Introduction

You need the following Simdify® modules to complete all exercises for Windows®: Simdify® Free Edition. Each exercise will tell you if other modules are required.

Simdify is a platform for GPU computing that includes a family of Windows® desktop applications, Simdify Scripting Language, and features to export Simdify documents as complete OpenGL applications. The Layout application allows you to design OpenGL applications and export them to 64-bit versions of Microsoft Windows®. While the exporter supports exporting to other platforms, these exercises show you how to use Simdify to create and export Windows® applications.

The process is as follows:

  1. Use the application on your Windows® development PC to create and debug an OpenGL application.
  2. Export the application layout as a Microsoft Visual Studio® solution file, with all necessary C++ source code and binary files.
  3. Open the solution, compile it into a finished, stand-alone application, and run it.

Basic requirements are as follows:

Item Description
Microsoft Windows® PCYou'll need a PC from 2015 or newer. Your PC must meet the minimum system requirements for Microsoft Visual C++ if you want to export and compile with that application.
RAMYou'll need at least 4GB of RAM, preferably more.
GPUYou'll need a GPU from Intel®, AMD®, or Nvidia® that is capable of running your target version of OpenGL/GLSL. If you want to use compute shaders, you'll need a GPU that supports GLSL 430 or higher.
Microsoft Visual Studio 2017 or higher.Required if you want to compile the exported applications. We include full Simdify Scripting Language source code to the exporter, and full C++ source for the exporter itself, so if you're curious, and technically qualified, the exporter could be adapated to use different compilers on Windows®.
Working KnowledgeThis series assumes you know how to use Microsoft Windows® and Windows® desktop application. We assume that you are familiar with things like the main menus, command/context menus, file explorer windows, as well as how to open and save documents, including text files. If you just want to write shaders and don't want to export documents, you don't need to know how to use Microsoft Visual C++. If you want to export Simdify documents as standalone OpenGL applications, you'll need 3-6 months of experience with Microsoft Visual C++.