What are the basics of using SFML for graphics in C++?

What are the basics of using SFML for graphics in C++?

SFML, or Simple and Fast Multimedia Library, is a great tool for graphics in C++. It provides a simple interface to create windows, handle events, and draw shapes.

How do I create a window using SFML?

To create a window in SFML, you can use the sf::RenderWindow class. Here's a simple example:

#include <SFML/Graphics.hpp>

int main() {
    sf::RenderWindow window(sf::VideoMode(800, 600), "My Window");
    while (window.isOpen()) {
        sf::Event event;
        while (window.pollEvent(event)) {
            if (event.type == sf::Event::Closed)
                window.close();
        }
        window.clear();
        window.display();
    }
    return 0;
}

What shapes can I draw with SFML?

SFML allows you to draw various shapes like circles, rectangles, and lines. You can use classes like sf::CircleShape, sf::RectangleShape, and sf::Vertex for drawing.

Can I load and display images in SFML?

Yes, you can load images using the sf::Texture class and display them with sf::Sprite. Here's a quick example:

sf::Texture texture;
if (!texture.loadFromFile("image.png")) {
    // handle error
}

sf::Sprite sprite(texture);
window.draw(sprite);