OpenGL and Java

While some programmers might still don't like this idea, developing a OpenGL-based 3D application using Java is possible. One option is to use the OpenGL implementation of Java3D, and the other is using an external library. JOGL (Java Binding for OpenGL) belongs to the latter category.

So, if you are a programmer who like to make a 3D application using OpenGL and also still want to take the advantage of Java's windowing system (AWT and Swing), JOGL is a great solution. JOGL allows access to most features available to C programming language programmers, obviously excluding GLUT. A quick example about how to work with JOGL could be found on wiki. For more detailed tutorial (my favourite) you can always visit NeHe. Though the sources related to the tutorial originally written in C++ but the Java version is also provided by other users.

Happy coding!

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GLUT with Visual Studio C++ Express Edition

OpenGL is one of the most popular graphics library nowadays, we may even say that it is already a standard. This article below explains how to use GLUT with Visual Studio C++ Express Edition:

This document details the steps to get GLUT working along with Visual C++ Express Edition.

1. Download and install Visual C++ Express Edition from http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/visualc/default.aspx
2. The default install of Visual C++ Express Edition builds for the .Net platform. We'll need to build for the Windows platform since OpenGL and GLUT are not yet fully supported under .Net. For this we'll need the Microsoft Platform SDK.
3. Download and install Microsoft Platform SDK. Visual C++ Express Edition will need to be configured to build for Windows platform. All these instructions are available here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/visualc/usingpsdk/ (no longer valid, use http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/express/aa700755.aspx instead)
4. Now, we'll need GLUT. Download and unzip Nate Robin's Windows port of GLUT from here: http://www.xmission.com/~nate/glut.html
5. Add glut.h to the GL directory in the platform SDK/include.
6. In your Visual C++ Express Edition project properties -> Additional Linker Directories add the directory which has glut.lib
7. Add the glut.dll to the Windows System32 directory.
8. Your program which uses GLUT or OpenGL should compile under Visual C++ Express Edition now.

Say thanks to Ashwin Nanjappa!

   

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