Guidance Needed...

[blueb]

Guidance Needed...

I'm only starting to dabble in graphics programming because I need to simulate a 'Dice toss' with 5 dice.

Presently I've got a few GIF's that show a single dice 'sort of' moving, but now I need to dig in deeper.

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My choices are...
2D.. 3D.. SVG.. GDI.. GDI+

As well as: OpenGL, GLFW, Ogre 3D, DirectX, Direct2D, Direct3D

but I'm getting bogged down with all the possibilities.

I know this is a subjective question, but:

What's the best tool for starting computer graphics with PureBasic in the long run?

Thanks in advance.

[luis]

I don't have a real suggestion because it depends on how much time you want to invest in it before getting results and if this is just for your learning pleasure or not.
I can tell you that If you are just starting there are many things you will have to learn just in the "geometrical" realm without even touch programming, and beyond that specific algorithms and math frequently used in this domain.
If you decide to use DirectX or OpenGL you will have to learn so much theoretical stuff to properly glue all together without even seeing a point moving on the screen. This if you want to know what you are doing, copying snippets from the web doesn't require that but it's not ideal in the long run.
I don't know if the steep learning curve is worth it considering what you can still learn by just using PB.
Like for general programming, where what you learn with your first language is still extremely useful even when you move to a second more complex one, what you can learn by just using PB sprites, 2D drawring commands and especially PB Ogre will be useful if/when you decide to move to something else.

You may invest some time in exploring different routes for let's say.. a month.. look into them just to get a feel of the complexity of each one.
And then choose the one you like more.
Because if you like it and you feel attracted to it you will make progresses faster and most importantly you will stick to it.

[blueb]

... what you can learn by just using PB sprites, 2D drawring commands and especially PB Ogre will be useful if/when you decide to move to something else.

Thanks for the detailed response Luis.. it's appreciated.

Your remark above is especially useful. I think I will dig into Orge first, then maybe sprites to see iof I can get something going in that area.

Thanks again.

[JHPJHP]

Hi blueb,

See the following; it won't be much use overall, but it may help to narrow your possibilities.
- at the least it may provide a direction for a simple splash screen

Windows Services & Other Stuff
- \Other_Stuff\OpenGLStuff\DiceRoll\DiceRoll.pb

[blueb]

I had an older version of your Zip and it didn't include this file.

Rotate.pb is a nice sample that's easy to follow.

Notes:
I was looking for code that added OpenGL as a subsystem.
I never realized that OpenGLGadget() allowed you to use most OpenGL commands directly!
I guess reading the manual (RTFM) is probably a good idea!

Between all the 2D, 3D and OpenGL commands, I won't have a problem keeping busy.

Thanks JHPJHP