The future of 3D grahics programming with managed code (Microsoft technology)

Hi!

I would like to ask some information about the future of 3D graphics programming with the managed code. Yesterday, I came across an article where I read that Microsoft(MS) will stop the developoment of DirectX with the managed code, with the managed code I mean C#, Whidbey C++ and VB.

The question I have in my mind is : "What's next ".  I have been developing numerical simulators during the last two years. My preffered language is (Managed)C++. The reason I chose Managed C++ is that - I thought that - I can use the MS technology in other parts of the developement, in addition I develop a code which is consistent with the C++ norms, altough Whidbey C++ is violing the traditional C++ syntax - I would not predict this two years ago when I started with my project.

I started to develop the "visual" part with C# DirectX. Now I am coding "it" with Managed C++ and I intend to finish it during the summer.

The graphical presentation of results and interactive data entrance are the essential parts of my program. If MS stops the development of the DirectX with the managed code, the code I develop will have a limited time of existence because the graphics is streed by DirectX, thus interaction between the graphics and the main code will come to stop.

You see as a developer you have to make a decision at the end of the day whether you are willing to put more efforts to maintain the MS' technology or you're going to choose a "less" painless alternative. That is, I am considering to choose a platform independent solution with OpenGL because I can spend less effort to maintain my code in stead of following MS' technology. However, I do not want to completely cut the MS technology either. That is the dilemma I have now.

My information related to DirectX10 or "longhorn" is very limited right now so I do not know what kind of programming language they are using there. I appreciate for your recommendations and suggestions for the future development of my code.

Regards,
M.

Thank you very much The ZMan. You have allways been helpfull. Just to make it clear that I do not know if OpenGL is more compatible with my goals but I believe MS technology will be a better alternative - but the OpenGL might be the "only" alternative in the near future.

This is a quick response just to provide you the link you required. I will then visit your links above. Thank you very much again.

http://www.riemers.net/eng/tutorials.php and see under (I put it into quoatation mark)

XNA using C#

Released in December 2006, XNA is intended to push the ease of game programming to the extreme. XNA is new wrapper around native DirectX. "As development on a new version of Managed DirectX has been cancelled", XNA can be thought of as the new version of Managed DirectX.....

Regards

M.

Thank you very much for the links. The Tao-Framework can be an emergency exit. I really appreciate it.

I have to dissapoint you that my company is STILL a small one , but who knows in the future I might be able to call Bill Gates personally .

Regards

M