What is the best way for starting graphical interfaces programming in C?

Question

I have some knowledge in C/C++ but only using the Console. I'd like to start programming some graphical interfaces, but I don't have the minimal idea where to start.

I've heard of GUI applications and DirectX applications. I'd like to know which is the best for start programming?

Which libraries also is good to use and some tutorials if possible.

Answer 1

What's your platform?

If you only care about Windows and don't mind an outdated technology, you can go to MFC way.

If you want a cross-platform GUI toolkit; there are several:

• GTK
• WxWidget
• Qt

If you want something more about drawing, instead of boring GUI forms; then you can learn either:

• OpenGL (cross-platform)
• DirectX (Windows-only)

For simple uses, and if you're in Windows, you can use GDI+, which is also rather outdated.

Newer .NET platforms have GUI technologies with fancy names, though I'm not quite acquaintanced with them to suggest anything.

Answer 2

If you're using Windows 7, please take a look at the excellent Hilo series of tutorials for developing rich UI applications in C++. You may also find that this is a good excuse to begin learning C#/.NET, as GUI development is especially easy to do in it.

Answer 3

If you are on windows the best way to learn is use C++ Builder. Embarcadaro ( or whatever ) offers a free version if you want. Just google C++ Builder.

Answer 4

If you're on Windows, go for Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF). Don't loose time on those traditional GUI-Toolkits, they are past. The present (don't dare to tell about future) are declarative, highly customizable 2D/3D/Multimedia integrated environments, such as WPF.