Writing programs using the DirectX SDK??

Hi, I wanted to make programs using the DirectX 9.0 SDK so I downloaded and installed it, as well as Borland C++ Builder 6. Being a total n00b at directx programming, I don't need to tell you how confused I am right now! x_x I've looked for tutorials but they're all done in Visual C++, and I've never worked with VC++ before... So do I absolutely need to use VC++ to use the DirectX SDK? Or are there any good tutorials out there I could use?

I think I should mention that I haven't done many uh... windowed apps, I've just got out of console mode you see ^^; so far, I've never created forms or anything with code alone, I just drag and dropped controls and stuff or clicked the "create new form" button in BCB. So if you know of a good tutorial that covers both windows applications and directx (mostly directx though), it would be greatly appreciated!

Well if your starting out in programming games.. and you have no Idea on how to start.. then I suggest using visual basic ( to start of on the basic side ) then move your way up... say like.. pygame. then you can probably move to directX. DirectX will require you to have some knowledge in c/c++ So it will be of no use for you, and you will be lost.

Okay, I will rephrase that.

I've been coding in C++ for two years now. I know how to use classes, templates and such. The thing is, I've only been coding in a DOS environment and/or console mode. Now I'd like to use the Windows interface but with the basic controls in, for instance, Borland C++ Builder, I can't make a very advanced game. So I thought of using the DirectX SDK to make games. But I don't know how to use it. So I'd need a good tutorial on how to use the DirectX SDK in BCB!!

Is there any particular reason you want to go with DirectX?
If you're really just interested in 3d (or even 2d) graphics, you might also want to consider OpenGL. Contrary to popular belief, OpenGL is still a widely used and up-to-date powerhouse graphics API (was used for Doom3).

I posted a few great OpenGL resources on this post. You'll be most interested in NeHe and the fantastic lecture notes.

If you really want to get into 3d programming, READ THE LECTURE NOTES! It's absolutely necessary to understand the math being used.

actually I was thinking of making a two dimensional rpg game, nothing too complicated. anyway thanks for the links, I might consider using opengl instead, although I'd rather use directx.