using multibple gfx libs

[xteraco]

ok, htis is actually 2 questions

1. can i use more than one gfx lib in one program.. for example, use openGL and DirectX in the same program, and maybe have one do all the polygon stuff and the other do all the sprite stuff or something like that

2.what are the ups and downs of these gfx libs, like whats there weak points and strong points, and if i forgot to list any... mention em anyways

-sdl
-openGL
-directX
-allegro

thnx for all the help :bounce:

[Sterling Christensen]

I think SDL and Allegro use DirectX (when on Windows), so there might be a way to use DX with one of those.

SDL also integrates with OpenGL. Although the use of this "hack" is discouraged, SDL can let you draw 2D with SDL and 3D with OpenGL to the same screen/window (using the SDL_OPENGLBLIT flag).

[Dr_Davenstein]

You should be able to do everything with OpenGL. You can even add 2D sprites on top of a 3D scene using ortho mode. OpenAL does great sfx. SDL does all the input stuff... What more do you need?

[Antoni Gual]

OpenGL is "just" a drawing routine, it should be comaptible with everything, provided the other library allows it ( as gfxlib and SDL do)

Gfxlib, Allegro, Sdl are different, as they run in the background a hidden windows event loop. A program can't have two event loops so you cant combine two of these libs nor add regular menus to it.

However I would be glad if someone showed me I'm wrong

[xteraco]

well, thnx for the answers, i was just wondering for craps and giggles.. i've been spending a lot of time learning openGL, and decided to blow off sdl completely. . . but i herd that opengl was pretty horrible at rendering 2d.. but i've seen some good stuff in 2d w/ opengl so i dont beleive it..

-good day