how to setup and use openGL? [closed] - c++

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I use mingW for compiling c++ code. I want to make graphics using openGL. I use notepad++ for writing code. So how can I use the libraries of openGL?

Answer 1

In MinGW you don't have to setup OpenGL. Already there is OpenGL library in a directory C:\~\MinGW\include\GL.Just include the GL/gl.h and GL/glu.h and write code for your OpenGL project.But if you are looking GLUT,GLFW,glew or other library then using the IDE is better soluton like code::blocks or visual studio then do google to setup these library for your IDE.

Answer 2

Once you've got your OpenGL projects compiling and are maybe wondering what do do next, NeHe has a series of great OpenGL tutorials: http://nehe.gamedev.net/
From memory, they are all related to immediate mode (pre v3.0), but a good place to start - especially if you'd rather not use other libraries like GLUT for licensing reasons.
There is a also good list of tutorials here:
http://www.opengl.org/wiki/Getting_Started#Tutorials_and_How_To_Guides
By the way, you can download the Express edition of Visual C++, which is free. Just in case you're only avoiding the Microsoft compiler because of cost: http://www.microsoft.com/visualstudio/en-us/products/2010-editions/express
It's just a cut-back version of the professional edition. Basically it doesn't have OpenMP, MFC or ATL, some more advanced debugging tools, and won't compile 64-bit apps. But otherwise it's great. The only thing I'd be upset about not having is 64-bit and OpenMP. But it's free! Feature comparison is here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hs24szh9.aspx

Answer 3

OpenGL Text Editor/No IDE Friendly
After you write a .cpp files in Notepad,Notepad++,VS Code,Vim,Etc.
You can compile the .cpp file and generate a executable using MinGW on command line with the following command.
g++ ./main.cpp -o./main
Linking all the Opengl Project's files and libraries can quickly turn command line into looking like this
g++ /path/main.cpp /path/another.cpp... -I/path/includedlibirary... -L/path/headers... -lglfw3 -lopengl32 -lglu32 -lgdi32 -o/path/output_executable
IMG:What it what eventually looks like in command line
Instead of typing a similar monstrosity before every compile
I would use a Makefile and add it in the same directory as your project.Then compile the Makefile with following command.
mingw32-make
A Makefile
Acts like a Batch script
Acts like a linker in Codeblocks or Visual Studio: linking files and libraries to compiler
Can tell the compiler where to output the executable .exe
IMG:Example of OpenGL Project Directory
Note: File paths are based on my setup and project's setup
Example Makefile:
# Created Libraries directory in C: to store downloaded libraries
glfw_include = C:\Libraries\GLFW\include
glfw_lib = C:\Libraries\GLFW\lib
glad_include = C:\Libraries\GLAD\include
glad_src = C:\Libraries\GLAD\src\glad.c
stb_include = C:\Libraries\STB\include
stb_src = C:\Libraries\STB\src\stb.cpp
glm_include = C:\Libraries\GLM\include
json_include = C:\Libraries\JSON\include
# Project's local header files
local_include = ./Header
# Project's local cpp files
local_src = ./Source/shaders_class.cpp ./Source/textures_class.cpp ./Source/camera_class.cpp ./Source/meshes_class.cpp ./Source/model_class.cpp ./Source/shaders_EBO.cpp ./Source/shaders_VAO.cpp ./Source/shaders_VBO.cpp
################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
CXX = g++
CPP = ./Source/main.cpp
TARGET = ./Bin/main
OBJECTS = $(CPP) $(glad_src) $(stb_src) $(local_src)
INCLUDES = -I$(glfw_include) -I$(glad_include) -I$(stb_include) -I$(glm_include) -I$(json_include) -I$(local_include)
LIBRARIES = -L$(glfw_lib)
C_FLAGS = $(INCLUDES)
LD_FLAGS = $(LIBRARIES) -lglfw3 -lopengl32 -lglu32 -lgdi32
$(TARGET): $(CPP) # Final Output
# Puts everything together in string that auto runs on command line
# '''Ex: g++ <cpp files> -I<included> -L<header_files> -lglfw3 -lopengl32 -lglu32 -lgdi32 -o<output executable>'''
$(CXX) $(OBJECTS) $(C_FLAGS) $(LD_FLAGS) -o$(TARGET)
Example output from Makefile
g++ ./Source/main.cpp C:\Libraries\GLAD\src\glad.c C:\Libraries\STB\src\stb.cpp ./Source/shaders_class.cpp ./Source/textures_class.cpp ./Source/camera_class.cpp ./Source/meshes_class.cpp ./Source/model_class.cpp ./Source/shaders_EBO.cpp ./Source/shaders_VAO.cpp ./Source/shaders_VBO.cpp -IC:\Libraries\GLFW\include -IC:\Libraries\GLAD\include -IC:\Libraries\STB\include -IC:\Libraries\GLM\include -IC:\Libraries\JSON\include -I./Header -LC:\Libraries\GLFW\lib -lglfw3 -lopengl32 -lglu32 -lgdi32 -o./Bin/main
Credit To:
Recommend for linking files to MinGW / Creating Makefile
Sonars Systems: SDL 2 Tutorial 1c [SETUP] Windows and MinGW Setup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybYMOKEW9IY&t=15s
Recommend OpenGL Intro
Victor Gordan: OpenGL Tutorials
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPaoO-vpZnumdcb4tZc4x5Q-v7CkrQ6M-