A First SFML 2.0 Project in Visual Studio [dpctd]

In this video I show you how to make a first project file in Visual Studio or Visual C++ Express which uses SFML 2.0.

The main focus of the lesson is setting up the search directories for the compiler and linker, and linking the actual SFML 2.0 libraries:
sfml-graphics[-s][-d].lib
sfml-audio[-s][-d].lib
sfml-window[-s][-d].lib
sfml-system[-s][-d].lib
sfml-network[-s][-d].lib
where the optional -s is for static and the optional -d is for debug.

Note that when linking with the static libraries, one must define the global compiler macro SFML_STATIC.

Note also that when linking dynamically, one must put the corresponding dynamic libraries in the project directory:
sfml-graphics[-d]-2.dll
sfml-audio[-d]-2.dll
sfml-window[-d]-2.dll
sfml-system[-d]-2.dll
sfml-network[-d]-2.dll

Be aware that (of course!) you need not link static/import libraries or provide dynamic libraries corresponding to modules your are not using.

We compile some test code which you may find here: http://ideone.com/PXw13

Finally, we see how to prevent our SFML application having a console window as well as the GUI window, and we consider additional DLLs needed by SFML.

Notes:
(Thanks for tr1kker for pointing this out)
You must link the C runtime to your library in the same way it was linked to the SFML binaries. I have run out of space in this area, so see the comments section for details on how to change the C runtime used by your project.

Relevant links:
SFML: http://sfml-dev.org
Visual C++ Express: http://www.microsoft.com/express/Downloads/#2010-Visual-CPP
SFML Coder: http://sfmlcoder.wordpress.com/

See also:
Textual 'Building SFML 2.0' Tutorial:
http://sfmlcoder.wordpress.com/2011/05/11/building-sfml-2-0/
Textual 'First Project' Tutorial:
http://sfmlcoder.wordpress.com/2011/05/18/creating-a-first-sfml-project/
Building SFML 2.0 in Visual Studio:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMNlUfvWOwA

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[FacePalmCPP]

Hi, I did everything you've said to do. I got all the Binaries for SFML2. set the linker and all that as you described in your video and i get this:

error C2039: 'IsOpened' : is not a member of 'sf::RenderWindow'

VERY good tutorial by the way.

[SFMLCoder]

@FacePalmCPP Yes. IsOpened() has been renamed IsOpen(). I'll update the video eventually, I just haven't had the chance yet...

And thanks!

[kaleight1]

i put the dll´s in the debug folder of my project. now it works.

[SFMLCoder]

@kaleight1 Great. I'm pretty sure it should also work to put them in the main project directory, provided you are running the program from within the IDE.

[kaleight1]

@SFMLCoder yes that works too

[SFMLCoder]

@kaleight1 Good. Is that not what the video says? If not, I'd better add a note in the video information section, at least until I have to chance to update the video itself.

[Pebiny]

Thank you Sir, you explain it very clearly.

[chechoxque]

amazing tutorial, i'm looking forward for more.

great job!

[Fuzzyanimol]

Thanks man, your videos are really helpful.

[Selenus]

Thank you so much for your videos -- I had such trouble finding a good tutorial for getting started with SFML, and you have come through brilliantly! <3