I’ve decided that I need to learn Visual C++ for many purposes, one of them is to try to create plugins for Max. I have learnt Borland C before, and only the very basic of it. So forgive my ignorance if I had to ask questions that have been asked before. I have read Sparks documentations, but I am confused so I turned to the trusty people in this trusty forum for assistance.
So, can I create plugins for Max using Visual C++ 2005 express edition? If so, what other things do I need to install? Lastly, would you be so kind as to direct me to where I can get help in starting what I think to be a very tough endeavor?
Thank you so much.
Not possible – the Express edition does not have tools for creating a GUI for a plug-in.
Thanks,
Oleg B.
Thank you OlegB for your prompt reply.
Is Visual Studio 2005 Standard Edition sufficient for the purpose? And are there any other softwares which I need to install like SDK?
It’s completely possible to create 3ds Max plugins with VS 2005 Express Edition but you have to create the resources (.rc) by hand or with an external resource editor software.
See : http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=98&t=489667&page=1
wow… it’s the Ypuech himself… thank you for shedding a ray of hope…
So other than PFLow plugins, I can still use express edition for any other type of plugins?
And, I’ve downloaded free resource editor for called XNResource editor. It’s supposed to work with *.RES files. Is it suitable for creating Max plugins?
It was especially designed for Delphi but if it can create .RES files I think it should work with Visual Studio Express.
If you are going to be doing plugins, then you should get the real tools. You can get visual C++ standard edition for around $125, and that will get you the exact same compiler that we use.
However be sure to read up on the documentation on the autodesk website that you need to get some hotfixes from Microsoft (For visual studio) if you want your plugin to work completely with max.
Chris J.