When to flip display/ backbuffer/ unresponsive events

When to flip display/ backbuffer/ unresponsive events

manderson

Member #13,821

December 2011

Happy weekend everyone,

I have a question regarding my game. We have made a lot of progress over the last week and we're coming down the home stretch for our audio centric game...A couple things that I can't wrap my head around, however:

##line 576 in code below:

al_set_target_bitmap();

I am currently setting the "mixer" as the target bitmap. My understanding is that it makes this a background so that everything else will be drawn on top of it (in terms of layers)...
al_set_target_backbuffer();

My understanding is that the display needs to be within this paren so that the 'set target bitmap' works...

al_clear_to_color();

Clears the screen obviously...

al_flip_display();

Flips whatever was in the backbuffer to the front of the screen...

Here's my question:

Why is it that when I click on any object it takes a slight movement from the mouse for the screen update to take effect? For instance, ##line 581: I check to see if a left mouse button has been clicked within the buttonOne bitmap. If so, then it sets that button to "on (true)" and the rest within the group to "off (false)". Then ##line 335: the buttonOne.isClicked flag is set to true now so it stops drawing the regular bitmap and draws it as a tinted one instead (reddish).

My understanding is that it is bad practice to do any drawing within the mouse events...however, I had tried putting the logic within ##line 335 into ##line 581 and the bitmap update was more responsive, but then the initial bitmap was not drawn to the screen. Aaarrrghghhh.

Is there a better placement for my backbuffer/display flipping code? For whatever reason, its current placement is optimal so that screen flickering doesn't occur when adjusting the faders.I posted a lot of the code in case you wanted to check it out but my question pertains to the specific numbers listed above. I deleted the arbitrary code such as loading bitmaps, samples, and destroying them. Everything works except the mouse stuff. I know the code/ logic is probably messy as hell but I'd say its a pretty good attempt at a first game

Thanks!

#SelectExpand
   1//
   2//  main.c
   3
   4#include <allegro5/allegro.h>
   5#include <allegro5/allegro_image.h>
   6#include <allegro5/allegro_font.h>
   7#include <allegro5/allegro_ttf.h>
   8#include <allegro5/allegro_primitives.h>
   9#include <allegro5/allegro_audio.h>
  10#include <allegro5/allegro_acodec.h>
  11#include "mainStuff.h"
  12#include <math.h>
  13
  14//GLOBAL VARIABLES
  15bool isRoundOver = false;
  16bool isStartMenu = true;
  17bool isKennyG = false;
  18bool isPDiddy = false;
  19bool isKingTubby = false;
  20bool isDimebagDarrell = false;
  21
  22#define WIDTH 950
  23#define HEIGHT 800
  24
  25//Function Prototypes:
  26void InitFader(Fader *fader, ALLEGRO_BITMAP *faderbmp);
  27void InitMixer(Mixer *mixer, ALLEGRO_BITMAP *mixerbmp);
  28void InitButtons(Button *button, ALLEGRO_BITMAP *buttonbmp);
  29void InitMixButton(MixButton *mixbutton, ALLEGRO_BITMAP *mixbuttonbmp);
  30void SetFaderOne(Fader *faderOne, Mixer *mixer);
  31void SetFaderTwo(Fader *faderTwo, Mixer *mixer);
  32void SetFaderThree(Fader *faderThree, Mixer *mixer);
  33void SetFaderFour(Fader *faderFour, Mixer *mixer);
  34void SetMixer(Mixer *mixer);
  35
  36void SetButtonOne(Button *buttonOne, Mixer *mixer);
  37//SET THE REST OF THE BUTTONS HERE TO THEIR RESPECTIVE SCREEN POSITIONS
  38
  39void SetMixButton(MixButton *mixbutton);
  40void UpdateFaderOne(Fader *faderOne, Mixer *mixer, ALLEGRO_EVENT *ev, ALLEGRO_BITMAP *faderbmp);
  41void UpdateFaderTwo(Fader *faderTwo, Mixer *mixer, ALLEGRO_EVENT *ev, ALLEGRO_BITMAP *faderbmp);
  42void UpdateFaderThree(Fader *faderThree, Mixer *mixer, ALLEGRO_EVENT *ev, ALLEGRO_BITMAP *faderbmp);
  43void UpdateFaderFour(Fader *faderFour, Mixer *mixer, ALLEGRO_EVENT *ev, ALLEGRO_BITMAP *faderbmp);
  44
  45//Main Loop
  46int main (int argc, char **argv)
  47{
//PRIMITIVE VARIABLES
bool done = false;
  bool isScoreCalculated = false;
  
  // Float values for scoring
  //NOT IMPORTANT FOR THIS EXAMPLE
  54
  //used for round counter:
  int i = 1;
  
  //Allegro variables
  ALLEGRO_DISPLAY *display = NULL;
  ALLEGRO_EVENT_QUEUE *event_queue = NULL;
  61
  //font ttf bitmaps
  ALLEGRO_FONT *fontHeader = NULL;
  ALLEGRO_FONT *fontMain = NULL;
  ALLEGRO_FONT *fontScore = NULL;
  66
  //mixer, border, button, fader, and mixbutton bitmaps
  ALLEGRO_BITMAP *mixerbmp = NULL;
  ALLEGRO_BITMAP *mixerborderbmp = NULL;
  ALLEGRO_BITMAP *buttonbmp = NULL;
  ALLEGRO_BITMAP *faderbmp = NULL;
  ALLEGRO_BITMAP *mixbuttonbmp = NULL;
  
  //character bitmaps
  ALLEGRO_BITMAP *kennygbmp = NULL;
  //IN ADDITION TO ALL BITMAPS...
  
