Dev-C++ & OpenGL

This tutorial is for those who want to get started with OpenGL using Dev-C++.OpenGL is open graphics library created by silicon graphics.It is the specification of some functions that let you draw some shape on the screen.This article makes use of library called GLUT,that works with OpenGL to create and maintain a window.In order create graphics using OpenGL you will need glut.h and glut32.dll. These files are available for free on the web or [Here] You can download most of what you need from there,if you unable to find it out then don’t panic.There is devpak available for Dev-C++ for openGL.All you have to do is add the devpack in dev-cpp package manager.If you’re using any other compiler then you can skip this and direct yourself [Here] .

So you’ve two choices either download the files manually (glut.h& glut32.dll) or use the devpak for Dev-C++ & Codeblocks. Let’s start with devpak method.

Devpak Installation
If you’re opting to install the devpak instead of dll files manually,you have to download the opengl devpak. You can download Nigel’s opengl devpak from [Here]. From the list on the page Download glut.3.7.6+.DevPak to a local folder.In Dev C++,open the package manager: Tools->Package Manager.Here,you can see the pre-installed packages that came with your distribution of dev-cpp.To Install the glut package,click on Package->Install Package.Browse to the location where you’ve downloaded the glut devpak.Once you done with adding,it will appear in the package manager list.Now you can safely exit package manager.Now you’re ready to write program on Opengl with devcpp.You don’t need to follow the compiler configuration explained below if you’ve downloaded the opengl devpak.

Compiler configuration
If you’ve downloaded the glut.h & glut32.dll then you’ve to copy those files into the devcpp’s ” /lib” folder. Now you’ve to setup the IDE’s configuration, so that you can use the opengl library with it. Let’s start by creating new “Project”.Select Empty Project type from the basic tab window,make sure C++ project is selected.Create the new project in the folder with the source file.Add the .cpp file to the project by Project->add to project.Select the .cpp file

Now we have to add some parameters in linker options.In order to do that go to Project->Project options.In the “Parameters” tab window add the following line in the Linker pane:

-lglut32 -lglu32 -lopengl32 -lwinmm -lgdi32

Now click “Ok”,when you done with it.

We are done with the installtion & compiler configuration of opengl devpack into dev-cpp.Ig you’ve done the above steps carefully,you will able to write any opengl code with dev-cpp.

Help & Support
OpenGL is largely documented in web & print media due to its ease of use & effectiveness.Almost every famous compiler on the web has some documentation for the OpenGL.It is very difficult to point each & every resource,i’m pointing out to some of the effective ones.

OpenGL home page
SGI opengl page
Google groups comp.graphics.api.opengl
IRC Channel : #OpenGL
OpenGL official FAQ

OpenGL Basics FAQ
OpenGL Game Developers FAQ
Win32 OpenGL programming
Nehe OpenGL Tutorial
Delphi Code

If you are looking for more information about opengl try the resources mentioned above.If you have any suggestions or questions please post them here.