? Also could someone please point me to a book(C++ Win32 DirectX)?

This is optional but if there is any DirectX programmer here that can tell me if the following is true? "DirectX is just like C++; when you first look at it, it looks complicated but when you get used to it, its like putting butter on toast".


Thanks.

[Lindley]

I'm curious why you're looking to learn DX9, rather than 10.

That's not to say I can help; I use OpenGL. (To which that statement does apply.) But I was wondering.

[TheCPUWizard]

1) The various versions of the Direct X SDK are downloadable from the microsoft sites. I dont have the link handy, but you should have no trouble finding it. If you REALLY look and cant find it. PM me I will look tomorrow.

2) Sorry, Direct-X is radically different from C++. If using C++ once you are experienced is like "spreading butter on bread", then using Direct-X is much more like "spreading margairine on a roll" :D

3) I thought you were saving Direct-X for when you were an old man of 15. :p

[STLDude]

I'm curious why you're looking to learn DX9, rather than 10.

That's not to say I can help; I use OpenGL. (To which that statement does apply.) But I was wondering.
You have to use Vista to leverage DX10. As much as would like to move to 10, I prefer using XP, thus I'm still with 9. This (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=4B78A58A-E672-4B83-A28E-72B5E93BD60A&displaylang=en) is direct link to latest DX9 sdk. Keep in mind that it's about 420Mb in size.

[Lindley]

You have to use Vista to leverage DX10. As much as would like to move to 10, I prefer using XP, thus I'm still with 9.

Ah. Since OpenGL with extensions brings all the features of DirectX 10 to XP, not to mention Linux and OSX---so long as the hardware supports said features---what would you view as the benefit to a new learner to pursue DX9 rather than OGL?

The only reason I can think of is X-Box programming. Is there another?

[STLDude]

You are right, in this case it might be more beneficial and have more fun to learn and use OpenGL.

IMO, it really does not make that much difference whether somebody picks OpenGL or DX. In the end, code which deals with raw graphics (in this context I mean calling DX or OpenGL functions), will be pretty small compared to overall game code and if you properly abstract, it's all better since you minimize footprint of those sdk's in your source. In the end it's good to know both, but if you used one, then you can always learn the other quickly.

[.pcbrainbuster]

Thanks for your replies -

I'm curious why you're looking to learn DX9, rather than 10.
Is it out? Well even if it is my graphics card can't support it so I'll have to learn DX9 anyway once I can get a new one I'll go straight to DX10.

I thought you were saving Direct-X for when you were an old man of 15.
How did you know that? :eek: Although I was going to do that I couldn't wait :)

what would you view as the benefit to a new learner to pursue DX9 rather than OGL?
OGL only supports graphics :)

There is still one un-answered question; where do I get all of the headers and libraries for DX9?

Thanks. :wave:

[Lindley]

OGL only supports graphics :)


I do sometimes forget that there's more to DirectX than just Direct3D.

But, for the record, you can do non-graphical computations with OpenGL (GPGPU) if you want to.

[TheCPUWizard]

Direct-X is much more comprehensice than OpenGL. It is also a bit more complicated to originally pick up.

If you are planning to ever move to a managed (ie .NET) environment, Direct-X is tightly integrated and much easier to use than OpenGL (in that environment).

If you are going to look at technologies such as WPF or SilverLight, they are based on Direct-X.

So the "better" one to learn is really driven by what your eventual goals are.

[.pcbrainbuster]

Yes, and that is DX :) I'm going to create a new topic(later) in the other sub-forum called "DirectX" and simply just feedback information too be checked by people who can then hopefully tell me if what I learned is correct. For example I just learned that DirectX is simply just a title for a group of components like Direct3D, etc.

[STLDude]

There is still one un-answered question; where do I get all of the headers and libraries for DX9?
Have you even red my response, I gave you a DIRECT link in post #4 to Microsoft web site with DX9 downloads. <scratches his head>

[.pcbrainbuster]

Have you even read(notice the correction :)) my response, I gave you a DIRECT link in post #4 to Microsoft web site with DX9 downloads. <scratches his head and blood comes out(jking)>
The files are in there? I'll download it now!