      
  //ALLEGRO Samples
  ALLEGRO_SAMPLE *hiphop1 = NULL;
  //IN ADDITION TO ALL SAMPLES...
  82
 // ALLEGRO_SAMPLE *other1 = NULL;
 ALLEGRO_SAMPLE_INSTANCE *hiphop1inst = NULL;
 //IN ADDITION TO ALL SAMPLE INSTANCES...
  86
  //error checking to make sure allegro starts correctly:
  if(!al_init())
  return -1;
  //creates a new display and checks to see if it loaded correctly:
  display = al_create_display(WIDTH, HEIGHT);
  if(!display)
      return -1;
  //this installs the mouse to allow the use of mouse events:
  if (!al_install_mouse()) {
      printf("Could not init mouse!\n");
      return(-1);
  }
  //this loads the image addon to allow the importing/ usage of bitmaps
  if (!al_init_image_addon()) {
      printf("Could not init image addon!\n");
      return(-1);
  }
  //initializes the font addon
  al_init_font_addon();
  
  //this loads the ttf addon to allow importing/ using custom ttf fonts
  if (!al_init_ttf_addon()) {
      printf("Could not init ttf addon!\n");
      return(-1);
  }
  //this is for drawing primitive shapes:
  if (!al_init_primitives_addon()) {
      printf("Could not init primitives addon!\n");
      return(-1);
  }
  
  //creates the audio addon and error checks to make sure it loads
  if (!al_install_audio()) {
      printf("Could not init sound!\n");
      return(-1);
  }
  //initialize the acodec allegro addon and error checks to make sure it loads
  if (!al_init_acodec_addon()) {
      printf("Could not init acodec addon!\n");
      return(-1);
  }
  //Reserve samples:
  al_reserve_samples(16);
       
  
  //dialog boxes bitmaps
  uridialogbmp = al_load_bitmap("uri1.png");
  //and loads the rest of the dialog bitmaps...
 135
  //loads bitmaps for the mixer, border, fader, button and mix button:
  mixerbmp = al_load_bitmap("mixernewbmp.png");
  mixerborderbmp = al_load_bitmap("mixerborder.png");
  faderbmp = al_load_bitmap("fader.png");
  buttonbmp = al_load_bitmap("buttonone.png");
  mixbuttonbmp = al_load_bitmap("mixbutton.png");
 142
  //load bitmaps for all the characters and money:
  moneybmp = al_load_bitmap("moneybmp.png");
  //and loads the rest of the bitmaps...
  
  //Load all the fonts:
  fontHeader = al_load_font("Comic Sans MS Bold.ttf", 50, 0);
  fontMain = al_load_font("Arial.ttf", 18, 0);
  fontScore = al_load_font("EuphemiaCASRegular.ttf", 25, 0);
  
  //Create new Event Queue instance:
  event_queue = al_create_event_queue();
 154
  //loads all the samples into memory
  hiphop1 = al_load_sample("hiphop1.wav");
  //loads the rest of the samples...
 158
  //creates sample instances for all the tracks:
  hiphop1inst = al_create_sample_instance(hiphop1);
  //and the rest of the sample instances...
  
  // Set sample playback mode to LOOP
  //------------------------------------------------------------------
  al_set_sample_instance_playmode(hiphop1inst, ALLEGRO_PLAYMODE_LOOP);
  //and the rest of the playmodes for the songs...
  
  // Attach sample instance to mixer
  //------------------------------------------------------------------
  al_attach_sample_instance_to_mixer(hiphop1inst, al_get_default_mixer());
  //attach the rest of the instances to mixer...
  
  //SET SAMPLE GAINS...
  al_set_sample_instance_gain(hiphop1inst, 0);
  //and inits all sample instance gains to 0 so muted...
 176
  //creates new instances of the mixer and the faders
  Mixer mixer;
  Fader faderOne;
  Fader faderTwo;
  Fader faderThree;
  Fader faderFour;
 183
  //creates new instances of all buttons and the mix button
  Button buttonOne;
  //and all the buttons...
 187
  //initializes the mixer and faders
  InitMixer(&mixer, mixerbmp);
  InitFader(&faderOne, faderbmp);
  InitFader(&faderTwo, faderbmp);
  InitFader(&faderThree, faderbmp);
  InitFader(&faderFour, faderbmp);
  
  //Initialize the buttons to zero...
  InitButtons(&buttonOne, buttonbmp);
  //and all the buttons...
  
  InitMixButton(&mixbutton, mixbuttonbmp);
  
  al_register_event_source(event_queue, al_get_mouse_event_source());
  al_register_event_source(event_queue, al_get_display_event_source(display));
  
  //begins playback for all the samples
  al_play_sample_instance(hiphop1inst);
  //start the samples playing before main loop...
  
  //This is the start of the main game loop
while (!done) {
 210
      //FIRST WE BEGIN ON WITH THE START MENU
      while (isStartMenu && !done) {
          
          //this is the union in which all game events lie: it includes mouse events, etc                
          ALLEGRO_EVENT ev;
          al_wait_for_event (event_queue, &ev);
          
          al_clear_to_color(al_map_rgb(0,0,0));
 219
          //this displays uri's main bitmap
          al_draw_bitmap(urimenubmp, 375, HEIGHT / 2 - al_get_font_line_height(fontHeader), 0);
          
          //this displays uri's main dialog box
          al_draw_scaled_bitmap(uridialogbmp, 0, 0, al_get_bitmap_width(uridialogbmp), 
                                al_get_bitmap_height(uridialogbmp), WIDTH / 2 + 75, HEIGHT / 2 - 100, 
                                al_get_bitmap_width(uridialogbmp) / 2, 
                                al_get_bitmap_height(uridialogbmp) / 2, 0);
          
