This is a tutorial for a complete beginner to DirectX. This introduction shows you the very basics of using DirectDraw, with more comments than code to help explain everything in plain English. The resulting program will draw a picture and stretch it to fit the size of the form. IMPORTANT - This requires DirectX7 and the DirectX7 for Visual Basic Type Library. If this tutorial helps you, please give feedback and/or vote, because if there is enough interest, subsequent tutorials will follow.
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If you like this see my other submissions (DO NOT click the link provided, instead search for "Simon Price" because I have 2 accounts!) and visit my website : www.VBgames.co.uk Good luck with learning DirectX! (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Well what can I say a very good tutorial well commented and easy to understand which is very rare in vb programmers. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
I can't beleive it...U did it again! 5 Globes for the code. Excellent discription. Altogether Great! I was actually about to e-mail you...(Seeing as you are great with Direct-X) Asking if it would be possible to create a simple Direct 3D thing. U know, something really easy! I did try a MSDN tutorial, but it never said exactly what to do, so I couldn't get anything to work :( Anyway, let me know :o) (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Thanx guys, yes there might be a D3D tutorial, but I think it should come after tutorials on DirectDraw exclusive mode and maybe DirectSound and DirectMusic too. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Make that 3 accounts Simon, you're forgetting SE Software :) Seriously though, this is the first submission of yours which I think deserves credit/votes. 4 globes. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Thanks Simon, most tutorials tend to skip over the details, but this (and hopefully future installments ;)) is well commented and will certainly aid me in my quest for a complete understanding of Dx. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
I downloaded the DirectX7 for Visual Basic type libraries from www.microsoft.com , I can't remember the exact url but go there and look for DirectX7 and then developers and I'm sure you'll find the link. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
To anyone who is looking for the DX7 Type Libraries: You don't have to download the SDK (Althhough should be a joy to have). All you need to do is install DX7. Then, the Libs will be in the References area. Great Job, Simon! You just saved my first game! (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Hmm.. pretty cool. I don't get what the object of this tutorial is supposed to accomplish though.. you draw that text.bmp onto the screen. but can't you just use a picturebox and put text.bmp as the Picture? I don't get it :-| (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Simon Rulz, Would 3DStudio Max be a good tool to use for my 2d characters in DX? Im designing a Survivor Horror Game. What type of Engine would you recommend? Anyone else feel free to e-mail be concerning this project (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Ya i am batman. Some people call me crazy but o well.
IM SO SMART... I KNEW ABOUT THIS PROJECT BEFORE IT WAS OUT! (i went to your website and it said project not done)... ... batman comes and goes ... ... whoever reads this will see me again!!!!....
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...cough cough (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
I downloaded the SDK but I found it's only a useful reference once you know how it works. As a tutorial it is infuriatingly complicated. I haven't tried this tutorial of yours, Simon, because I already know how to use it thanks to some help from Jack Hoxley (also from the UK... you seem to be... and so am I). He wrote a guide and after a few e-mails I had it figured. It's great to see another one and by the looks of things you've done a good job. I've looked into Direct3D through the SDK... I have a very vague idea but I think a tutorial on that would really help. Just now I wanted to make a virtual piano program (that's why I came here just now). I looked into DirectMusic... and looked away. I think there must be an easier way. Ummm... I think I wrote too much. *grins* (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
A cute little demo, but not very inspiring. (Who would use DDraw to blt still pictures to windows?!?!?!?) (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
I knew Simon made this just by the title, GREAT JOB!!! and JonnySoft, don't even think of calling simon's code "cute and little" (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
for us newbies with directx, this demo is great. Because it shows how to paint a still picture without all that extra garbage to confuse the hell out of people. Once people know how to create still images with directdraw, they can of course make moving ones. :\ This is the best example I have ever found. 5 Globes. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
1/17/2003 10:48:44 AM:
nice tutorial, easy to understand, very helpful for students like me. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
HEEEEELP i am having trouble when i declare my directx7 i get no popup suggestions but when i type in his it suggests thing for me some body email me at krazykeet@aol.com with a reply i am desprate to learn directx but how can i when i cant get it to work right!!!
(If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
1/20/2004 8:33:33 PM:
Hey, GREAT, and I mean it, GREAT code man! Even though it's like 4 years old it is still incredibly useful! I did notice one thing and it is a wonderfully easy change with DRASTIC improvements. Simply change the line: Picture1.Refresh to say: Picture1_Paint to call the function to paint instead of clearing the canvas then repainting. Eliminates what little flicker was left on my screen. Cool, huh? (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
5/5/2004 1:54:46 PM:
Hi! this code is great, we can really understand easily. I just would like to know if it is possible to use a .jpg instead of the .bmp, i've tryed, but it gives me an error. Thanks!! (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
I havnt checked your other tutorials yet, but have you made something to draw moving objects, kind of like a 3d object, or is it even possible. Sorry to bother you, but im completely new to DirectX.. - Your friend Bugz. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
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