Appendix B. Installing DirectX and Using the C/C++ Compiler

The most important part of the CD that you must install is the DirectX SDK and runtime files. The installation program is located within the DIRECTX\ directory, along with a README.TXT file explaining any last-minute changes.

When you're installing DirectX, pay attention to the location where the installer places the SDK files. You will have to point your compiler's LIB and HEADER search paths appropriately when you want to compile.

In addition, when you install the DirectX SDK, the installer will also ask if you want to install the DirectX runtime files. You need the runtime files as well as the SDK to run the programs. However, there are two versions of the runtime libraries:

Debug— This version has hooks for debugging and is the one that I suggest you install for development. However, your DirectX programs will run a little slower.

Retail— This version is the full release retail consumer version that you would expect a user to have. It's faster than the Debug version. You can always install this one on top of the Debug version later if you want.

Finally, by the time I finish this book, Microsoft will have approximately six more versions of DirectX. Make sure to keep up-to-date with the SDK by visiting the DirectX site from time to time:

http://www.microsoft.com/directx/