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DirectComposition in Action

by Kenny Kerr

Learn how to use DirectComposition to easily produce high-performance visual effects with the Windows composition engine.

What you'll learn

DirectComposition is the primary API for the Windows composition engine. Have you ever wondered what the DWM process is up to? Did you wish you could tap into some of its power? Then this course is for you. The DirectComposition API enables you to build the highest-performance native graphics applications using a "retained mode" graphics API. The composition engine retains a visual tree of bitmaps that may be rendered with "immediate mode" graphics APIs such as Direct2D or Direct3D. You get the best of both worlds and can achieve visual effects at a performance level that was never possible prior to the introduction of the DirectComposition API. This course will give you a practical tour of the API by showing you how to build a DirectX-based card game from scratch, producing animated transitions for a visually engaging user interface.

About the author

Kenny Kerr is a computer programmer and recognized expert in Windows operating system development and programming languages. Kenny has published numerous articles about the Windows operating system, network security, and C++ for MSDN Magazine as well as other publications. Microsoft has recognized Kenny’s expertise in network and operating system security with the Microsoft MVP Award for security. He has also held the Microsoft MVP Award since 2007 for his contributions to the C++ development co... more

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