What is Microsoft DirectX
Microsoft DirectX is a collection of application programming interfaces (APIs) for handling multimedia-related tasks, especially game and video programming on the Microsoft platform. Originally, the names of all these APIs started with Direct, such as Direct3D, DirectDraw, DirectMusic, DirectPlay, DirectSound, etc. The name DirectX was coined as an acronym for all of these APIs (X stands for specific API names) and quickly became the name of the collection. When Microsoft set out to develop a game console, X was used as the basis for the name Xbox to refer to a console based on DirectX technology. Originally X preceded the names of APIs designed for Xbox such as XInput and the Cross-platform Audio Creation Tool (XACT) while the DirectX model was continued for Windows APIs such as Direct2D and DirectWrite.
Direct3D (the 3D Graphics API in DirectX) is widely used in the development of video games for Microsoft Windows and the Xbox series of consoles. Direct3D is also used by other graphics software applications such as CAD/CAM engineering. Since Direct3D is the most widely publicized component of DirectX, the names “DirectX” and “Direct3D” are often used interchangeably.
The DirectX Software Development Kit (SDK) includes the Runtime libraries in a redistributable form, along with accompanying documentation and the headers used in the coding. Initially, runtimes were only installed by certain games and users. Windows 95 did not have DirectX, but DirectX was included in Windows 95 OEM Service Release 2. Windows 98 and Windows NT 4.0 both included DirectX and are included in the versions of Windows released since. The SDK is available as a free download. Although the runtimes are proprietary, closed source software, the source code is provided for most SDK samples. Starting with the release of Windows 8 Developer Preview, the DirectX SDK was integrated into the Windows SDK.
Components of DirectX
DirectX is divided into three layers: the Foundation Layer, the Media Layer, and the Components Layer.
* Platform class:
Foundation is the core of DirectX, which is a set of low-level APIs that form the basis of high-performance multimedia operations in Windows. Through the platform layer the following APIs can be impacted:
- DirectDraw: Manage the graphic surface.
- Direct3D: Provides low-end 3D functionality.
- DirectInput: Supports input devices, including new generation Joysticks.
- DirectSound: Provides sound effects and mixers.
- DirectSound 3D: Helps create 3D sound effects from conventional 2D speakers.
- DirectSetup: Helps to install software and drivers automatically
* Media class:
DirectX’s Media Layer includes application-level APIs that leverage the capabilities of the platform layer. The services of this media layer are device-independent. This media class includes:
- Direct3D: Provides a set of 3D rendering features.
- DirectPlay: Support many people to play games over the network.
- DirectShow: Manage Slide Shows.
- DirectAnimation: Provides the ability to animate.
- DirectModel: Provides 3D simulation capabilities.
* Component class:
Components Layer is the top layer of DirectX, it can take advantage of the features of the two upper layers (Media and Foundation) including:
- NetMeeting: Support teamwork in computer networks.
- ActiveMovie: A set of tools for managing and presenting MPEG movies, supporting the playing of audio and movie files.
- NetShow: Supports the transmission of multimedia content over the Internet.
When do you need DirectX?
Most of the time you need DirectX when you want to play games designed for Windows 98 or later. However, you need to know the DirectX version to use. Fortunately if the game you want to play requires a version of DirectX that isn’t on your system, you don’t need to worry. Games usually come with an installer for the required DirectX version. Also, you need to make sure to install the latest drivers for the hardware, especially the graphics and sound cards.
Microsoft DirectX Can Fix Errors
- XINPUT1_3.dll was not found
- d3dx9_24.dll was not found
- d3d11.dll was not found
- D3DCOMPILER_43.dll was not found
- And more
Microsoft DirectX Free Download
Direct X – Version 9/10/11/12
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How to install Microsoft DirectX
- Unzip the downloaded software
- Run setup to install software
- Select Accept
- Click Next and wait until done
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