          //displays the header text on the screen
          al_draw_textf(fontHeader, al_map_rgb(255,0,255), WIDTH / 2, 100, 
                        ALLEGRO_ALIGN_CENTRE, "MIX HERO!!!");
          al_draw_textf(fontMain, al_map_rgb(255,0,255), WIDTH / 2, 100 + 
                        al_get_font_line_height(fontHeader), 
                        ALLEGRO_ALIGN_CENTRE, "(click to begin)");
                      
          al_flip_display();
 237
          if (ev.type == ALLEGRO_EVENT_MOUSE_BUTTON_UP) {
              
              isStartMenu = false;
              al_clear_to_color(al_map_rgb(0,0,0));
 242
          }
          //check event types:
          if (ev.type == ALLEGRO_EVENT_DISPLAY_CLOSE) 
          {
              done = true;
          }
      }
      //we won't use this bitmap anymore...
      al_destroy_bitmap(uridialogbmp);
      
      //this is the while loop where the main gameplay takes place.
      while (!isRoundOver && !done) {
          
          //this is a union that includes all possible game events (mouse input, display close, etc)
          ALLEGRO_EVENT ev;
          al_wait_for_event (event_queue, &ev);
 259
          SetMixer(&mixer);
          
          //these bitmaps display the mixer, its border and uri:
          al_draw_bitmap(mixerbmp, mixer.x, mixer.y, 0);
          al_draw_bitmap(mixerborderbmp, mixer.x, mixer.y, 0); 
          al_draw_bitmap(urimenubmp, 20, HEIGHT / 2 - 100, 0);
          
          //this will display the total score on the screen
          al_draw_textf(fontScore, al_map_rgb(255,255,255), WIDTH / 2, 20, 
                        ALLEGRO_ALIGN_CENTRE, "Cash Money: ");
          
