How to switch from console applications to graphical (window)?

Question

Programming

Good evening,
After a long time of studying and practicing C++, I want to move on to something more serious. And specifically to write graphical applications with a user interface, well, at least it's trite to be able to "create a window", instead of working with the console. (in simple terms - how do I get started using the GUI?)
Where do I start and what libraries do I need to learn? Maybe there are some books or courses with lectures that I don't know about. Honestly, I tried to search in various languages, but did not find anything worthwhile other than the Qt framework, but I want to do without it for now. (If it's possible because I want to specialize in game development soon) Maybe I should look into windows.h
Any advice, tips or resources would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Creating a GUI using WinAPI is, of course, very useful from the point of view of its development, but ... now few people are doing it. There's Qt, there's GTK, there's <insert your name>, which greatly simplifies the development of user interfaces. If you need to create complex interfaces (think MS Office or Adobe Photoshop) - you should choose one of these and use it, but in the case of game development, the situation is slightly different: in games, this kind of interface is usually not needed. Generally. There is usually only one "main menu" and a few interface elements that bear little resemblance to what you see in the average application. Therefore (personal opinion) if you want to develop games, you should study what is more in demand in them - for example SDL .SDL Game Development and writing. After some time, you will be making 2D games without problems (with sound, sprites, keyboard/mouse/joystick, normal levels, etc.) and, at the same time, you will understand the principles of creating the architecture of such projects. And then look in the direction of any physical engines or delve into graphics (OpenGL / DirectX).

Answer 2

In vain you say that Qt is not suitable for creating games. Look, for example, at Dungeon Defenders 2 - a fairly popular game on Steam, which is written specifically in Qt. This is not the only example, just the first one that came to mind. Qt provides truly great opportunities for developing GUI applications.