Need help getting started making graphics in c++

[Torquemada]

Hello, I want to be able to write program in c++ that displays graphics, I know the basics in c++ but I only know how to create programs that display command prompt results.
I am reasonably good in java I have created few games even with it using awt/swing packages.
I need some help getting the foot in the door with c++, is making graphics in c++ any similar to java i.e are there some classes (.h files?) that I should consider?
If someone can show me an extremely simple program that shows graphics I would have some place to start from.

Thanks in advance.

[Hnefi]

There are several graphics libraries that can be used with C++. I would suggest using plain WinAPI with OpenGL if you're just starting out. Other alternatives are SDL (www.libsdl.org) or Allegro (http://www.talula.demon.co.uk/allegro/).

I suggest checking out http://nehe.gamedev.net/ - there is a series of tutorials there that goes from the very basics of WinAPI and OpenGL to some pretty neat stuff in easy to follow steps, without using intermediate libraries such as SDL or Allegro.

[migol]

i suggest you Allegro (http://alleg.sourceforge.net) as it is very easy to use with lots of options, but it's only 2D. If you want an easy 3D graphics library and you aren't fammiliar with WinAPI, try using GLUT as the toolkit library. it will make it very easy to write for examble a double buffered OpenGL animation with effects like lightning.

[Hnefi]

Actually, there is an OpenGL library for Allegro. This lets you produce 3d graphics with all the usual bells and whistles. You can find it at www.allegro.cc.

[migol]

yeah, there's AllegroGL, but it's only an add-on like GLUT and doesn't realy help much.

[Hnefi]

How do you figure? It does, after all, give full OpenGL functionality to your Allegro programs. Addon or not, I'd say that's pretty significant.

[migol]

yepp, it gives OpenGL in allegro

http://allegrogl.sourceforge.net/

[cindyonlyone]

If you want to show Flow Diagram with your program,I think XD++ is a good choice,it can be found with:
http://www.********.net/index.htm

Hope it is useful to you.

Cindy