Review of Focus On SDL (The Premier Press Game Development Series) (Paperback)

I am a sophmore in college studying computer engineering, and I bought this book in the hopes that it would help me with a programming project for school. The main thing that this book has going for it is the fact that it is actually writing about SDL... not many other books go into this subject and it is refreshing to see a book that doesn't limit itself to the Windows/DirectX world.

The book is written in easy to understand language and is very helpful in showing what SDL is capable of. It proceeds to show readers how to set up most of SDL's different subsystems.

The main problem with this book is that it does not go into detail about any of the topics it covers. If you're curious about how to use SDL's video/graphics capablity, for instance, you will learn how to initialize the system and draw some circles on the screen. The book has smaller pages than most, and the 54 pages long chapter on the video subsystem doesn't take long to get through. It leaves you wanting to know more.

In short, this book will skim over different topics in SDL and teach you enough to get started. You will need to look elsewhere for details. I recommend purchasing this book to get you on the right track, but just know that you will need to search the internet for tutorials and example applications before you can seriously write games. This book is only a beginning.

Since you are looking at a book on SDL, I assume you are trying either to learn how to program games/graphical applications for Linux, or are trying to make it so that the code you write can have multi-platform support. If this is the case, I would recommend looking at "Linux Game Programming" by Mark Collins (in the same series as this book) and "Programming Linux Games" by Loki Software/John Hall as well. Of these three books, I like "Programming Linux Games" best since it goes into greater detail and walks you through the creation of a basic, but complete game for Linux. Even though it has Linux in the title, most of the APIs it touches on (SDL, OpenGL, OpenAL, etc.) are cross-platform, so what you learn is not limited to Linux alone. For the project I was working on, I found myself jumping amoung the aforementioned books and online tutorials such as those at NeHe.

Product Description
Focus On SDL is your key to writing programs faster andwith greater ease. Execute the same applications as with DirectX, butwith more versatility. SDL (Simple DirectMedia Layer) allows you topack up your code and go! If you have a basic knowledge of C++, you'reready to roll. Dive into advanced topics such as alpha blending andoverlays, or intensify your game audio with the SDL_mixer add-onlibrary. This book teaches you how to write the code and thendistribute it to various platforms. From setting up your system toincorporating networking and user interface components, Focus On SDLgives you the tools you need in one comprehensive guide.

About the Author
Ernest Pazera is a self-taught programmer, starting at age 13 with a TRS-80.He is a moderator of an isometric/hexagonal forum on the site and has extensive experience with game development. Ernest is the author of Isometric Game Programming with DirectX 7.0 from Premier Press.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Focus On SDL (The Premier Press Game Development Series) (Paperback)

Review of Focus On SDL (The Premier Press Game Development Series) (Paperback)

I am a sophmore in college studying computer engineering, and I bought this book in the hopes that it would help me with a programming project for school. The main thing that this book has going for it is the fact that it is actually writing about SDL... not many other books go into this subject and it is refreshing to see a book that doesn't limit itself to the Windows/DirectX world.

The book is written in easy to understand language and is very helpful in showing what SDL is capable of. It proceeds to show readers how to set up most of SDL's different subsystems.

The main problem with this book is that it does not go into detail about any of the topics it covers. If you're curious about how to use SDL's video/graphics capablity, for instance, you will learn how to initialize the system and draw some circles on the screen. The book has smaller pages than most, and the 54 pages long chapter on the video subsystem doesn't take long to get through. It leaves you wanting to know more.

In short, this book will skim over different topics in SDL and teach you enough to get started. You will need to look elsewhere for details. I recommend purchasing this book to get you on the right track, but just know that you will need to search the internet for tutorials and example applications before you can seriously write games. This book is only a beginning.

Since you are looking at a book on SDL, I assume you are trying either to learn how to program games/graphical applications for Linux, or are trying to make it so that the code you write can have multi-platform support. If this is the case, I would recommend looking at "Linux Game Programming" by Mark Collins (in the same series as this book) and "Programming Linux Games" by Loki Software/John Hall as well. Of these three books, I like "Programming Linux Games" best since it goes into greater detail and walks you through the creation of a basic, but complete game for Linux. Even though it has Linux in the title, most of the APIs it touches on (SDL, OpenGL, OpenAL, etc.) are cross-platform, so what you learn is not limited to Linux alone. For the project I was working on, I found myself jumping amoung the aforementioned books and online tutorials such as those at NeHe.

Product Description
Focus On SDL is your key to writing programs faster andwith greater ease. Execute the same applications as with DirectX, butwith more versatility. SDL (Simple DirectMedia Layer) allows you topack up your code and go! If you have a basic knowledge of C++, you'reready to roll. Dive into advanced topics such as alpha blending andoverlays, or intensify your game audio with the SDL_mixer add-onlibrary. This book teaches you how to write the code and thendistribute it to various platforms. From setting up your system toincorporating networking and user interface components, Focus On SDLgives you the tools you need in one comprehensive guide.

About the Author
Ernest Pazera is a self-taught programmer, starting at age 13 with a TRS-80.He is a moderator of an isometric/hexagonal forum on the site and has extensive experience with game development. Ernest is the author of Isometric Game Programming with DirectX 7.0 from Premier Press.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Focus On SDL (The Premier Press Game Development Series) (Paperback)

Review of MSDE Bible (Paperback)

I don't understand, why do you write a book that contains nothing but information about SQL Server, and call it MSDE bible? In my opinion just trying to sell copies of a rehash of other ideas. I bought this book in hopes of really learning the best way to do things in MSDE without the benefit of the GUI Enterprise Manager in SQL Server. Well in a word this book does not even come close. There is one puny little chapter on SQLDMO which leaves much to be desired. To say the least I am extremely irritated that they 'show you how to do this in MSDE by explaning how to do it in Enterprise Manager in SQL Server.' Does anyone else find that odd? I mean please if I wanted to know how to do something in SQL Server I would have bought a SQL Server book, instead I feel like I have been duped into buying a book that is misrepresentative of its contents. Do not waste your money, this book will not help you learn MSDE.

Product Description
Developers, programmers, software architects, technical managers, and technical support staff who work with MSDE (Microsoft Data Engine) applications will all benefit from this book, which guides you through everything from installation and configuration of MSDE to administration and deployment.

Some of the topics covered in this reference include: the MSDE architecture; database structures; data retrieval and modification; database administration; securing MSDE applications; database monitoring and maintenance; and packaging SQL in stored procedures.

The CD-ROM included with the book contains all the example code.

From the Back Cover
If MSDE can do it, you can do it too… If you're a developer, programmer, software architect, or technical support person in an environment using MSDE applications, you'll benefit from this book. Providing comprehensive coverage of MSDE's features, this guide demonstrates how to make the most of this database engine using SQL Server Enterprise Manager, Access 2000, SQL commands, Visual Studio®, and DMO. Plus, you'll get pointers on providing scalable database solutions, securing your applications, monitoring and maintaining your databases, and more! Inside, you'll find complete coverage of Microsoft® SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine

• Determine when and why to use MSDE
• Install and configure MSDE
• Understand the MSDE architecture and database structures
• Build custom applications
• Implement security features
• Deploy and administer MSDE applications
• Retrieve and modify data
• Monitor and maintain databases
• Migrate existing solutions that use Microsoft Jet Database Engine

The CD-ROM includes all example code from the book Shareware programs are fully functional, free trial versions of copyrighted programs. If you like particular programs, register with their authors for a nominal fee and receive licenses, enhanced versions, and technical support. Freeware programs are free, copyrighted games, applications, and utilities. You can copy them to as many PCs as you like-free-but they have no technical support.

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