Windows Full Screen DirectX 2D Programming

[TruthPhoenix]

Hello, my name is Eric and I have been using Free Pascal for years to create graphics programs in 2d. In that case, I would Include the PTC library which had the graphics functions for DirectX. I am now learning C++ and I would like to use either CodeBlocks or DevC++. I have been working with some tutorials and a book "C++ for Dummies". So, that is going well, and I am learning the difference between the two languages. But when I try to look into programming 2d graphics, the various answers that I have found make my head explode. I simply would like a library (or the C++ eqivalent) that I can include which will allow me to create Full Screen DirectX 2d programs. Can anyone suggest an answer please, or point me to a web page that deals in such things? Thanx in advance, E:)

[Computergeek01]

Here is the front page of MS's DirectX section: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee663274(v=vs.85)

Or are you looking for the SDK?: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/desktop/aa904949

Either way I would suggest SFML for 2D graphics because it's more C++ oriented and I like OOP: http://www.sfml-dev.org/download.php This works great by the way with both CodeBlocks and wxDev-C++

[TruthPhoenix]

Okay thanx. After I posted above, I searched this sight and eventually found a post that recommended SFML and SDL amongst others. I looked into them both and decided to try SFML. So, I downloaded version 1.6 and it seemed a bit complicated so I went back and got version 1.5 instead. That seems better but I still have a ways to go before I get fully into the graphics. I am only 1/3 into my C++ for Dummies book. So, I haven't got all the lingo down yet. But, there is light at the end of the tunnel now. So, thanx again for confirming my deductions. All the best, E:)

[S G H]

Just giving a suggestion, never switch from a "new" release to a "old" release.
So instead of using 1.5 use 1.6.
Also SDL is easier for beginners. Eventually check it out.

[TruthPhoenix]

Okay, thanx. Yup, at this point I'm just going with what I can get working. So, with 1.6 there was a strange warning in the installation tutorial:
"Important: this release of SFML was compiled with gcc 4.4, which makes the SFML libraries not compatible with the old gcc 3.4.5."
Since I'm using CodeBlocks 10.05, which is a couple years old and since I couldn't determine the gcc version number, I opted to go with version 1.5 of SFML which didn't have a warning reguarding the gcc. And I got it to work, so far just for a console app.
So, another question I have is whether to use CodeBlocks or Orwell Dev-C++ in tandom with SFML?
p.s. I'm using Windows Xp if that makes a difference...
Best wishes, E:)

[S G H]

Download the MinGW Installer and point it to your CodeBlocks's MinGW folder. You can find it as you can find a "bin", a "include" and a "lib" folder.