          //this adds space between the dollar sign so that it doesn't collide with the text as numbers get larger:
          if ((jazzScore + rockScore + hiphopScore + reggaeScore) == 0) {
              al_draw_textf(fontScore, al_map_rgb(34,139,34), WIDTH / 2, 20, 
                            ALLEGRO_ALIGN_CENTRE, "               $%d", 
                            jazzScore + rockScore + hiphopScore + reggaeScore);
          }
          //simply shifts the score to the right so it looks nicer on the display
          else {
              al_draw_textf(fontScore, al_map_rgb(34,139,34), WIDTH / 2, 20, 
                            ALLEGRO_ALIGN_CENTRE, "                 $%d", 
                            jazzScore + rockScore + hiphopScore + reggaeScore);
          }
 283
          //these if statements will display each character based on which round it is:
          if (i == 1) {
              al_draw_bitmap(kennygbmp, WIDTH - 250, 140, 0);
              al_draw_scaled_bitmap(kennygdialogbmp, 0, 0, al_get_bitmap_width(kennygdialogbmp), 
                                    al_get_bitmap_height(kennygdialogbmp), WIDTH / 2 + 150, 100, 
                                    al_get_bitmap_width(kennygdialogbmp) / 4, 
                                    al_get_bitmap_height(kennygdialogbmp) / 4, 0);
          }
          if (i == 2) {
              al_draw_bitmap(pdiddybmp, WIDTH - 200, HEIGHT - (al_get_bitmap_height(pdiddybmp) + 40), 0);
              al_draw_scaled_bitmap(pdiddydialogbmp, 0, 0, al_get_bitmap_width(pdiddydialogbmp), 
                                    al_get_bitmap_height(pdiddydialogbmp), WIDTH / 2 + 230, 350, 
                                    al_get_bitmap_width(pdiddydialogbmp) / 4, 
                                    al_get_bitmap_height(pdiddydialogbmp) / 4, 0);
          }
          if (i == 3) {
              al_draw_bitmap(kingtubbybmp, WIDTH - 250, 20, 0);
              al_draw_scaled_bitmap(kingtubbydialogbmp, 0, 0, al_get_bitmap_width(kingtubbydialogbmp), 
                                    al_get_bitmap_height(kingtubbydialogbmp), WIDTH / 2 + 100, 75, 
                                    al_get_bitmap_width(kingtubbydialogbmp) / 4, 
                                    al_get_bitmap_height(kingtubbydialogbmp) / 4, 0);
          }
          if (i == 4) {
              al_draw_bitmap(dimebagbmp, WIDTH - 250, HEIGHT - (al_get_bitmap_height(dimebagbmp) + 25), 0);
              al_draw_scaled_bitmap(dimebagdialogbmp, 0, 0, al_get_bitmap_width(dimebagdialogbmp), 
                                    al_get_bitmap_height(dimebagdialogbmp), WIDTH / 2 + 230, 320, 
                                    al_get_bitmap_width(dimebagdialogbmp) / 4, 
                                    al_get_bitmap_height(dimebagdialogbmp) / 4, 0);
          }
          //these series of if statements will keep the fader in the 'middle position' while it has not been moved:
          if (!faderOne.isMoved) 
          {                
              SetFaderOne(&faderOne, &mixer);
              al_draw_bitmap(faderbmp, faderOne.x, faderOne.y, 0);
          }
          if (!faderTwo.isMoved)
          {
              SetFaderTwo(&faderTwo, &mixer);
              al_draw_bitmap(faderbmp, faderTwo.x, faderTwo.y, 0);
          }
          if (!faderThree.isMoved)
          {
              SetFaderThree(&faderThree, &mixer);
              al_draw_bitmap(faderbmp, faderThree.x, faderThree.y, 0);
          }
          if (!faderFour.isMoved)
          {
              SetFaderFour(&faderFour, &mixer);
              al_draw_bitmap(faderbmp, faderFour.x, faderFour.y, 0);
          }
          //If the buttons are clicked, they turn a different color. If it hasn't been clicked, it is drawn in place
          if (!buttonOne.isClicked) {                
              SetButtonOne(&buttonOne, &mixer);
              al_draw_bitmap(buttonbmp, buttonOne.x, buttonOne.y, 0);
              al_set_sample_instance_gain(hiphop1inst, 0);
          }
          else {
              al_draw_tinted_bitmap(buttonbmp, al_map_rgb(255,0,0), buttonOne.x, buttonOne.y, 0);
          }
          if (!buttonTwo.isClicked) {
              SetButtonTwo(&buttonTwo, &mixer);
              al_draw_bitmap(buttonbmp, buttonTwo.x, buttonTwo.y, 0);
              al_set_sample_instance_gain(rock1inst, 0);
          }
          else {
              al_draw_tinted_bitmap(buttonbmp, al_map_rgb(255,0,0), buttonTwo.x, buttonTwo.y, 0);
          }
          if (!buttonThree.isClicked) {
              SetButtonThree(&buttonThree, &mixer);
              al_draw_bitmap(buttonbmp, buttonThree.x, buttonThree.y, 0);
              al_set_sample_instance_gain(jazz1inst, 0);
          }
          else {
              al_draw_tinted_bitmap(buttonbmp, al_map_rgb(255,0,0), buttonThree.x, buttonThree.y, 0);
          }
          if (!buttonFour.isClicked) {
              SetButtonFour(&buttonFour, &mixer);
              al_draw_bitmap(buttonbmp, buttonFour.x, buttonFour.y, 0);
              al_set_sample_instance_gain(reggae1inst, 0);
          }
          else {
              al_draw_tinted_bitmap(buttonbmp, al_map_rgb(255,0,0), buttonFour.x, buttonFour.y, 0);
          }
          if (!buttonFive.isClicked) {
              SetButtonFive(&buttonFive, &mixer);
              al_draw_bitmap(buttonbmp, buttonFive.x, buttonFive.y, 0);
              al_set_sample_instance_gain(reggae2inst, 0);
          }
          else {
              al_draw_tinted_bitmap(buttonbmp, al_map_rgb(255,0,0), buttonFive.x, buttonFive.y, 0);
          }
          if (!buttonSix.isClicked) {
              SetButtonSix(&buttonSix, &mixer);
              al_draw_bitmap(buttonbmp, buttonSix.x, buttonSix.y, 0);
              al_set_sample_instance_gain(jazz2inst, 0);
          }
          else {
              al_draw_tinted_bitmap(buttonbmp, al_map_rgb(255,0,0), buttonSix.x, buttonSix.y, 0);
          }
          if (!buttonSeven.isClicked) {
              SetButtonSeven(&buttonSeven, &mixer);
              al_draw_bitmap(buttonbmp, buttonSeven.x, buttonSeven.y, 0);
              al_set_sample_instance_gain(rock2inst, 0);
          }
          else {
              al_draw_tinted_bitmap(buttonbmp, al_map_rgb(255,0,0), buttonSeven.x, buttonSeven.y, 0);
          }
          if (!buttonEight.isClicked) {
              SetButtonEight(&buttonEight, &mixer);
              al_draw_bitmap(buttonbmp, buttonEight.x, buttonEight.y, 0);
              al_set_sample_instance_gain(hiphop2inst, 0);
          }
          else {
              al_draw_tinted_bitmap(buttonbmp, al_map_rgb(255,0,0), buttonEight.x, buttonEight.y, 0);
          }
          if (!buttonNine.isClicked) {
              SetButtonNine(&buttonNine, &mixer);
              al_draw_bitmap(buttonbmp, buttonNine.x, buttonNine.y, 0);
              al_set_sample_instance_gain(rock3inst, 0);
          }
          else {
              al_draw_tinted_bitmap(buttonbmp, al_map_rgb(255,0,0), buttonNine.x, buttonNine.y, 0);
          }
          if (!buttonTen.isClicked) {
              SetButtonTen(&buttonTen, &mixer);
              al_draw_bitmap(buttonbmp, buttonTen.x, buttonTen.y, 0);
              al_set_sample_instance_gain(hiphop3inst, 0);
          }
          else {
              al_draw_tinted_bitmap(buttonbmp, al_map_rgb(255,0,0), buttonTen.x, buttonTen.y, 0);
          }
          if (!buttonEleven.isClicked) {
              SetButtonEleven(&buttonEleven, &mixer);
              al_draw_bitmap(buttonbmp, buttonEleven.x, buttonEleven.y, 0);
              al_set_sample_instance_gain(reggae3inst, 0);
          }
          else {
              al_draw_tinted_bitmap(buttonbmp, al_map_rgb(255,0,0), buttonEleven.x, buttonEleven.y, 0);
          }
          if (!buttonTwelve.isClicked) {
              SetButtonTwelve(&buttonTwelve, &mixer);
              al_draw_bitmap(buttonbmp, buttonTwelve.x, buttonTwelve.y, 0);
              al_set_sample_instance_gain(jazz3inst, 0);
          }
          else {
              al_draw_tinted_bitmap(buttonbmp, al_map_rgb(255,0,0), buttonTwelve.x, buttonTwelve.y, 0);
          }
          if (!buttonThirteen.isClicked) {
              SetButtonThirteen(&buttonThirteen, &mixer);
              al_draw_bitmap(buttonbmp, buttonThirteen.x, buttonThirteen.y, 0);
              al_set_sample_instance_gain(reggae4inst, 0);
          }
          else {
              al_draw_tinted_bitmap(buttonbmp, al_map_rgb(255,0,0), buttonThirteen.x, buttonThirteen.y, 0);
          }
          if (!buttonFourteen.isClicked) {
              SetButtonFourteen(&buttonFourteen, &mixer);
              al_draw_bitmap(buttonbmp, buttonFourteen.x, buttonFourteen.y, 0);
              al_set_sample_instance_gain(jazz4inst, 0);
          }
          else {
              al_draw_tinted_bitmap(buttonbmp, al_map_rgb(255,0,0), buttonFourteen.x, buttonFourteen.y, 0);
          }
          if (!buttonFifteen.isClicked) {
              SetButtonFifteen(&buttonFifteen, &mixer);
              al_draw_bitmap(buttonbmp, buttonFifteen.x, buttonFifteen.y, 0);
              al_set_sample_instance_gain(rock4inst, 0);
          }
          else {
              al_draw_tinted_bitmap(buttonbmp, al_map_rgb(255,0,0), buttonFifteen.x, buttonFifteen.y, 0);
          }
          if (!buttonSixteen.isClicked) {
              SetButtonSixteen(&buttonSixteen, &mixer);
              al_draw_bitmap(buttonbmp, buttonSixteen.x, buttonSixteen.y, 0);
              al_set_sample_instance_gain(hiphop4inst, 0);
          }
          else {
              al_draw_tinted_bitmap(buttonbmp, al_map_rgb(255,0,0), buttonSixteen.x, buttonSixteen.y, 0);
          }
          //if the mix button is clicked, the round is over and the Score screen is initiated.
          if (!mixbutton.isMixed) {
              SetMixButton(&mixbutton);
              al_draw_bitmap(mixbuttonbmp, mixbutton.x, mixbutton.y, 0);
          }
          else {
              isRoundOver = true;
          }
          
