Talk:Simple DirectMedia Layer
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[edit] Misleading Pronoun
" It is often thought of as a cross-platform DirectX "
In the intro section, third paragraph, it seems as though this "it" could refer either to SDL or OpenGL.
[edit] Removed binding list
Okay, I guess I was a little bit bold, and went on with some major modifications based on what I read on the talk page. First, I removed the big ugly list with SDL bindings, and replaced it with a single paragraph. Also, I've added some content about the SDL functionality (SDL standard libs, and subsystems) and did a few other minor modifications. I wanted to remove the content table, as it seems useless for a page this small, but I don't know how. Also, some phrases may sound artificial since I'm not a native English speaker, so please modify any phrases you don't like. -- Amenzix 21:58, 24 August 2006 (UTC)
[edit] SDL Subtypes
Perhaps some elaboration on the different SDL libraries? (there's just SDL, then SDL_net, SDL_image, etc, etc)
[edit] Games using SDL, OpenGL, or both?
I thought Heretic II used OpenGL since it is a 3D game?
- It is possible to have fully 3D games that are OpenGL accelerated but are written using SDL. Sim City for Linux is one example. Kiand 22:31, 15 Feb 2005 (UTC)
It might be good to list which games use SDL entirely (for input, sound, graphics), and those that use it along with others (e.g., SDL for input, OpenGL for graphics).
Many games used SDL with OpenGL for graphics.
SDL can only create a window and a surface for 3D rendering. It must use OpenGL from there for hardware video acceleration (3D rendering).
[edit] Clarifying SDL utility and concepts for new programmers
I looked at the SDL home page, then came to this Wikipedia entry, but I'm still not sure who needs it.
What are the disadvantages of using SDL? Is it really useful only for games? Is there any reason to write a business application using SDL? Would it slow down a time-critical video media player application by adding an extra translation layer?
What kind of library is it? There are numerous types at library. Should "library" be made clearer as, "programming language library"?
What is the connection or rivalry with OpenGL?
"Abstraction" in this context has a steep learning curve without an introduction.
What are examples of "managing" the items listed?
Milo 21:08, July 31, 2005 (UTC)
[edit] Numeric audio?
I'm guessing this is digital audio, and was originally entered by a Francophone (Numerique)? --Kiand 18:29, 9 October 2005 (UTC)
[edit] Elaborate on different SDL platforms?
We've already named the officially supported platforms, but I could name a few unofficial ones.
like:
Dreamcast Xbox (I think) GP32 handheld GP2X handheld ,etc.
[edit] Unreal Tournament ?
All versions of unreal tournament use SDL in the linux port. I am not sure about the Windows version. Can anyone confirm this ?
I'm next to positive that neither UT or UT2004 use SDL on Windows. On Windows XP, neither have the tell-tale sdl.dll in their system folders.
- In that case, I guess I can add it to the linux only list for now :) 66.131.163.253 22:27, 23 March 2006 (UTC)
[edit] The ARDI Connection
I'm not sure if it's that important but ARDI Software claims on their website that Sam Latinga first started work on SDL while porting their Executor Emulator from Dos to Windows. The Windows version does use SDL and according to the resume on his website he worked with LokiGames right after working for ARDI. I'm not sure how important this all is but I thought it ought to be out there.
Sam Lantinga's Resume Circa December 5, 2001
[edit] Huge number of extensions
"SDL instead has a huge number of third party extensions that make it easy to do more advanced functions." _huge_ number? I'm not so sure about that, there's about 6 that I've enumerated in one of the paragraphs. Also I don't really like the "cross-platform DirectX" thingy. It doesn't fit with SDL which is open-source and free, to be compared with DirectX. Also, while Direct3D is part of DirectX, OpenGL is independent and can be used with a number of libraries (glx, wgl). This way OpenGL isn't really Direct3D's SDL counterpart. If no one disagrees I'll make the changes in about 2 days. -- Amenzix 13:46, 7 October 2006 (UTC)
[edit] Is the example worth it?
The example code doesn't do anything not even remotely useful at all; it doesn't even help you taste how programming in SDL feels. Is it worth keeping? It could be improved, but I'm afraid any minimally complex example would be too big for this article. So, I suggest removing it. --Kamek 04:34, 5 November 2006 (UTC)
[edit] Fair use rationale for Image:NWN luskan.jpg
Image:NWN luskan.jpg is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in this Wikipedia article constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.
Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale. Using one of the templates at Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline is an easy way to ensure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.
If there is other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page. Note that any fair use images lacking such an explanation can be deleted one week after being tagged, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.
BetacommandBot (talk) 00:51, 14 February 2008 (UTC)
[edit] the image gallery
i don't understand the presence of the pictures in here, do they show anything that's unique/proper to SDL?
--Jerome Potts (talk) 21:18, 16 April 2008 (UTC)
