   slot machine
  I am builiding a slot machine using dx9 and c++.What should I do before I begin to code.
I am builiding a slot machine using dx9 and c++.What should I do before I begin to code.Make a design, create art assets, and provide more information about your project.Make a design: You need to know what you are making before you make it. Detail how the slot machine should work, what components it has, ect. That will make coding easier.Create art assets: Having the art designed will make programming a simpler task. If the art isn't ready yet, then make programmer art as a standin. provide more information: We can't really help if you don't provide more then a sentence about your project. Good luck!   ;  well I am getting paid to   use dx9 and c++ and I have used them before.I need some sprites and a background for this slot machine I would prefer to use bmp files.   ;well I am getting paid to   use dx9 and c++ and I have used them before.I need some sprites and a background for this slot machine I would prefer to use bmp files.Why would you use bmp files? I would recommend jpg files for backgrounds and png files for sprites. If you are getting paid to do this, do you not have an art budget? I guess I am not really sure what questions you are having... Your vague question and posting in the For Beginners forum is a bit contradictory to you performing work for pay. I surely hope you have a signed contract with the individual that you are working for... I have been burned enough on freelance programming gigs to know that you need to be really careful doing work for hire... not everyone is as trustworthy as you might wish them to be sadly :\ .Why is the person who hired you restricting you to C++/DX9? Is there a reason? Did you bring up the potential to use other dev tools with a faster turn around time? When I did freelance time was a major asset. If you can do it quicker then that was considered to be a good thing.... Just make sure you are considering all your options. Also with programming (and especially freelance programming) you should never use the excuse that your going to stick to a language/tech because that is what you know. Having a wide skill set with a large number of languages is very beneficial.Also I see it as a big of a "red flag" that someone would randomly pay for a slot machine (I assume the gambling device) to be created for the windows platform... What exactly is the return on investment there? I could understand making something for mobile platforms, or creating a web based slot machine (that would make sense)...  Something just doesn't sound right with the whole deal, so I would be very careful.EDIT: Also be VERY careful with where you get your art assets from if this is a commercial venture. Hire an artist or make the graphics yourself. Do NOT use anything on the internet even if it appears "free" without talking to a lawyer first! A lot of free art work out there has a bunch of noncommercial use clauses in it... so be careful once again...   ;  thanks for the advice and yes I will be careful.   ;I am builiding a slot machine ... I am getting paidThis should set of warning alarms.Depending on where you live, selling any kind of gambling program may be either heavily regulated or banned outright.Hopefully you are aware of the legal restrictions in your area.I need some sprites and a background for this slot machine I would prefer to use bmp files.[/quote]Hire are artist.  If you can't find one on your own, visit your nearest college or university and ask an art student if they want to make a few bucks.  Make sure you get either a proper contract that assigns rights to you in a way that meets the requirements of your own agreement.  That will probably mean exclusive transferable rights.  Shouldn't be hard to convince your artist, but know in advance what you need.;  actually we have a couple of artists,  I just wanted something to start on.   ;I am builiding a slot machine using dx9 and c++.What should I do before I begin to code.well I am getting paid to   use dx9 and c++ and I have used them before.I need some sprites and a background for this slot machine I would prefer to use bmp files.actually we have a couple of artists,  I just wanted something to start on.Do you really feel right taking someone's money to do something you don't know how to do?   ;  Do you make decisions on your own, or do you always ask for confirmation? And do you even get paid for this? Sorry to say this, but that's just WTF   