SDL_bgi is a multiplatform, SDL2-based GRAPHICS.H implementation.
The name refers to BGI, the Borland Graphics Interface that was the
'de facto' standard in PC graphics back in DOS days; it was made
popular by Borland Turbo C/C++ compilers. I wrote SDL_bgi because
I wanted a simple to use but fast graphics library for my experiments
with fractals and cellular automata, using the BGI syntax I'm used to.
SDL_bgi is almost completely compatible with the BGI implementation
in Turbo C 2.01 and Borland C++ 1.0; for instance, it compiles and
runs the original bgidemo.c. SDL_bgi also provides nearly full
compatibility with another BGI implementation, WinBGIm (see links
below). One of the aims of SDL_bgi is the preservation of old
software written for BGI; but not only that.
SDL_bgi provides graphics primitives, and is much easier to use than
plain SDL2. It should be especially useful for beginners, i.e. in
introductory programming courses. SDL_bgi is pretty fast and very
easy to use, and it also provides extensions for ARGB colours, mouse
support, vector fonts, and multiple windows. Native SDL2 functions can
be used alongside SDL_bgi functions. SDL_bgi can be used by C++
programs, too.
SDL_bgi should compile on any platform supported by SDL2; it has
been tested on GNU/Linux, MS Windows (MSYS2 + Mingw-w64, CodeBlocks,
Dev-C++), macOS (High Sierra and Catalina), Raspios (ARM, i386), and
WebAssembly (Emscripten). A few example programs are provided in the
test/ directory.
Links:
-
SDL_bgihome page: http://sdl-bgi.sourceforge.io/ -
The SDL library: https://www.libsdl.org/
-
BGI on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borland_Graphics_Interface
-
WinBGIm, a BGI port for Windows: http://www.codecutter.net/tools/winbgim/
-
Xbgi, a BGI XLib port: http://libxbgi.sourceforge.net/
-
Borland Turbo C 2.01 online emulator: https://archive.org/details/msdos_borland_turbo_c_2.01
This library is licensed under the Zlib license; please see the enclosed file LICENSE.
Brought to you by Guido Gonzato, PhD