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Author Topic: Where to learn SFML from?  (Read 1485 times)

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timebender

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Where to learn SFML from?
« on: August 25, 2022, 08:11:21 am »
Hello. I recently installed SFML and am wondering where to go from here - aka where do I learn SFML.

[req: Free, Video form]

I stumbled upon a SFML 2.4.1 course, however I am not sure of the changes made between 2.4.1 and 2.5.1 and how much of a difference it would make. I read the changelog, but I am not certain.

Other alternatives are some code-alongs.

I have a few years of experience with Processing (processing.org, simplified java for graphics) and a year of experience with C++ (no massive projects yet).

Considering all that, what would you recommend?
===
If I choose SFML 2.4.1 course, what changes do I need to look out for?
If I choose a code-along, which one should I choose?

Thank you

eXpl0it3r

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Re: Where to learn SFML from?
« Reply #1 on: August 26, 2022, 05:00:04 am »
Personally I always much rather recommend tutorials and books over video content.
Writing a tutorial or a book requires content-wise usually more effort, since you have to consciously think about the wording and allows you to review and edit, while for videos someone may make a second take, but there's a lot of low quality content on YouTube. Meaning the video is rather unstructured, just talking about stuff as they go, having limited knowledge on the content themselves while trying to "teach" it to someone else, and finally often containing lots of bad advice, especially when it comes to C++ code.

In my opinion the official tutorials are a must-read, even if you choose to watch some videos after all.
The tutorials cover all the important features and highlight common mistakes and things to look out for.
https://www.sfml-dev.org/tutorials/latest/

Additionally, the Learn sections has links to the API documentation, which also gives very good examples for every class, and the site also lists a few books that have been written on SFML.
Personally, if you're interested, I recommend picking up SFML Game Development, even if some of the C++ advice is a bit dated.

I haven't really watch all that many SFML series of which a bunch exist on YouTube, so I can't provide any recommendation. A more C++ focused series using SFML to create an Arkanoid clone by Vittorio can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4K3tsKa1Uc&list=PLTEcWGdSiQenl4YRPvSqW7UPC6SiGNN7e
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euscar

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Re: Where to learn SFML from?
« Reply #2 on: August 28, 2022, 05:24:54 pm »
I agree with Lukas.
Better to use the tutorial from the official site and the books.

I myself am writing a guide in Italian for personal use because I don't chew English very well (sorry, I'm using google translator) and I'm learning a lot of things.
When I have finished it I will make it available, if it will be of interest to some Italians of course.

P.S. In addition to the 5 books listed on the official website, there is another book that deals with SFML:
https://www.packtpub.com/product/beginning-c-game-programming-second-edition/9781838648572
« Last Edit: August 28, 2022, 06:22:07 pm by euscar »

 

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