Microsoft Direct3D Programming Kickstart

by Clayton Walnum

DirectX 9, a brand-new version of Microsoft's multimedia libraries, features the latest 3D graphics technology in the form of Direct3D 9. This book will cover everything a C++ programmer needs to know in order to use Direct3D 9 to create interactive 3D worlds. The book begins with an overview of basic Windows and 3D programming techniques and works its way through the library, starting with getting Direct3D up-and-running all the way to more advanced...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0672324989
• ISBN13: 9780672324987
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Sams Publishing
• Length: 456 Pages
• Weight: 1.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 7.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

If you know C++ and a little WinAPI, this is an EXCELLENT Intro to Direct3D (2009)

It's 2009 now, and the programming book I am reviewing turns 6 this year. In human years, that's like 92. So why the late review? I just got this book, and I love it. To put my review in perspective (so you can gauge where you are at, at least relative to this reviewer), here's a little about me: I have a B.S. in computer science, and studied C++ extensively during my undergrad years. Though I've left the IT industry to try my hand at medicine, I routinely end up writing software - in this case, I am working on a project that will be incorporated into a research study. The project requires using Direct3D to create what amounts to a simple computer game. The problem is that as of two weeks ago, I didn't know anything about 2D/3D graphics programming. I've looked at quite a few other sources, both in print and online, and I haven't found anything that can walk you through the computer science and math behind creating Direct3D programs with the ease and fluidity of Direct3D Programming Kick Start. Unlike 95% of 'game programming books' that simply show you source code and provide only the shallowest of explanations (if they are provided at all) for why something is being done, or what the alternatives might be, the author Clayton Walnum explains what the heck is going on every step of the way. Sure, there's source code, but it's used as a teaching tool, not a page-filler. That makes all the difference in the world. Even though DirectX10 is out and DirectX11 is just around the corer, the knowledge you gain from reading this book and coding the example programs will lay the perfect groundwork for more advanced study of game programming. Basically, if you know C++, know some WinAPI (e.g. are familiar with event-driven programming models and/or have coded WinMain() PeekMessage() etc. before), then this is the perfect book to get you started with DirectX programming. If you are have never worked with the WinAPI before, I would suggest you go through some online tutorials on that subject before picking this book up. If you are new to C++, the best advice I can give is write as much code as possible and learn the language inside and out, then tackle graphics programming. If you try learning DirectX without a solid understanding of C++ and at least some experience with WinAPI, you will likely grow frustrated and quit altogether. Finally, to the author, Clayton Walnum: Perhaps an updated version is due? Or maybe an Advanced DirectX book? I'll be first in line to buy them.

Does NOT use C# but C++

Based on the review from Gabriel Antonio Lepe Sosa below I bought this book because I was looking for a good introduction to Direct3D with C#. Maybe I should have used the "Search inside" function or been more careful reading the release date of this book (2003) to realize it really doesn't use C# (and Managed DirectX) but C++. If you know C++ or how to port the code to C# this is a pleasant read because this book gives a good basic overview of the main parts and elements/techniques of Direct3D. If you didn't program in C++ before and/or you're looking for an introduction to Managed Direct3D, stay away from this book.

Less than Interesting...but helpful... C# lovers, Welcome

Honestly, this book contains all the content that any other freesource domain could have. But, I have to be honest... It tries to give DX9 a very interesting point of view, yet, scoring little. It begins by teaching you the basic things, but in a very dense journey (Lights, Camera Setup, Adapter specs, Etc.). The writer did a smart move by using C#. It really helps the book to be sold. I haven't seen any other book that Shows DX9 in C# (Except for a really crappy one at $18).If you haven't ever programmed DX or OpenGL before, this book is a feast... Trust me, you won't regret it.

great book for beginners

This book goes by fast. It spends just enough time explaining what's going on in the samples for you to be able to understand the ideas. Starts out with a basic empty window program and ends with a fairly basic 3D world. Nothing too advanced.Those with a good understanding of Direct3D already don't need this book. It maybe a good reference book though.I had to ding it a star because it tells you that you can download the code examples from the samspublishing.com website but the book isn't even listed there..*shrug*..it lists all of the other books in the Kick Start series though....*double shrug*

Kick Start for Beginers

Only for beginers trust me... its Kick Start...