          //check event types:
          if (ev.type == ALLEGRO_EVENT_DISPLAY_CLOSE) 
          {
              done = true;
          }
          //event will fire if the mouse is moving around inside of window.
          if (ev.type == ALLEGRO_EVENT_MOUSE_AXES) 
          {
              if (ev.mouse.x > WIDTH / 2 - 240 && 
                  ev.mouse.x < WIDTH / 2 - 240 + faderOne.width && 
                  ev.mouse.y > HEIGHT / 2 - 50 && 
                  ev.mouse.y < HEIGHT / 2 + 150 && 
                  ev.mouse.button & 1) {
                  
                  
                  if (buttonOne.isClicked) {
                      al_set_sample_instance_gain(hiphop1inst, (abs( (faderOne.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
                  }
                  if (buttonTwo.isClicked) {
                      al_set_sample_instance_gain(rock1inst, (abs( (faderOne.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
                  }
                  if (buttonThree.isClicked) {
                      al_set_sample_instance_gain(jazz1inst, (abs( (faderOne.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
                  }
                  if (buttonFour.isClicked) {
                      al_set_sample_instance_gain(reggae1inst, (abs( (faderOne.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
                  }
                  UpdateFaderOne(&faderOne, &mixer, &ev, faderbmp);
 500
              }
                  al_draw_bitmap(faderbmp, faderOne.x, faderOne.y, 0);
              
              if (ev.mouse.x > WIDTH / 2 - 127 && 
                  ev.mouse.x < WIDTH / 2 - 127 + faderTwo.width && 
                  ev.mouse.y > HEIGHT / 2 - 50 && 
                  ev.mouse.y < HEIGHT / 2 + 150 && 
                  ev.mouse.button & 1) {
                  
                  if (buttonFive.isClicked) {
                      al_set_sample_instance_gain(reggae2inst, (abs( (faderTwo.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
                  }
                  if (buttonSix.isClicked) {
                      al_set_sample_instance_gain(jazz2inst, (abs( (faderTwo.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
                  }
                  if (buttonSeven.isClicked) {
                      al_set_sample_instance_gain(rock2inst, (abs( (faderTwo.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
                  }
                  if (buttonEight.isClicked) {
                      al_set_sample_instance_gain(hiphop2inst, (abs( (faderTwo.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
                  }
                  UpdateFaderTwo(&faderTwo, &mixer, &ev, faderbmp);
 523
              }
              al_draw_bitmap(faderbmp, faderTwo.x, faderTwo.y, 0);
              
              if (ev.mouse.x > WIDTH / 2 + 95 && 
                  ev.mouse.x < WIDTH / 2 + 95 + faderThree.width && 
                  ev.mouse.y > HEIGHT / 2 - 50 && 
                  ev.mouse.y < HEIGHT / 2 + 150 && 
                  ev.mouse.button & 1) {
                  
                  
                  if (buttonNine.isClicked) {
                      al_set_sample_instance_gain(rock3inst, (abs( (faderThree.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
                  }
                  if (buttonTen.isClicked) {
                      al_set_sample_instance_gain(hiphop3inst, (abs( (faderThree.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));       
                  }
                  if (buttonEleven.isClicked) {
                      al_set_sample_instance_gain(reggae3inst, (abs( (faderThree.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
                  }
                  if (buttonTwelve.isClicked) {
                      al_set_sample_instance_gain(jazz3inst, (abs( (faderThree.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
                  }
                  UpdateFaderThree(&faderThree, &mixer, &ev, faderbmp);
 547
              }
              
              al_draw_bitmap(faderbmp, faderThree.x, faderThree.y, 0);
              
              if (ev.mouse.x > WIDTH / 2 + 199 && 
                  ev.mouse.x < WIDTH / 2 + 199 + faderFour.width && 
                  ev.mouse.y > HEIGHT / 2 - 50 && 
                  ev.mouse.y < HEIGHT / 2 + 150 && 
                  ev.mouse.button & 1) {
                  
