What's the best simple graphics library for C++?

[fiorel]

I recently dumped SDL, because it was so complicated to build an executable that would run on different versions of windows. You need lots of extra libraryies to do simple things like loading a jpeg or png file. With all those libraries come the linking nightmares.

I wonder if SDL 2 will be any easier to use...

[NON]

I recently dumped SDL, because it was so complicated to build an executable that would run on different versions of windows. You need lots of extra libraryies to do simple things like loading a jpeg or png file. With all those libraries come the linking nightmares.

Huh, funny. I just went back to SDL because it supports many different operating systems so well, and tends to work really smooth and problem free. And adding another library for extended functionality is no more trouble than setting up the main SDL.

[TheCreator]

I recently dumped SDL, because it was so complicated to build an executable that would run on different versions of windows. You need lots of extra libraryies to do simple things like loading a jpeg or png file. With all those libraries come the linking nightmares.

I wonder if SDL 2 will be any easier to use...

If I were you, I wouldn't worry about linking problems when choosing graphics framework. You will face them anyway, using external libraries or not. And you will face them many times since they are a common problem in C++. No library will save you from them. Better learn how to deal with common problems now so you are prepared for future.

Or write in Java.

OK, the last one was a joke, of course .