I was reading a topic in this forum that said to check out openGL if anyone wants to practice using c++ Via OpenGL applications. Sounds really interesting , and I wanted to try it. I went ahead and went to a couple of websites that show you how to implement c++ for opengl apps, but the problem was that they failed to show anyone what fundamental files were needed ( and where you need to install them) for your source code to actually work.

I really want to get started doing some OpenGL coding in my spare time. I only downloaded glut 3.7.6 which is supposedly the latest version. I already installed glut32.dll into windows system file. I also installed glut32.lib into visual c++ 2005 express edition inside the lib folder obviously. Right now im trying to install the glut.h file, This random web site that I am reading directions from to actually install GLUT is telling me to install the header file to my complier's include\gl directory. I looked in my compilers include directory, and there is not a GL folder. So , I am assuming that I need to download more files to actually get the so called GL folder for everything to work.Someone help me.

The point is :

- Do I only need GLUT to do OpenGL work, or do I need a
combination of files? And if I need more
files, can someone send me a link to get everything working.

- Can someone tell me what is the best version of OpenGL to
work with. And please show me links to download.

- anyone that is reading this can tell me how their OpenGl
is configured in their system would be deeply appreciated.

- Is there a better and free compiler that I can use to do open
gl?If so , what?

- if anyone knows a way to set up openGL with Mingwalso, your
feedback would be appreciated. But as of right now I mainly
want to do OpenGL in Visual studio express.

This post has been edited by HermosaBeach: 2 Sep, 2007 - 09:47 PM

Or just create the \gl folder.

I use Code::Blocks, which is an IDE for GCC and MinGW, and it comes with the GL libs installed.

As a personal side note: For anything that's not C# (I refuse to use VB), I steadfastly avoid Visual Studio... Anything beyond basic coding, and Visual C++ won't understand it... the code highlighting gets off, and the IntelliSense doesn't work... Code::Blocks and Geany however, work beautifully.

Thanks , im loading the IDE at the moment, hope it works well. SO once I download the IDE do i still need to add any additional files?

Wow I like this IDE already , it even has ogre set up on it and sdl ... NICE .

No. Just run Code::Blocks.