                  
                  if (buttonThirteen.isClicked) {
                      al_set_sample_instance_gain(reggae4inst, (abs( (faderFour.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
                  }
                  if (buttonFourteen.isClicked) {
                      al_set_sample_instance_gain(jazz4inst, (abs( (faderFour.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
                  }
                  if (buttonFifteen.isClicked) {
                      al_set_sample_instance_gain(rock4inst, (abs( (faderFour.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
                  }
                  if (buttonSixteen.isClicked) {
                      al_set_sample_instance_gain(hiphop4inst, (abs( (faderFour.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
                  }
                  UpdateFaderFour(&faderFour, &mixer, &ev, faderbmp);
 572
              }
              al_draw_bitmap(faderbmp, faderFour.x, faderFour.y, 0);
 575
              al_set_target_bitmap(mixerbmp);
              al_set_target_backbuffer(display);
              al_flip_display();
              al_clear_to_color(al_map_rgb(0,0,0));
          }
          if (ev.type == ALLEGRO_EVENT_MOUSE_BUTTON_UP) 
          {
              if (ev.mouse.x > buttonOne.x &&
                  ev.mouse.x < buttonOne.x + buttonOne.width &&
                  ev.mouse.y > buttonOne.y &&
                  ev.mouse.y < buttonOne.y + buttonOne.height &&
                  ev.mouse.button & 1) {
                  
                  if (buttonOne.isClicked == false) {
                      buttonOne.isClicked = true;
                      buttonTwo.isClicked = false;
                      buttonThree.isClicked = false;
                      buttonFour.isClicked = false;
                  }
                  else 
                      buttonOne.isClicked = false;
                  
                  al_set_sample_instance_gain(hiphop1inst, (abs( (faderOne.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
              }
              else if (ev.mouse.x > buttonTwo.x &&
                       ev.mouse.x < buttonTwo.x + buttonTwo.width &&
                       ev.mouse.y > buttonTwo.y &&
                       ev.mouse.y < buttonTwo.y + buttonTwo.height &&
                       ev.mouse.button & 1) {
                  
                  if (buttonTwo.isClicked == false) {
                      buttonOne.isClicked = false;
                      buttonTwo.isClicked = true;
                      buttonThree.isClicked = false;
                      buttonFour.isClicked = false;
                  }
                  else 
                      buttonTwo.isClicked = false;
                  
                  al_set_sample_instance_gain(rock1inst, (abs( (faderOne.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));                    
              }
              else if (ev.mouse.x > buttonThree.x &&
                       ev.mouse.x < buttonThree.x + buttonThree.width &&
                       ev.mouse.y > buttonThree.y &&
                       ev.mouse.y < buttonThree.y + buttonThree.height &&
                       ev.mouse.button & 1) {
                  
                  if (buttonThree.isClicked == false) {
                      buttonOne.isClicked = false;
                      buttonTwo.isClicked = false;
                      buttonThree.isClicked = true;
                      buttonFour.isClicked = false;
                  }
                  else
                      buttonThree.isClicked = false;
                  al_set_sample_instance_gain(jazz1inst, (abs( (faderOne.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
              }
              else if (ev.mouse.x > buttonFour.x &&
                       ev.mouse.x < buttonFour.x + buttonFour.width &&
                       ev.mouse.y > buttonFour.y &&
                       ev.mouse.y < buttonFour.y + buttonFour.height &&
                       ev.mouse.button & 1) {
                  
                  if (buttonFour.isClicked == false) {
                      buttonOne.isClicked = false;
                      buttonTwo.isClicked = false;
                      buttonThree.isClicked = false;
                      buttonFour.isClicked = true;
                  }
                  else
                      buttonFour.isClicked = false;
                  al_set_sample_instance_gain(reggae1inst, (abs( (faderOne.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
              }
              else if (ev.mouse.x > buttonFive.x &&
                       ev.mouse.x < buttonFive.x + buttonFive.width &&
                       ev.mouse.y > buttonFive.y &&
                       ev.mouse.y < buttonFive.y + buttonFive.height &&
                       ev.mouse.button & 1) {
                  
                  if (buttonFive.isClicked == false) {
                      buttonFive.isClicked = true;
                      buttonSix.isClicked = false;
                      buttonSeven.isClicked = false;
                      buttonEight.isClicked = false;
                  }
                  else
                      buttonFive.isClicked = false;
                  
                  al_set_sample_instance_gain(reggae2inst, (abs( (faderTwo.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
              }
              else if (ev.mouse.x > buttonSix.x &&
                       ev.mouse.x < buttonSix.x + buttonSix.width &&
                       ev.mouse.y > buttonSix.y &&
                       ev.mouse.y < buttonSix.y + buttonSix.height &&
                       ev.mouse.button & 1) {
                  
                  if (buttonSix.isClicked == false) {
                      buttonFive.isClicked = false;
                      buttonSix.isClicked = true;
                      buttonSeven.isClicked = false;
                      buttonEight.isClicked = false;
                  }
                  else
                      buttonSix.isClicked = false;
                  al_set_sample_instance_gain(jazz2inst, (abs( (faderTwo.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
              }
              else if (ev.mouse.x > buttonSeven.x &&
                       ev.mouse.x < buttonSeven.x + buttonSeven.width &&
                       ev.mouse.y > buttonSeven.y &&
                       ev.mouse.y < buttonSeven.y + buttonSeven.height &&
                       ev.mouse.button & 1) {
                  
                  if (buttonSeven.isClicked == false) {
                      buttonFive.isClicked = false;
                      buttonSix.isClicked = false;
                      buttonSeven.isClicked = true;
                      buttonEight.isClicked = false;
                  }
                  else
                      buttonSeven.isClicked = false;
                  al_set_sample_instance_gain(rock2inst, (abs( (faderTwo.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
              }
              else if (ev.mouse.x > buttonEight.x &&
                       ev.mouse.x < buttonEight.x + buttonEight.width &&
                       ev.mouse.y > buttonEight.y &&
                       ev.mouse.y < buttonEight.y + buttonEight.height &&
                       ev.mouse.button & 1) {
                  
