   Releasing an executable
  Like a noob, I've been downloading and using the most recent version of directx as soon as they release the SDK.  Now its time to actually release a build...I'm trying to keep my download small (around 10-20 MBs), and I would rather not include any directx files in that download.  What are my options?I'd like to get my game working with DX 8.1, but I can't find the SDK's on microsoft's website.  All I can seem to find is the SDK extras for 8.1.  I've seen pixel shader demos programmed in dx 8.1.  What, if anything, would I be using that isn't compatible with 8.1?  My pixel shaders are no higher than version 2.0.  I'm using DirectMusic, but I don't think thats been changed recently.Or should I be aiming for 9.0b or 9.0c?  Like I said, I just want people (not just gamers) to be able to play the game without having to install dx.  I'm sure any self-serving gamer would have 9.0c installed, but what about mom and dad :)I was pretty disappointed when I found out the newer SDKs (since December '05 i think) would not run unless the end-user had the most recent dx releases.   
  Well if you're doing all your code in DirectX8, then there's absolutely no real reason to download and use each SDK, as they don't update that stuff anymore (all new advancements are to 9)As far as I know, DirectX8.0 only uses ASM shaders, if you're expecting to use HLSL, I think you're out of luck in that department. I'm not too informed because I went straight from DirectX7.0 to 9.0, and only used 8 when I did some work in VB6. You might and probably already do know this, I'm just putting it out there in case.Honestly speaking if you plan on doing any directx 9 things, you're going to have to either distribute DirectX with your program or link it to be downloaded, unless, of course that you don't use any D3DX functions, but I gather that wont be the case if you're using pixel shaders.I think DirectX Web Installs only updates the parts that needs to, meaning if you distribute the web install, only minimal data is downloaded. Although it can be an issue because in 9.0 they made it so you need the exact version installed at least once to get the d3dx dll you need.All in all, I suppose my reply isn't that helpful, but I hope you figure this out.   ;Quote:Original post by FlimflamWell if you're doing all your code in DirectX8, then there's absolutely no real reason to download and use each SDK, as they don't update that stuff anymore (all new advancements are to 9)As far as I know, DirectX8.0 only uses ASM shaders, if you're expecting to use HLSL, I think you're out of luck in that department. I'm not too informed because I went straight from DirectX7.0 to 9.0, and only used 8 when I did some work in VB6. You might and probably already do know this, I'm just putting it out there in case.Honestly speaking if you plan on doing any directx 9 things, you're going to have to either distribute DirectX with your program or link it to be downloaded, unless, of course that you don't use any D3DX functions, but I gather that wont be the case if you're using pixel shaders.I think DirectX Web Installs only updates the parts that needs to, meaning if you distribute the web install, only minimal data is downloaded. Although it can be an issue because in 9.0 they made it so you need the exact version installed at least once to get the d3dx dll you need.All in all, I suppose my reply isn't that helpful, but I hope you figure this out.I couldn't find the 8.1 sdk, so I downloaded the 9.0c (i think Summer '04) sdk.  My prog compiled without any warnings/erros.  I erased my d3d9_24(-30).dll files and, and I haven't had a problem since.  I've read that 9.0c comes with the Windows XP SP2.  I've also read that something like 98% of computers that were 1.6+ GHz shipped with windows XP.I guess we'll see how many people have trouble with it.  Depending on the size of the redistrabutable files, we may include them with the installer.PS: Compiling with 9.0c generated a 1.45 Mb exe file.    Compiling with 2nd Most recent DX SDK: 385 Kb.   ;Quote:Original post by blaze02PS: Compiling with 9.0c generated a 1.45 Mb exe file.    Compiling with 2nd Most recent DX SDK: 385 Kb.That's the old static linking in D3DX. It was only recently moved to a DLL (that's what started the whole DLL problem in the first place). In the case of the newer SDK, the extra data is in the DLL file. Since you can't assume everyone has it, you need to distribute it too, and it's bigger than the difference.I think going with an early release of DX9c is a good idea.   