SFML vs GLFW

Struggling to choose between SFML and GLFW? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

SFML is a Development solution with tags like game-engine, c, 2d-graphics, audio, crossplatform.

It boasts features such as Graphics module for 2D rendering, Audio module for playing sounds and music, Window module for managing windows and OpenGL contexts, Network module for TCP, UDP and HTTP requests, System module for getting system information and pros including Cross-platform, Simple and easy to use API, Good performance, Active community support.

On the other hand, GLFW is a Development product tagged with opengl, windowing, input-handling, crossplatform.

Its standout features include Create and manage windows with OpenGL contexts, Receive input from keyboard, mouse, joystick, etc, Manage events like window resize, input, etc, Multi-monitor and multi-window support, Support for multiple OpenGL versions, Cross-platform - works on Windows, Linux, MacOS, Written in C - can be used from C/C++ applications, and it shines with pros like Lightweight and simple, Actively maintained, Good documentation and examples, Permissive license (zlib/libpng).

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

SFML

SFML

SFML (Simple and Fast Multimedia Library) is a cross-platform software development library designed to provide a simple interface to various multimedia components in applications.

Categories:
Development Game Development
game-engine c 2d-graphics audio crossplatform

SFML Features

  1. Graphics module for 2D rendering
  2. Audio module for playing sounds and music
  3. Window module for managing windows and OpenGL contexts
  4. Network module for TCP, UDP and HTTP requests
  5. System module for getting system information

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Cross-platform

Simple and easy to use API

Good performance

Active community support

Cons

Limited documentation

Less features than larger frameworks like Qt

Not as widely used as SDL

GLFW

GLFW

GLFW is an open-source, cross-platform library for creating windows with OpenGL contexts and receiving input and events. It is commonly used in games, scientific visualization, and other graphics-related applications.

Categories:
Development Graphics & Game Libraries
opengl windowing input-handling crossplatform

GLFW Features

  1. Create and manage windows with OpenGL contexts
  2. Receive input from keyboard, mouse, joystick, etc
  3. Manage events like window resize, input, etc
  4. Multi-monitor and multi-window support
  5. Support for multiple OpenGL versions
  6. Cross-platform - works on Windows, Linux, MacOS
  7. Written in C - can be used from C/C++ applications

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Lightweight and simple

Actively maintained

Good documentation and examples

Permissive license (zlib/libpng)

Cons

Limited to OpenGL only (no Vulkan support)

No higher-level abstractions like sprites, fonts, etc

Requires linking other libraries for audio, image loading, etc