                  if (buttonEight.isClicked == false) {
                      buttonFive.isClicked = false;
                      buttonSix.isClicked = false;
                      buttonSeven.isClicked = false;
                      buttonEight.isClicked = true;
                  }
                  else
                      buttonEight.isClicked = false;
                  al_set_sample_instance_gain(hiphop2inst, (abs( (faderTwo.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
              }
              else if (ev.mouse.x > buttonNine.x &&
                       ev.mouse.x < buttonNine.x + buttonNine.width &&
                       ev.mouse.y > buttonNine.y &&
                       ev.mouse.y < buttonNine.y + buttonNine.height &&
                       ev.mouse.button & 1) {
                  
                  if (buttonNine.isClicked == false) {
                      buttonNine.isClicked = true;
                      buttonTen.isClicked = false;
                      buttonEleven.isClicked = false;
                      buttonTwelve.isClicked = false;
                  }
                  else
                      buttonNine.isClicked = false;
                  
                  al_set_sample_instance_gain(rock3inst, (abs( (faderThree.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
              }
              else if (ev.mouse.x > buttonTen.x &&
                       ev.mouse.x < buttonTen.x + buttonTen.width &&
                       ev.mouse.y > buttonTen.y &&
                       ev.mouse.y < buttonTen.y + buttonTen.height &&
                       ev.mouse.button & 1) {
                  
                  if (buttonTen.isClicked == false) {
                      buttonNine.isClicked = false;
                      buttonTen.isClicked = true;
                      buttonEleven.isClicked = false;
                      buttonTwelve.isClicked = false;
                  }
                  else
                      buttonTen.isClicked = false;
                  al_set_sample_instance_gain(hiphop3inst, (abs( (faderThree.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
 746
              }
              else if (ev.mouse.x > buttonEleven.x &&
                       ev.mouse.x < buttonEleven.x + buttonEleven.width &&
                       ev.mouse.y > buttonEleven.y &&
                       ev.mouse.y < buttonEleven.y + buttonEleven.height &&
                       ev.mouse.button & 1) {
                  
                  if (buttonEleven.isClicked == false) {
                      buttonNine.isClicked = false;
                      buttonTen.isClicked = false;
                      buttonEleven.isClicked = true;
                      buttonTwelve.isClicked = false;
                  }
                  else
                      buttonEleven.isClicked = false;
                  
                  al_set_sample_instance_gain(reggae3inst, (abs( (faderThree.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
              }
              else if (ev.mouse.x > buttonTwelve.x &&
                       ev.mouse.x < buttonTwelve.x + buttonTwelve.width &&
                       ev.mouse.y > buttonTwelve.y &&
                       ev.mouse.y < buttonTwelve.y + buttonTwelve.height &&
                       ev.mouse.button & 1) {
                  
                  if (buttonTwelve.isClicked == false) {
                      buttonNine.isClicked = false;
                      buttonTen.isClicked = false;
                      buttonEleven.isClicked = false;
                      buttonTwelve.isClicked = true;
                  }
                  else
                      buttonTwelve.isClicked = false;
                  al_set_sample_instance_gain(jazz3inst, (abs( (faderThree.y - 549) ) / (float) 198)); 
              }
              else if (ev.mouse.x > buttonThirteen.x &&
                       ev.mouse.x < buttonThirteen.x + buttonThirteen.width &&
                       ev.mouse.y > buttonThirteen.y &&
                       ev.mouse.y < buttonThirteen.y + buttonThirteen.height &&
                       ev.mouse.button & 1) {
                  
                  if (buttonThirteen.isClicked == false) {
                      buttonThirteen.isClicked = true;
                      buttonFourteen.isClicked = false;
                      buttonFifteen.isClicked = false;
                      buttonSixteen.isClicked = false;
                  }
                  else
                      buttonThirteen.isClicked = false;  
                  
                  al_set_sample_instance_gain(reggae4inst, (abs( (faderFour.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
 797
              }
              else if (ev.mouse.x > buttonFourteen.x &&
                       ev.mouse.x < buttonFourteen.x + buttonFourteen.width &&
                       ev.mouse.y > buttonFourteen.y &&
                       ev.mouse.y < buttonFourteen.y + buttonFourteen.height &&
                       ev.mouse.button & 1) {
                  
                  if (buttonFourteen.isClicked == false) {
                      buttonThirteen.isClicked = false;
                      buttonFourteen.isClicked = true;
                      buttonFifteen.isClicked = false;
                      buttonSixteen.isClicked = false;
                  }
                  else
                      buttonFourteen.isClicked = false;  
                  al_set_sample_instance_gain(jazz4inst, (abs( (faderFour.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
              }
              else if (ev.mouse.x > buttonFifteen.x &&
                       ev.mouse.x < buttonFifteen.x + buttonFifteen.width &&
                       ev.mouse.y > buttonFifteen.y &&
                       ev.mouse.y < buttonFifteen.y + buttonFifteen.height &&
                       ev.mouse.button & 1) {
                  
                  if (buttonFifteen.isClicked == false) {
                      buttonThirteen.isClicked = false;
                      buttonFourteen.isClicked = false;
                      buttonFifteen.isClicked = true;
                      buttonSixteen.isClicked = false;
                  }
                  else
                      buttonFifteen.isClicked = false;   
                  al_set_sample_instance_gain(rock4inst, (abs( (faderFour.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));
 830
              }
              else if (ev.mouse.x > buttonSixteen.x &&
                       ev.mouse.x < buttonSixteen.x + buttonSixteen.width &&
                       ev.mouse.y > buttonSixteen.y &&
                       ev.mouse.y < buttonSixteen.y + buttonSixteen.height &&
                       ev.mouse.button & 1) {
                  
