Gamemaker Studio - C++

Gamemaker Studio is a popular game development engine that allows developers to create games without the need for advanced programming knowledge. While its primary language is GML (Gamemaker Language), it also offers support for C++ programming.

What is C++?

C++ is a powerful programming language that is widely used to create complex applications, including video games. It is an extension of the C programming language, with added features such as object-oriented programming and classes.

Why use C++ in Gamemaker Studio?

Although Gamemaker Studio primarily uses GML for its game logic, there are a few reasons why a developer might choose to use C++ instead:

1. Performance - C++ is a lower-level language than GML, which means it can run faster and be more efficient in certain situations.

2. Advanced Features - C++ offers advanced features such as pointers and memory management that may be necessary for certain game mechanics.

3. Existing C++ Code - If a developer already has existing C++ code that they want to integrate into their game, they can use the C++ extension in Gamemaker Studio to accomplish this.

How to use C++ in Gamemaker Studio

To use C++ in Gamemaker Studio, follow these steps:

1. Open a new or existing project in Gamemaker Studio.
2. Click on the "Settings" button at the top of the screen.
3. Click on the "Windows (YYC)" tab.
4. Check the box next to "Enable C++11 Support (Early Access)".
5. Click "Apply" and then "OK".
6. In the "Scripts" section of the project, create a new script with the extension ".cpp".
7. Start writing your C++ code in this new script.

#include <iostream>

int main()
{
    std::cout << "Hello, World!" << std::endl;
    return 0;
}

Here is an example of a simple "Hello World" program written in C++ within Gamemaker Studio. The program prints the message "Hello, World!" to the console when run.

Conclusion

While Gamemaker Studio primarily uses GML for game logic, the ability to use C++ offers advanced features and improved performance in certain situations. By enabling C++ support in Gamemaker Studio, developers can incorporate their own C++ code directly into their games.