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How is OpenGL?

 
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How is OpenGL?
abgorn
post 8 Oct, 2008 - 12:19 PM
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I've been thinking of trying to use OpenGL but I'm not sure how it is. I've seen some upsides (actually an incredible amount of them) but not a whole lot about peoples experience with it. So I'd like you to help me find out what you think about it (e.g how hard/easy it is, compatibiltiy etc).
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no2pencil
post 8 Oct, 2008 - 12:25 PM
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I have not used OpenGL very much,but I would compare it to the Microsoft Windows API. Simply catch messages from the loop.
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.Maleficus.
post 8 Oct, 2008 - 01:38 PM
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Well, besides DirectX, OpenGL is the standard for graphics libraries (I say standard because it is cross-platform, unlike the "real" standard DirectX). OpenGL has been used in huge games, like the UT series, a lot of id titles and a bunch more. Like any graphics library, there's a big learning curve and I myself have spent very little time with it, but if you want to program cross-platform games, it's the way to go.
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gabehabe
post 8 Oct, 2008 - 04:07 PM
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I tried it ages ago, but I ended up crapping myself, curling up in the foetal position, and sucking my thumb.

OK, not really~ But I didn't like it.

Then again, I hadn't been programming for too long. If I did it now, I think (read: at least the basics) would seem quite easy. smile.gif

If you're only just getting into games/graphics, you might want to look at SDL just to get the gist of things~ it's nice and easy for a beginner.
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WolfCoder
post 9 Oct, 2008 - 08:50 PM
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OpenGL is much easier than DirectX. DirectX HASMACRODEFINITIONSWITHENTIREPARAGRAPHSUSEDINSIDE while OpenGL has functions that actually have meaningful names. Plus it's open platform. SDL in OpenGL mode makes things very simple for 3D stuff.
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Salv0
post 9 Oct, 2008 - 11:24 PM
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If you are a real beginner in graphics programming then use OpenGL wink2.gif
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stayscrisp
post 10 Oct, 2008 - 03:49 AM
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QUOTE(Salv0 @ 10 Oct, 2008 - 12:24 AM) *

If you are a real beginner in graphics programming then use OpenGL wink2.gif


if you are a real beginner in graphics programming, use a pre built engine.

OpenGL is difficult but the results are excellent and it is a very good learning experience, obviously you cant just use OpengGL to make games you need to know a lot of other stuff smile.gif

good luck
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Noldona
post 10 Oct, 2008 - 09:42 AM
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I don't have a lot of experience with OpenGL, but I have written a audio sub-system for an engine with OpenAL which models it's APIs after the style of OpenGL and I picked this up really easy so OpenGL shouldn't be to hard either. I also suggest SDL with OpenGL. I have played with SDL and worked on a game engine in that (didn't get to the 3D stuff though) and picked it quick especially with LazyFoo's tutorials.
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WolfCoder
post 10 Oct, 2008 - 11:26 AM
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SDL isn't really a game engine, it's pretty simillar to programming using DirectDraw. You've got your layers, clippers, and channels. Does SDL do image rotation? You can't use OpenGL and SDL's native graphics at the same time, you have to pick one and one engine only, but it only goes for Video. In OpenGL mode, every single other SDL system works normally.

This post has been edited by WolfCoder: 10 Oct, 2008 - 11:26 AM
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csmanoj
post 10 Oct, 2008 - 11:39 AM
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Even I feel OpenGL is easier and gentler to learn than DirectX if you're a beginner (I learnt them side-by-side in a 3D programming course). Except for making windows games, OpenGL is substitutable to, if not better than DirectX. I was able to start my own programs in OpenGL right on day one but not the case with DirectX. And cross-platformness is a neat perk. So, I'd say go ahead with OpenGL.
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Pontus
post 12 Oct, 2008 - 11:37 AM
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I tried some OpenGL myself, and I find the commands really self-explanatory. I've never used DirectX but the code just seems so messy and confusing. OpenGL is cross platfrom and better understandable, but you dont have alot of support for it.
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