Learn how to produce amazing, high-performance, three-dimensional pictures in Visual Basic or C# by using Direct3D.
by Rod Stephens
November 28, 2007
irect3D is Microsoft's high-performance, three-dimensional graphics library. Using Direct3D, you can build amazing scenes containing hundreds or even thousands of three-dimensional shapes, three-dimensional charts and graphs, surfaces that change in real time, and even arcade-style action games. In fact, Direct3D is the graphical part of XNA (which believe it or not stands for "XNA's Not Acronymed"), Microsoft's game platform development environment for Windows and Xbox 360. You can find more information on XNA at the XNA Developer Center.
Direct3D is a huge topic, so this is the first in a series of articles. This article explains how to get started with Direct3D—how to download and install the Direct3D SDK, create a Direct3D device, and draw three-dimensional objects on the device. You'll see how to color the objects explicitly and how to remove surfaces that should be hidden. Later articles will explain such topics as textures, shading, and game-related topics.
It's quick, easy and you get access to all the articles on DevX.
This registration/login is to allow you to read articles on devx.com. Already a member?
To become a member of DevX.com create your Member Profile by completing the form below. Membership is free!
irect3D is Microsoft's high-performance, three-dimensional graphics library. Using Direct3D, you can build amazing scenes containing hundreds or even thousands of three-dimensional shapes, three-dimensional charts and graphs, surfaces that change in real time, and even arcade-style action games. In fact, Direct3D is the graphical part of XNA (which believe it or not stands for "XNA's Not Acronymed"), Microsoft's game platform development environment for Windows and Xbox 360. You can find more information on XNA at the 
