   What API should I start with?
  So far, I've kinda got the basics of C++ down pat, and though I can't call myself an expert, I feel that I know enough to start branching off and experiment.  (That and I'm kind of tired of looking at the C++ Primer book and just want to go on my own for a bit)So with that in mind, I want to create a 2D game, as I realize trying to go 3D is beyond my capabilities at the moment.  I eventually want to get into DirectX, but should that be the API that I should start out with?Basicly what I'm asking is, should I start off in a different API, like SDL? Or should I just dive right into DirectX?   
  If you really want to get into the DirectX field you could try Direct2D; however, SDL would be a good place to start you could also try SFML there are a handful of other libraries you could try but working with layers that are higher than D3D and OGL are a good place to start till one has a solid foundation.   ;  +1 to SDL.  Wish I started out with it years ago instead of tooling around with Allegro.   ;  Thank you for your advice.  I guess I'll try SDL or SFML, probably SFML.As for SFML, can you recommend any good tutorials/guides?  I know Lazy Foo's is a good tutorial on SDL, but I guess that doesn't apply to SFML, so I'm hoping you might be able to direct me to some good ones. If not, I'll just try and find some on my own.   ;  Keep in mind that the graphics part of SFML is built on top of OpenGL. It's possible to use it without touching the OpenGL, but if what you really want is to get into DirectX that might not be the way you want to go. If you're not set on DX and have any interest in OpenGL than you can grow from SFML easily into it.   ;  Disclaimer: There are various paths where you can start, whichever suits you.I used to do volunteer work to teach beginners how to start game programming. I think your situation fits to my presentation and step-by-step tutorial source codes here. You can skip the formalities in the beginning of the presentation of course. Let me know what you think about it.The presentation uses C++ and SDL, and frankly that presentation was made while I was learning SDL at that time (because I don't normally use SDL in my work).-edit-Also, if you are really going to focus on SDL then you would probably ask the same question as this guy from another thread. The posts there are helpful too.[Edited by - AndreiVictor on June 6, 2010 11:24:24 PM]