MadSci Network: Computer Science |
Sure, you can use C++ to write programs for Windows. In fact, C and C++ are undoubtedly the most common choices. You could use other languages as well. Methods for adding graphics and colors to your program are, however, the subject for a book, not a short reply. The techniques you use will depend on whether you are just drawing a simple graph, creating a full-blown desktop application, or taking over the entire display the way some games do. If you are writing C++ programs on WIndows you probably have either Microsoft Visual C++ or Borland's C++ compiler. If you have the Microsoft product, a great place to start is the Scribble totorial, which comes with the package. It leads you through the basics of creating a Windows program, complete with a menu bar, windows, and dialogs. There is some information about drawing in color, but once you have the window open, you may want to branch out with some direct calls to drawing methods. They are described in the accomplanying documentation, too. You can bail out of the Scribble tutorial at any point, too. Once it has covered the aspects of Windows programming you need for your project, you can stop. I assume the Borland C++ compiler comes with a similar tutorial. Another alternative is a visit to your local library or bookstore. You'll find literally dozens of books devoted to Windows programming. Most are written for C++, although a small number use C, and a scattered few use other languages. The advantage to visiting a library or bookstore is that you will find books that are tailored to your particular interest, whether that's fractals, game programming, general Windows programming, or whatever. You can also browse through the books until you find one suitable for your background: The book that's perfect for a professional programmer switching to a new kind of programming is not, after all, the same book as the one targetted at a new programmer who is writing a Windows program for the first time! Good luck in your quest. Graphics programming is a lot of fun. Mike Westerfield
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