How to Build an OpenGL project from scratch.mp4

 

Building an OpenGL project from scratch involves several steps, including setting up the development environment, writing code, and compiling the project. Here's a basic guide to get you started:

1. Set Up Your Development Environment

a. Install a C++ Compiler:

• Windows: You can use MinGW or Microsoft Visual Studio.
• macOS: Xcode comes with a compiler.
• Linux: GCC is commonly used.

b. Install a Build System:

• CMake: A cross-platform build system that works with most compilers.

c. Install OpenGL Libraries:

• GLFW or GLUT for window management and input.
• GLEW or GLAD for managing OpenGL extensions.

2. Download and Install Dependencies

a. GLFW:

• Go to the GLFW website, download the appropriate binaries or source, and follow the installation instructions.

b. GLEW or GLAD:

• GLEW: Download from the GLEW website.
• GLAD: Use the GLAD web service to generate a loader for your OpenGL version.

3. Create a Basic Project Structure

a. Directory Structure:

• project_root/
  • src/ (source files)
  • include/ (header files)
  • libs/ (libraries)
  • CMakeLists.txt (if using CMake)

b. Create Main Source File:

• src/main.cpp

cpp
#include <GL/glew.h>
#include <GLFW/glfw3.h>
#include <iostream>

void framebuffer_size_callback(GLFWwindow* window, int width, int height) {
    glViewport(0, 0, width, height);
}

int main() {
    // Initialize GLFW
    if (!glfwInit()) {
        std::cerr << "Failed to initialize GLFW" << std::endl;
        return -1;
    }

    // Create a windowed mode window and its OpenGL context
    GLFWwindow* window = glfwCreateWindow(640, 480, "Hello World", nullptr, nullptr);
    if (!window) {
        std::cerr << "Failed to create GLFW window" << std::endl;
        glfwTerminate();
        return -1;
    }

    // Make the window's context current
    glfwMakeContextCurrent(window);
    glfwSetFramebufferSizeCallback(window, framebuffer_size_callback);

    // Initialize GLEW
    if (glewInit() != GLEW_OK) {
        std::cerr << "Failed to initialize GLEW" << std::endl;
        return -1;
    }

    // Main loop
    while (!glfwWindowShouldClose(window)) {
        // Render
        glClear(GL_COLOR_BUFFER_BIT);

        // Swap buffers
        glfwSwapBuffers(window);

        // Poll for and process events
        glfwPollEvents();
    }

    glfwTerminate();
    return 0;
}

4. Configure the Build System

a. Using CMake:

• Create a CMakeLists.txt file in the project root:

cmake
cmake_minimum_required(VERSION 3.10)
project(OpenGLProject)

set(CMAKE_CXX_STANDARD 11)

# Find GLFW
find_package(GLFW3 REQUIRED)

# Find GLEW
find_package(GLEW REQUIRED)

# Include directories
include_directories(${GLFW_INCLUDE_DIRS} ${GLEW_INCLUDE_DIRS})

# Add executable
add_executable(OpenGLProject src/main.cpp)

# Link libraries
target_link_libraries(OpenGLProject ${GLFW_LIBRARIES} ${GLEW_LIBRARIES} ${OPENGL_gl_LIBRARY})

b. Build the Project:

• Open a terminal and navigate to your project root.
• Run:

sh
mkdir build
cd build
cmake ..
make

5. Run the Application

After building, you should find an executable in the build directory. Run it to see your OpenGL window.

This setup provides a minimal OpenGL application. From here, you can start adding shaders, textures, and other OpenGL features.

Download now

Enjoy! Follow us for more...