Books

VeneX · Post by **VeneX** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 2:50 pm

I am plannig to read a (or some) book(s).
My question is, does someone know good books?
I found one called C++ for Game Programmers written by Noel Llopis.
But maybe this isn't for DirectX.
Some points which the books should learn me: C++ and DirectX (9.0)
And maybe physics and AI.
I know there are few books in Dutch, but maybe some Dutch users of this forum know a good book

bal · Post by **bal** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 3:28 pm

I don't know any good Dutch books but for C++ I can advice you these great, free English books: http://www.mindview.net/Books/TICPP/Thi ... CPP2e.html.
They cover almost every aspect of C++ in clear language. Volume 1 is a very good introduction, while Volume 2 covers the more advanced topics.

Cairon · Post by **Cairon** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 4:24 pm

I've got a book "Tricks of the windows game programming gurus" second edition by André LaMothe which is very good i think. Its about game programming, ai, physics and directx

So it should be the book you search for

ISBN: 0-672-32369-9

Spintz · Post by **Spintz** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 5:10 pm

For Physics, the best book out there, IMO, is -

Physics for Game Developers - Published by O'Reilly and written by David M. Bourg

I also have that book by LaMothe, it's great. Really good Math Tutorial in it as well.

As far as C++ goes, Bruce Eckels', Thinking in C++ 2nd Edition, Volume 1 and 2 are here ( free on the web ) -

http://www.mindview.net/Books/TICPP/Thi ... CPP2e.html

arras · Post by **arras** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 11:15 pm

Spintz >> that is one bal was posting

Spintz · Post by **Spintz** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 12:26 am

oops

VeneX · Post by **VeneX** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 9:58 am

Thanks, I'm going to take a look

digfarenough · Post by **digfarenough** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 1:50 am

I don't know how many share my opinion, but I've really only bought one book on programming and, in retrospect, it was a waste of money.. I've never seen a book on this subject worth buying for 2 reasons:

1. software changes so quickly any book is out of date not long after you buy it.. then again, maybe directx 4 will come back in style and my book will be useful again

2. there are many excellent tutorials on the web on most subjects you could want to know, and a public library could easily fill in any missing details (at least in the US, I've no idea what libraries are like in other countries.. well, I've some idea: I bet they have books and possibly walls:))

I've heard good things about that lamothe book, but still.. I don't think it's worth it.. I can't think of a single topic relating to game programming that a book could teach that isn't already explained on the web

Spintz · Post by **Spintz** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 1:02 pm

The advantages to some books, is that the information is well organized, and covers multiple topics, so it's worth spending the money on. I agree with you on the internet as the best programming tool/reference. My greatest utility at work is and has been for a long time, Google. However, some things are hard to find or aren't explained as well as some books, such as the LaMothe books as well as the Physics for Game Developers, IMO, they really are great books.

digfarenough · Post by **digfarenough** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 1:29 am

yeah, that's true.. money spent on books isn't money spent on information as much as it is money spent on clarity: something often lacking in web resources, but I find they're getting better and better

I've never seen the physics for game developers book, but it does indeed sound like a subject that is well suited for such a book.. physics in textbooks is always explained so poorly (it's almost like the authors have forgotten the time they spent as students)

I think my opinion mostly stems from the fact that I just can't bring myself to pay money for something that, with a little effort, I could get for free (to quote seinfeld:))

cartoonit · Post by **cartoonit** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 12:09 am

The LaMothe books are very good

afecelis · Post by **afecelis** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 12:55 am

get Visual C++ .Net Deluxe learning edition from microsoft press; you get both a great book (Visual C++ .Net step by step) and the standard edition of their C++ .net 2003 compiler for about US$90.

Not only do you get a good reference book but also a very good compiler to work with Irrlicht.

look for it in Amazon.

cheers!

VeneX · Post by **VeneX** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 9:42 am

I have already got the compiler.
You can say books are out of date very fast, but if you don't know a damn thing about these subjects, it is easy to learn from a book. When you get the point it is easy(er) to 'update your known version'.