Programming Windows

OK, first of all, don''t listen to anybody telling you to get this or that. The best way to figure it out is to try with different languages and then see which one you feel more comfortable using. It also depends on what type of app you plan on making. Anyhow, Those are my 2cents worth.



Cyberdrek
Headhunter Soft
A division of DLC Multimedia

Headhunter Soft
DLC Multimedia

I agree with the previous post.

I do not know about Delphi much. But I did some Pascal classes a few years ago in college and I think it's about the same. It's a very easy to learn language yet powerful. I think it could be a good start. I do not know about the IDE or what version you should use though.

C++ would be the other way to go but is much harder for a newbie programmer. Visual C++ is the IDE (MS) to use but for Windows GUI Programming, I would go with C++ Builder (Borland). Their Visual IDE is much better. I use VisualC++ for game programming (the game itself), but for the tools that support my game development I use C++ Builder (for the map editor by example). MFC sucks! : )

In fact, C++ Builder uses the same classes (even the same code!) as Delphi. So if you learn Delphi first, it would be very easy for you to transit to C++ Builder afterwards..

Hope this helps,
Patrick Lafleur

Edited by - nosfy on April 3, 2001 10:46:02 PM

Being such a die-hard "use what works for you" kind of guy, I doubt I''ve ever *told* anybody to buy anthing in particular...but I do give positive reviews to Delphi. And since I''ve used both Delphi and C++, I feel qualified to actually compare them.

I''ve Delphi professionally for 5 years. The only disadvantage I''ve found to using it is that a lot "example source code" is in C++. But since I used C++ from 1991-1996, I don''t have any problems with doing the necessary conversions. And with the growth of Delphi in the last few years, just about anything that''s available in C++ is also available in Delphi.

If you want to write software for Windows, it''s hard to beat Delphi. And now that Kylix has been released, you can use Delphi on Linux.


DavidRM
Samu Games

I made Smugglers using Delphi and I am selling one copy online every day. I believe that making 100% stable games is more important than using DirectX. And DirectX is never stable.

So one of you is saying Pascal is easy????Im downloading one right now lol.....to check it out.....David your saying that Delphi is a great program????And another said that C++ is hard to learn????So basicly my choices are Pascal or Delphi??? And if i went with Delphi im really broke from spending all my money on PBN and artifact :-p would Standard bring in the same results as Professional?

Hey, one more thing if i decided on C++ Builder could i make a complete program with it???U said u use Visual C++ with it too.Im not sure i want to get them both until im sure thats what i want....Thx

Daboy, Delphi is pretty much Pascal.
Pascal is equal to QBasic whereas Delphi is equal to Visual Basic. Pretty much same language just one''s more advanced then the other, out of the 2 choices I would vote for Delphi over Pascal. How ever I think a time come''s for every IT professional to learn C++ sooner or later.

Ok, thx i got a bid on a Delphi 5.0 Standard right now.....lol i settled for standard instead of pro.....Thx for all ur help and on ebay there are hundreds of books and ebooks that teach you Delphi can any suggest a book????Thx for all ur help u can bet that ill be back

Hey, i was wondering if u can put a MP3 in a game?

You can put what ever you like in a game as long as it isn''t breaking the law. If you make/compose the Music on the MP3 yourself then go for it. You''ll need to code or get a 3rd party component or something for it to be able to play the MP3 though.

Be careful with those "Standard" vs. "Pro" editions. For gaming, Standard is probably all you need... This is one part where you can cut corners. Why? Because most Pro editions just give you a bunch of Database tools/APIs. You using a SQL server in your game? Didn''t think so.

The one thing to look for is enhanced debugging/profiling tools.

Assembly language + java-script.
Isn''t the name of this forum Business of Game Development???
Nevermind.

Thx for eveyone''s help.....i went with Delphi 5.0 Standard....I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for books???I was looking at Delphi 5 Developer''s Guide (Developer''s Guide), and Mastering Delphi 5......But im thinking i only need one because they''re both over 1000 pages :-)

Hey, me again. I still dont know what to do.....i was reading the reviews and some people love them and some people hate them.....and some people say theyre for beginers and others say they are not.....Does anyone have any suggestions for books on Delphi 5?????It should be for beginners but still have some advanced stuff...:-) Thx

I''m moving this thread to the Turbo forums...they are better suited to answering questions like this (dealing with Borland products).

Check out: turbo.gamedev.net


DavidRM
Samu Games

Hey DaBoy

- pretty much any book will do to start out with. I wouldn''t necessarily spend a big wad of cash on something that goes heavy into Database (SQL, etc) and Web (ActiveX, etc) programming.

Instead try to find something that explains Pascal syntax and standard programming structures. Once you''re familiar with loops, conditions, arrays, pointers and linked lists, binary trees, etc. start looking for something that teaches you object orientation and (Windows)-Development - Classes, RAD, Debugging, Profiling, and Windows stuff.

After you got all those basics (atleast in overview mode) - then start looking into DirectX.

(DX is pretty cool, rather streamlined (from version 8 onwards) and probably the most powerful general gaming API that you can get your hands on for free. Plus it is reasonably futureproof.)

To name a book in particular... - sorry. I learned from examples mostly.

Just keep your questions pourin into the turbo forum... somebody will usually be able to help you.

A-Lore