                  if (buttonSixteen.isClicked == false) {
                      buttonThirteen.isClicked = false;
                      buttonFourteen.isClicked = false;
                      buttonFifteen.isClicked = false;
                      buttonSixteen.isClicked = true;
                  }
                  else
                      buttonSixteen.isClicked = false; 
                  al_set_sample_instance_gain(hiphop4inst, (abs( (faderFour.y - 549) ) / (float) 198));   
              }
              else if (ev.mouse.x > mixbutton.x &&
                       ev.mouse.x < mixbutton.x + mixbutton.width &&
                       ev.mouse.y > mixbutton.y &&
                       ev.mouse.y < mixbutton.y + mixbutton.height &&
                       ev.mouse.button & 1) {
                  
                  //this flag is set to true so that we enter the score screen when we click the
                  //mix button
                  isRoundOver = true;
                  
                  //the counter variable 'i' is checked before we enter the score screen so that
                  //we enter the correct calculations
                  if (i == 1) 
                      isKennyG = true;
                  if (i == 2)
                      isPDiddy = true;
                  if (i == 3)
                      isKingTubby = true;
                  if (i == 4)
                      isDimebagDarrell = true; 
                  
              }
          }
          //this is the beginning of the score screen where the ratios and score will be calculated
          //SCORE CALCULATION STUFF HERE: NOT IMPORTANT...PUTS US BACK INTO THE MAIN ROUND SCREEN
          }
      }
  } //end MAIN while loop
  
  //Game over screen
  //InitGameOver();
 879
 880//DESTROY STUFF:
  
return 0;
 883}

Peter Wang

Member #23

April 2000

al_wait_for_event blocks (will not return) until there is an event in the queue. When you move the mouse an event is generated, that's when it returns and allows your program to progress. Look on these forums and the wiki about main loops. Most solutions will use timers.

manderson

Member #13,821

December 2011

Ah, that makes sense...so should I call something like

al_is_event_queue_empty();

if I want something within the ALLEGRO_BUTTON_DOWN_ to happen right away?

Edgar Reynaldo

Major Reynaldo

May 2007

The basic idea is to process all available events and if necessary, set a redraw flag to true (which usually happens every time a timer ticks).

To show you what I mean :

#SelectExpand
  1//... Setup stuff...
  2
  3// Event loop
  4while (!quit) {
  5   do {
  6      ALLEGRO_EVENT ev;
  7      al_wait_for_event(queue , &ev);
  8      if (ev.type == ALLEGRO_EVENT_TIMER) {
  9         redraw = true;
 10      }
 11   } while (!al_is_event_queue_empty(queue));
 12   if (redraw) {
 13      redraw = false;
 14      Draw();
 15   }
 16}

So, the do loop uses up all the events, a timer event sets a redraw flag, and when the events are all dealt with, it checks if it needs to redraw.

Eagle and Allegro 5 binaries | Older Allegro 4 and 5 binaries | Allegro 5 compile guide
King Piccolo will make it so Then I could just flip it with some sweet, sweet matrix math. In either case, I’ll ride this wagon until the wheels fall off. Thanks to those that keep it running

manderson

Member #13,821

December 2011

Thanks for the replies.

I didn't set up a timer initially for this game because everything is static (besides the samples playing); no animation or anything. Is the only option to set up a timer or is the redraw flag sufficient? I.E from your example:

#SelectExpand
  1/... Setup stuff...
  2//... Setup stuff...
  3
  4// Event loop
  5while (!quit) {
  6   do {
  7      ALLEGRO_EVENT ev;
  8      al_wait_for_event(queue , &ev);
  9      if (ev.type == ALLEGRO_EVENT_MOUSE_BUTTON_UP) {
 10
 11          if (buttonOne.isClicked) {
 12          buttonOne.isClicked = false:
 13
 14          redraw = true;
 15      }
 16      if (ev.type == ALLEGRO_EVENT_MOUSE_AXES) {
 17          //check fader postions etc...
 18 
 19          redraw = true;
 20
 21      }
 22      if (ev.type == ALLEGRO_EVENT_DISPLAY_CLOSE) {
 23          quit = true;
 24}
 25
 26//etc...
 27
 28//once it gets to this point, the event queue should be empty...???
 29
 30   } while (!al_is_event_queue_empty(queue));
 31   if (redraw) {
 32      redraw = false;
 33      Draw();
 34   }
 35}

I will tool around with it some more. I get what you're saying, just not sure if I need the timer or not. :-/

Edgar Reynaldo

Major Reynaldo

May 2007

Well, you could use 'dirty rectangles' and only update the screen when something actually changes, but that is A LOT more work than simply redrawing the screen every time a timer ticks, and with A5's hardware acceleration, you shouldn't have any problems.

Thomas Fjellstrom

Member #476

June 2000

manderson said:

Yeah, you can trigger it manually when you get other events.

--
Thomas Fjellstrom - [website] - [email] - [Allegro Wiki] - [Allegro TODO]
"If you can't think of a better solution, don't try to make a better solution." -- weapon_S
"The less evidence we have for what we believe is certain, the more violently we defend beliefs against those who don't agree" -- https://twitter.com/neiltyson/status/592870205409353730

manderson

Member #13,821

December 2011

I finally figured it out, thanks to ya'lls advice/ suggestions! Ultimately it was just a matter of someone explaining how the mechanics are actually working.

My loop is now on a timer and very responsive! Thanks

I'll give you all street cred for my game for being such a greatly supportive community...and I'll probably have many more questions along the way hehe.

manderson