C++/CX: DirectXTK, an interesting design helper tool
The DirectXTK or DirectX Tool Kit is a bunch of classes that you can reuse in your game design if you want to implement a game engine for specific work effort. One of the confusing problem that many have with C++/CX DirectX is: Why? You could use Unity or a purchased Game Engine. But that is the reason, usually there are costs that can be significant, which is a good thing for many designers. But there is always room for another improved game engine.
And if you want to get known as a hot shot developer who attracts intelligent designers, then a game engine you can own and understand deeply is a good way to show off your skills in software design, test management, and version control. Later you could keep costs down by developing your own line of games for a number of platforms.
Now let’s put “optics” on the DirecTXTK
I never get the whole “optics” thing, but thought it sounded cool. First download the DirectXTK from Codeplex:DirectX Tool Kit , the tool kit will be maintained at that link which works as of Sept. 4, 2013.
Documentation for the DirectX Tool Kit can be found at: https://directxtk.codeplex.com/wikipage?title=DirectXTK&referringTitle=Documentation
Some links that are also duplicated at: https://directxtk.codeplex.com/wikipage?title=Resources&referringTitle=Documentation
DirectX SDK and Games for Windows Blog
https://blogs.msdn.com/b/chuckw/archive/2013/07/01/where-is-the-directx-sdk-2013-edition.aspx
https://blogs.msdn.com/b/chuckw/archive/2013/02/26/directx-11-1-and-windows-7-update.aspx
https://blogs.msdn.com/b/chuckw/archive/2013/01/27/directxtk-update.aspx
https://blogs.msdn.com/b/chuckw/archive/2012/11/30/direct3d-sdk-debug-layer-tricks.aspx
https://blogs.msdn.com/b/chuckw/archive/2012/11/19/windows-imaging-component-and-windows-8.aspx
https://blogs.msdn.com/b/chuckw/archive/2012/11/14/directx-11-1-and-windows-7.aspx
https://blogs.msdn.com/b/chuckw/archive/2012/09/17/dual-use-coding-techniques-for-games.aspx
https://blogs.msdn.com/b/chuckw/archive/2012/06/20/direct3d-feature-levels.aspx
https://blogs.msdn.com/b/chuckw/archive/2012/05/07/hlsl-fxc-and-d3dcompile.aspx
https://blogs.msdn.com/b/chuckw/archive/2012/03/02/directxtk.aspx
https://blogs.msdn.com/b/chuckw/archive/2011/10/28/directxtex.aspx
https://blogs.msdn.com/b/chuckw/archive/2012/03/22/where-is-the-directx-sdk.aspx
https://blogs.msdn.com/b/chuckw/archive/2012/05/04/direct3d-11-textures-and-block-compression.aspx
https://blogs.msdn.com/b/chuckw/archive/2010/02/05/the-dds-file-format-lives.aspx