Where to start?

I've reached a point now, doing 3D programming in Construct, where it has become painfully obvious that I'm just reinventing the wheel. And my wheel is terribly inefficient, using CPU cycles over GPU cycles in too many cases.

So at this point, after learning as much about 3D programming as I have, I'm thinking making a plug-in is the path I need to be taking. I've attempted to investigate this before, but I could never manage to get the right versions of programs and such to really get anywhere.

I guess my question is, to you guys who have been programming plug-ins:

- What programs are you using/should I be getting?
- Are there any information resources about using said program that you know of that could help?
- Any tips? Things I should look out for?

Any help would be massively appreciated, I'm really keen on getting this happening. Thanks a heap.

OK, for a complicated plugin it'd be preferable to get Visual Studio 2005 or 2008. The debugger's much better than old IDE's you could use.

There's not really indepth tutorials for using it, as it's relatively straightforward - though obviously daunting for a beginner. The essentials are learning to navigate what you need; the resource bar, source files, and the debugger. If you need help on a specific element we can help here.

Good luck! Sorry that isn't more help .

[Ashley]

It might be a case of wrong tool for the job - there are probably better programs out there for 3D right now. While you can get direct access to the runtime's display device (VRuntime::GetD3DDevice() I think), this is all subject to change. I could send the source to 3D Box if you want?

Thanks for the speedy replies , much appreciated. I'll look toward getting myself a copy of VS 2005 or 2008 asap.

[quote="Ashley":3n9sbo7g]It might be a case of wrong tool for the job - there are probably better programs out there for 3D right now. While you can get direct access to the runtime's display device (VRuntime::GetD3DDevice() I think), this is all subject to change. I could send the source to 3D Box if you want?[/quote:3n9sbo7g]
The source for 3D Box would be excellent to look at. Thank you.

Subject to change as in moving away from D3D to become more platform independent?

I guess the problem at this point is I feel I have a considerable amount of time invested in Construct, and the community we've got going here (I lurk almost every day, but post little) regardless of 'better' tools being out there for what I'm trying to achieve.

On top of that, I've learned an absolute tonne of information about the inner workings of 3D in the past 6 months or so. Had I succeeded in my attempt to make a complete 3D engine in Construct though, only I would've been able to get use from it.

This way, if I can get some sort of 3D plugin (or plugins) happening, I can share my work with the community. It would feel far more worth it in that way.

Alrighty, I've got VS2008 happening, and the plug-in SDK seems to be working all good.

Is the 3D Box source available on the CVS (Can't seem to find it)? Or will you need to send it to me?

Thanks again.

[Ashley]

I'll email it to you. Send me a PM.

Ideally it'll all the on the CVS soon, but it's a big job...

[deadeye]

I just wanted to wish you luck on this Glamthaus. Thanks for taking this on

[Ashley]

The 3D box source is actually now on the CVS plugins module. I can still email it too if you want.

That's OK, I got the source off of the CVS .

[quote="deadeye":327ogyy1]I just wanted to wish you luck on this Glamthaus. Thanks for taking this on [/quote:327ogyy1]Thanks mate .

oh shiz will ur plugin be able to load actual mesh info from .3ds or .obj files? id also like to thank you for this, we can all see you care for construct otherwise you wouldn't be making a plugin for a program where 3d is of less importance.

i wish u luck and hope you learn from making this! thats why your doin it righ?