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=== Where can I learn 3D programming and how do I get involved? === | === Where can I learn 3D programming and how do I get involved? === | ||
Contributing to the 2D panel doesn't require any coding at all, just a minimal knowledge of XML syntax (i.e. five minutes' worth) and good skills with drawing and/or paint programs. Every instrument on the current panel, with the partial exception of the magnetic compass, is defined entirely in XML with no custom C++ code. If you want to get started, take a look at John Check's excellent intro (http://rockfish.net/fg/README.xmlpanel). | Contributing to the 2D panel doesn't require any coding at all, just a minimal knowledge of [[XML]] syntax (i.e. five minutes' worth) and good skills with drawing and/or paint programs. Every instrument on the current panel, with the partial exception of the magnetic compass, is defined entirely in XML with no custom C++ code. If you want to get started, take a look at John Check's excellent intro (http://rockfish.net/fg/README.xmlpanel). | ||
Likewise, if you want to create a 3D cockpit for FlightGear, or to create buildings, external aircraft models, etc., your help is *desperately* needed. The only rule is to go easy on the triangles -- a model with 50,000 triangles probably won't be usable in FlightGear, and one with 5,000 triangles, only marginally. If you can design a nice 3D cockpit interior for | Likewise, if you want to create a 3D cockpit for FlightGear, or to create buildings, external aircraft models, etc., your help is *desperately* needed. The only rule is to go easy on the triangles -- a model with 50,000 triangles probably won't be usable in FlightGear, and one with 5,000 triangles, only marginally. If you can design a nice 3D cockpit interior for in a 3D design program such as [[AC3D]] or [[PPE]], there may be coders who will be happy to add the support code in the C++. | ||
If, on the other hand, you really want to get your hands dirty with C++ coding, you'll have to buy a good | If, on the other hand, you really want to get your hands dirty with C++ coding, you'll have to buy a good [[OpenG]]L book eventually. However, FlightGear uses a high-level library, [[PLIB]], that hides most of the details of OpenGL. To get started with 3D C++ coding, you can take a look at the plib documentation and learn only as much OpenGL as you need, when you need it. | ||
=== How do I add an airport? === | === How do I add an airport? === |
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