14.2 Software Abstraction

Earlier in this book we explored the world of C++, specifically the concept of libraries and SDKs (Software Development Kits), and discussed their availability and how such libraries can make software development simpler by providing reusable classes, functions, and data types for programmers to use in their software. Libraries, then, are a way for programmers to code a general set of classes and functions that can be used for many different applications. This saves time because programmers don't need to create identical or similar classes for different applications; they can simply reuse the same ones. Considering programming in the context of game development, it is often overwhelming to think of all the game programming chores involved, which include: drawing graphics, playing sounds, programming physics so objects react realistically, etc. As a result, programmers look for ready-made sets of libraries and functions, specifically libraries and SDKs developed to make game development easier. The remaining sections of this chapter briefly summarize some of these available libraries and how to obtain them.