This tutorial will introduce you to libKSD, a class library for game programming based on SDL.
If you wish to jump-start to the coding examples, visit Related Pages, at the top of this page. It gives the table of contents.
At the time of writing, I myself have about 3 days experience with libksd, though a few years more on C/C++ programming. Therefore do not expect the most elegant solutions. If you happen to have good advice, mail me. (see below).
This tutorial is divided in parts. The design of the Cannon game is a very step-by-step tutorial. When you understand this code, you are ready for the more demanding games.
I borrowed the Cannon game logic from the Qt tutorial. Qt is a C++ class library intended for industrial-strength platform "independent" applications. Though Qt is not focussed on cross-platform game development this particular tutorial seems excellent to create a simple game in steps.
When the Cannon game is understood, we will create some real games. Again I did not invent the wheel myself. This time I use demonstration games from GameBlade. GameBlade is also based on SDL, but approaches SDL encapsulation from an entirely different point of view. It is not so much a library as it is a series of macros. i have the feeling that it is easier to use in simple games, but that it does not offer the same convinience for complicated software. They however do offer good example games which I thankfully reuse in the spirit of the GPL. Do not hesitate to check out GameBlade yourself. It will offer you good insight into the SDL internals.
These two last games created are actually quite playable. They are Breakout (first version from the beginning of the 80s?) and SpaceshipGalaxy, a scrolling shooter. I must stress that I did NOT create the artwork for these games! The creation of these games is handled in a different tutorial (NOT YET AVAILABLE).
If you have any comments on these tutorials, which are work in progress, please send your mail to: leonw at gmx.net and use as your first subject word libksd or tutorial. I'm still working on a way to reduce spam:( Please include the tutorial version number in your message.
1.2.13.1 written by Dimitri van Heesch,
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