What are the best practices for programming game graphics in C++?

1 Choose the right libraries and frameworks

One of the first decisions you need to make when programming game graphics in C++ is what libraries and frameworks you will use. There are many options available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most popular ones are OpenGL, DirectX, Vulkan, SDL, SFML, and Unreal Engine. You should consider factors such as compatibility, portability, documentation, support, features, and ease of use when choosing your tools. You should also be aware of the trade-offs between using low-level or high-level APIs, and between using general-purpose or game-specific engines.

3 Handle errors and exceptions

A third aspect of programming game graphics in C++ is handling errors and exceptions. Errors are situations that prevent your program from running correctly, such as invalid input, file not found, or device failure. Exceptions are objects that are thrown when an error occurs, and can be caught and handled by your code. You should use try-catch blocks to catch and handle exceptions gracefully, and avoid using raw pointers or dynamic memory allocation in exception-unsafe code. You should also use error codes, assertions, and logging to report and debug errors in your code.

4 Follow coding standards and conventions

A fourth aspect of programming game graphics in C++ is following coding standards and conventions. Coding standards and conventions are rules and guidelines that help you write consistent, readable, and maintainable code. They cover aspects such as naming, formatting, commenting, and structuring your code. You should follow the coding standards and conventions of your project, team, or organization, or adopt a widely used one, such as Google C++ Style Guide, C++ Core Guidelines, or ISO C++ Standard. You should also use tools, such as ClangFormat, AStyle, or Cppcheck, to format and check your code automatically.

5 Use modern C++ features

A fifth aspect of programming game graphics in C++ is using modern C++ features. Modern C++ refers to the features and improvements introduced in the latest versions of the language, such as C++11, C++14, C++17, and C++20. These features can help you write more concise, expressive, and safe code, and take advantage of the latest hardware and software capabilities. Some of the modern C++ features that are useful for game graphics programming are auto, range-based for loops, lambda expressions, smart pointers, move semantics, constexpr, template metaprogramming, and variadic templates.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?