Hi, I have coded in Delphi for about 5 years but I am new to graphics
programming and i was wondering if anyone could give me any ideas on which i
should use, OpenGL or DirectX and why?

Which would you think is easiest to learn?
Which may be better for the long term?

wayne
wa...@ddinet.com

It's possible to use them both on the same canvas.
cooolll...

Wayne Fulcher heeft geschreven in bericht
<7km1f0$5...@forums.borland.com>...

Hi Wayne,
  I'll assume you mean the difference between OpenGL and Direct3D as
DirectX is mainly used for 2D graphics.
I've done a few comparisons between OpenGL and Direct3D and I find the
API structure of OpenGL infinately better than Direct3D. It's a lot
better thought out, while Direct3D feels like it's been thrown together.
The other advantage of OpenGL over Direct3D is that it is a Standard
that is implemented on most Operating Systems. So the API calls are
identical on all OSs, hence you have portability ( assuming you're using
C/C++, unless Delphi or a compatible Object Pascal gets ported to other
Operating Systems. There are a few people working on this, so it may be
a reality in a few years ) So for the time being portability is in
C/C++, but your API knowledge will be portable to what ever language
supports OpenGL API calls. Direct3D is Windows specific and will stay
that way for the forseeable future. Keep in mind that Microsoft and SGI
( makers of OpenGL ) are working together on a new 3D API standard for
PCs called Fahrenheight ( think I spealt that wrong ), but I don't think
it will be available until 2001.

To answer your questions, OpenGL should be easier to learn, and also
better in the long term as it is a standard.

Ciao

Dominique Louis
Delphi Developer and aspiring Delphi Game Developer when wife and son
permit.
http://www.SavageSoftware.com.au/delphi/
********************************************************
** Punching the Monitor Hurts You more than Microsoft **
** -------------------Jim Williams------------------- **
********************************************************

The other thing I forgot to mention is that both OpenGL and Direct3D
will give up hardware acceleration if the hard ware is present. I can't
confirm this as I haven't tried it, but I think OpenGL may be able to do
a better job of Software rendering than Direct3D. I'm sire if others
disagree they will throw in their opinions.

Ciao

Dominique Louis
Delphi Developer and aspiring Delphi Game Developer when wife and son
permit.
http://www.SavageSoftware.com.au/delphi/
********************************************************
** Punching the Monitor Hurts You more than Microsoft **
** -------------------Jim Williams------------------- **
********************************************************

Are there any freeware OpenGL componnets for Delphi yet?  I use DelphiX for
DirectX / Direct3D, and they are pretty easy to use.

In article <37942745.DC83...@hotmail.com>,
  Peter Floyd <pfloy...@hotmail.com> wrote:

Try this:
http://www.digitalprojects.com/way-x

Peter

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