Loading PNG Files with Visual C++: A Simple Approach

When working on a project that requires loading PNG files, developers often encounter challenges, especially when trying to integrate libraries that are not designed for their specific programming language or environment. In this case, I encountered issues while attempting to load PNG files in my C++ program using OpenGL.

Initially, I tried using the standard C versions of libraries that I was already familiar with in C++, but this approach had several drawbacks. The resulting executable file size increased significantly, and I wasn't comfortable working with functions that were unfamiliar to me since I only used their C++ equivalents. This experience motivated me to explore alternative solutions.

After downloading zlib, which is a crucial library for libpng, I discovered png++, a simple-to-use function that can read PNG files. However, the documentation provided was lacking, making it difficult for me to understand how to implement the library effectively. As someone with limited knowledge in compression and dynamic linking, I decided to seek out an existing library that could simplify the process.

I required a library that could load PNG files into RAM as pixel rectangles before loading them onto the GPU as texture objects. My ultimate goal was to create a 2D graphics library using C++ and OpenGL. After conducting thorough research, I found a suitable library that met my requirements.

In this article, I'll outline the steps I took to successfully integrate the chosen library into my project, avoiding the pitfalls of memory waste and documentation confusion. By following these guidelines, developers can load PNG files seamlessly in their Visual C++ projects and focus on creating high-quality 2D graphics using OpenGL.

Visual c load png