The general CS FAQ for newbies
Q:
What is Crystal Space?A: Crystal Space is a free and open source 3d application framework. The heart of CS is the OpenGL renderer, but it provides solutions to playing sounds (even 3D), handling inputs (keyboard, mouse, joystick), you can use many scripting langeuge, and
it has many other components, that you can use in your game. Crystal Space supports many platforms (Windows, Linux, MacOS),
so you can develop portable applications easily.
Q:
There is more Crystal Space version in the Downloads section. What is good for me? A: The old
0.98 version is really old
- never use it. The new
pseudostable
version is much better - but I recommend you the
svn- version - this version contents the newest features.
Q:
How can I install Crystal Space?A: Yo have to compile from source. That means,you need a compiler (gcc or VisualC++) the CS sources and dependencies to do
this. There is a
binary package for artist with installer (for Windows only), and a
CELStart
scripting enviroment (for Windows and Linux).
Q:
I want to make an FPS/RTS/MMMORPG/racing/etc game. Crystal Space is good for me? A: Yes. Crystal Space is a general framework, you can develop with CS any type of game (and not just games). Some
examples:
Crystal Core is an FPS,
Planeshift is an MMORPG,
Bonez Adventures is a
rpg/aventure game. The only limit is your fantasy.
Q:
I'm a non-programmer. Can I use Crystal Space without porgramming? A: Crystal Space is a software development kit (SDK), written in c++. You need coding in c++, or Python at least, when you
use CelStart. The
CrystalBlend is a
Blender plugin to create CS and CEL based games.
Q:
What is CEL?A: The Crystal Entity Layer (CEL) is an entity handling system for Crystal Space. With CEL you can develop games very easy
and fast - you can fid more information in the
CEL manualQ:
How can I find tutorials for CS? A: There is a few tutorial in the
CS manuall - I know, you need more. The CS community site contents other tutorials - the site
need a great update, the materials are very old. Other tutorials work in progress.
Q:
I have issues, when I try to compile CS. What can I do?A: First, read the manual (RTFM) , maybe you find the solution. Second, search on this forum - many problem has been solved
on this site. Last: ask on this forum, or by mailing list.
Q:
I succesfully compiled CS, but I can't compile my own aplication. What can I do? A: Read the
Creating an External project section in the manual.
Q:
Why so hard to use Crystal Space? A: CS is not a hard to use project - many people use it every day. Ok, it uses some strange concepts and solutions - but you
can learn it - is not so hard.