qzdoom/dumb/docs/tutorial.txt

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* /_______/ynamic \____/niversal /__\ /____\usic /| . . ibliotheque
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* tutorial.txt - DUMB Programmers' Tutorial. / / \ \
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* See readme.txt for general information on | \/ /\ /
* DUMB and how to set it up. \_ / > /
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********************
*** Introduction ***
********************
Welcome to the DUMB Programmers' Tutorial!
In order to follow this tutorial, you should already have set Allegro and
DUMB up on your system, including DUMB's support for Allegro and the example
programs. If you have not done so, see readme.txt for details.
You will also need some IT files. If you would like to compose your own, then
first I must offer a word of warning: not everyone is capable of composing
music. Do not assume you will be able to learn the art. By all means have a
go; if you can learn to play tunes on the computer keyboard, you're well on
the way to being a composer!
The best program for the job is Impulse Tracker itself, available from:
http://www.noisemusic.org/it/
This is a DOS program. Users of DOS-incapable operating systems may like to
try ModPlug Tracker, but should be aware that it does not support all
combinations of effects correctly, and some IT files will sound wrong. If you
use a different operating system, or if you know of a better IT editor for
Windows, please give me some links so I can put them here!
ModPlug Tracker is available from: http://www.modplug.com/
If you would like to download IT files composed by other people, check the
following sites:
http://www.modplug.com/
http://www.traxinspace.com/
Once again, if you know of more sites where IT files are available for
download, please let me know.
Once you've got some IT files, we're ready to begin!
Note that support for S3M files has very recently been added to DUMB, but it
is bound to be faulty. I recommend you use IT files in preference until later
releases of DUMB.
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*** Try It Out ***
******************
We'll start simply by running one of the example programs.
Find playit.exe, in the dumb/examples folder. Choose an IT file, and pass it
to playit.exe. In DOS, you can do this by typing 'playit' followed by the
name of the IT file. In Windows, you can drag the IT file and drop it on
playit.exe.
You should now hear the music play back. If not, make sure your speakers are
on and volume is not turned down. Try one of Allegro's example programs. If
you are using DJGPP under Windows, consider using a Windows compiler instead.
If you cannot get it working, see readme.txt for details on seeking help with
DUMB.
When you are satisfied, press any key to stop the music and return to the
operating system.
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*** How Does It Work? ***
*************************
Now load playit.c into your favourite editor. Here is an explanation of what
it does: