Book Image

Beginning C++ Game Programming

Book Image

Beginning C++ Game Programming

Overview of this book

This book is all about offering you a fun introduction to the world of game programming, C++, and the OpenGL-powered SFML using three fun, fully-playable games. These games are an addictive frantic two-button tapper, a multi-level zombie survival shooter, and a split-screen multiplayer puzzle-platformer. We will start with the very basics of programming, such as variables, loops, and conditions and you will become more skillful with each game as you move through the key C++ topics, such as OOP (Object-Orientated Programming), C++ pointers, and an introduction to the Standard Template Library. While building these games, you will also learn exciting game programming concepts like particle effects, directional sound (spatialization), OpenGL programmable Shaders, spawning thousands of objects, and more.
Table of Contents (24 chapters)
Beginning C++ Game Programming
Credits
About the Author
About the Reviewer
www.PacktPub.com
Dedication
Preface
17
Before you go...

FAQ


Here are some questions that might be on your mind:

Q) What's the difference between pointers and references?

A) Pointers are like references with boosters. Pointers can be changed to point to different variables (memory addresses), as well as point to dynamically allocated memory on the free store.

Q) What's the deal with arrays and pointers?

A) Arrays are really constant pointers to their first element.

Q) Can you remind me about the new keyword and memory leaks?

A) When we use memory on the free store using the new keyword, it persists even when the function it was created in has returned and all the local variables are gone. When we are done with using memory on the free store we must release it. So if we use memory on the free store, that we want to persist, beyond the life of a function, we must make sure to keep a pointer to it or we will have leaked memory. It would be like putting all our belongings in our house and then forgetting where we live! When we return the zombies array from...