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Each tutorial will use the base code developed in the previous tutorial. These Stepping Stones tutorials aim to build your knowledge on a step by step basis. You'll start from the bottom and work your way to the top. Each tutorial will teach you a new method or technique.
From tutorial 2 onwards, you'll be required to download and use the Triple Buffer Library (TBL). Do not worry as a lot of effort has been put into making sure that using the TBL does not take away from the tutorial itself. Each tutorial will only use the functionality in the TBL up to the previous tutorial. So Tutorial 3 will use functionality from the TBL that is up to the level of tutorial 2 and nothing later, tutorial 4 will use functionality up to tutorial 3, and etc...
From now onwards each tutorial will have a semi-fixed format. The “Introduction” section will explain what the tutorial will be about. Then the “Definitions” section will define any terms that you may need to know for the rest of the tutorial. The “Theory” section will describe the theory behind what this tutorial will do and then finally the “Code” section will show you the necessary bits of code you’ll need to implement the technique using DirectX. Some of the tutorials will also have an "Extra Reading" section which will contain links to relevant topics covered in the tutorial itself.
Keep in mind that these tutorials will not be teaching you how to use C++ as a language. For that you’ll need a lot of practice and a few good books. Of course if you do have any difficulties do not hesitate to contact us or ask the awesome folks over at the devmaster.net forums for an explanation or two. Also be sure to check the links section for links to some online C++ learning material.
If this is your first dive into the programming side of game development, then I highly suggest you read the introduction to game programming article we've taken the liberty of writing up.