   Visual C++ or SDL/DirectX first?
  I am about done reading a book called Teach yourself C++ in 21 days(its been 4 on day 17:D).  I want to get into game programming so I was wondering if after I am done with this book should I learn Visual C++ or SDL/DirectX?  Thanks for the help.   
  Just get started with SDL.   ;  Ok thank you for the advice.  I think i will indeed check your SDL tutorials.   ;  At the end of the book if you're happy with C++ as a language and you understand some of the harder concepts to grasp such as pointers, templates, data structures and templates, polymorphism and typecasting then go right ahead and move onto SDL.Best of luck to you.   ;  Apples/orangesVisualC++ is an IDE, while SDL and DirectX are APIs(application programming interfaces). But keep learning that C++ as you'll need that.VC++ is a great IDE, but might be a little different at first, and Dev-C++ can handle SDL,DX, ect.Once you have the advanced concepts learned, you should be ready for Win32,DX,SDL,ect.Good luck to ya   