Question 1

How to compile shaders for Sokol?

Accepted Answer

Use the separate sokol-shdc shader cross-compiler tool. You write shaders in a custom format, and it generates C headers for different graphics backends, which you then include in your project—this adds an extra step compared to integrated solutions.

Question 2

Sokol vs SDL for cross-platform development?

Accepted Answer

Sokol is more minimal and lower-level, focusing on graphics and audio APIs with a smaller footprint, while SDL provides a broader feature set including input, networking, and more abstracted APIs. Choose Sokol for lightweight control, SDL for comprehensive out-of-the-box functionality.

Question 3

Is Sokol good for 2D games?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it can handle 2D games via sokol_gfx.h or utility libraries like sokol_gp.h for 2D drawing. It's suitable for lightweight 2D rendering across platforms, as shown in examples like the Pacman clone and Minigolf game.

Question 4

How to handle input in Sokol apps?

Accepted Answer

Use sokol_app.h, which provides event-based input handling for keyboard, mouse, and touch. Set up callbacks in the sapp_desc structure during initialization to respond to events like key presses or mouse movements.

Question 5

Can Sokol be used with modern C++?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it's compatible with C++ as it's written in C, but the API is C-style. You'll need to adapt to C++ conventions manually, and it may not integrate seamlessly with RAII or STL without additional wrappers.

Question 6

How to set up Sokol for WebAssembly?

Accepted Answer

Use Emscripten to compile your code, include Sokol headers, and ensure proper linking. sokol_app.h handles canvas creation and input for the web, with examples available in the live samples showcasing WebAssembly deployment.

Sokol

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