Which version of C++ should I try.

Alex says Hello,

Last summer I delved into Visual Basic (Visual Studio Express 2005). I wrote a few programs and a working translation of 4000 A.D., an old board game, but overall I was very disappointed with the lack of power, the slowness of the graphical aspects of the Language.
So I am looking into C++!

My interests are in game programming and Graphical programs. I'm running Windows 2000 Professional and do not have the funds to buy any packages.

I already have installed Microsofts Visual C++ (The Express 2005 Edition), but I was wondering if that is the best way to go, or should I look into some other product (assuming it's free)?

Can anyone give me some advice? Thank you in advance.

I personally use Visual C++ 2005 for everything--game and systems development.

In any case, you should know that there are other tools available: djgpp, code:blocks, gcc, etc. If you really wanted, look into each and determine yourself at what is best for you.

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[.:EvolutionEngine][.:MicroOS Operating System][Website :: OS Development Series]

:
: I personally use Visual C++ 2005 for everything--game and systems
: development.

Thanks for your opinion!
Any chance you could point me to any good Walkthroughs?

I find those ones that take you step-by-step through creating and Compiling a complete project to be the most helpful. I would love to jump right in to a project that demonstrates the graphical side of things, like setting video mode, loading/saving images, drawing, etc., but so far am having trouble finding such.

: :
: : I personally use Visual C++ 2005 for everything--game and systems
: : development.
:
: Thanks for your opinion!
: Any chance you could point me to any good Walkthroughs?
:
: I find those ones that take you step-by-step through creating and
: Compiling a complete project to be the most helpful. I would love to
: jump right in to a project that demonstrates the graphical side of
: things, like setting video mode, loading/saving images, drawing,
: etc., but so far am having trouble finding such.
:

C++ nor C have any built in graphics capabilities. Everything must be either done directly or indirectly by the system API (if there is one.)

For Windows, you should learn at least the basics of the Win32 API. Then move to a more advanced API that is handled through hardware (SDL is used alot for 2d games. DirectX and OpenGL are the big 3d ones.)

"Loading/saving" is easy by simply using standard C++'s std::fstream classes. You just need to develop a codec to parse the files (Or, find a library to do it for you.)

If you are new to C++, Stop! Dont even think about diving into game development before learning the language. Game development can be very hard. You can START HERE for a nice starting C++ tutorial.

If you know C++ very well, go for it. Go HERE and start learning both the compiler and the Win32 API.

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[.:EvolutionEngine][.:MicroOS Operating System][Website :: OS Development Series]