What is DirectX?

DirectX is a set of API's (Application Programming Interfaces) developed by Microsoft that provides direct access to hardware in the Windows operating system environment. ( An API acts like a bridge between your program/game and your multimedia hardware). Each API controls a set of low-level functions that access the hardware or provide emulation of the hardware if the hardware does not exist. These functions include support for 2D and 3D graphics acceleration, control over several input devices, functions for mixing and sampling sound and music output, control over networking and multiplayer gaming, and control over various multimedia streaming formats. DirectX through its low level libraries shifted the burden of hardware support from the developer to the hardware manufacturer.

DirectX contains two parts - the Runtime and SDK (Software Developer’s Kit). The SDK contains all of the headers, libraries, samples, tools, tutorials, and the complete documentation you need to unleash the programmer in you. Alternatively, if you are in the middle of a game installation and the installer says that you don't have the proper version of DirectX installed, then what you need is just the Runtime!

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