Create a Game Loop using C and SDL
Requirements
- Basic concepts of programming (variables, conditionals, loops, functions)
- Be comfortable with the basics of using the command-line
Description
The more technology advances, and the more we add frameworks to abstract low-level details of the machine, the less we understand how computers really tick.
This course is a trip back to the fundamentals of game programming. We will dissect and discuss one super important element of any game application...
The game loop.
To understand the ideas behind writing a working game loop, we will learn the basics of the C programming language and use a library called SDL to render elements in the display.
We will learn together how to:
Write a basic C program and compile it using the GCC compiler
Install SDL and any other dependencies
Use SDL to create and open a basic window in your operating system
Control the time step of your game loop
Update game objects as a function of delta time
This course has no real pre-requisites.
Of course, you should have a working knowledge of how to use your computer, download files, install programs and copy files around your operating system.
But you should know the basics concepts of programming, such as variables, conditionals, loops, and functions. That will help you get the most out of it.
The code we will write works for Windows, macOS, and Linux. But be aware that I will be using Linux during the videos.
Who this course is for:
- Programmers that want to learn C and SDL
- Developers who want to learn what a game loop is
Course content
- 06:05Motivations and Learning Outcomes
- 00:13Game Engines
Featured review
Instructors
I teach computer science and mathematics at BPP University, London. My main research area is to investigate how teaching game programming can help enhance awareness and understanding of mathematics and physics.
I am also a professional software engineer with more than 10 years of experience, with an industry background in 3D systems, games and physics engines, web systems, databases, and data analysis.
My academic journey includes institutions such as Pittsburg State University, City University of London, and University of Oxford.
Pikuma.com was created by award winning professor Gustavo Pezzi to teach the fundamentals of programming, computer science, and mathematics.
We care about the basics. With our courses you will learn the low-level of how things work and why they work.
We currently have courses on mathematics, game programming, assembly language, 2D game engine, 3D renderization, C++, Lua, operating systems, and a lot more coming shortly…
If you'd like to learn anything in particular, contact us and let us know.