libtcod

Libtcod

libtcod is an open source C/C++ and Python library for developing roguelike games and procedural content generation. It handles input, graphical output, and provides helpful functions like field-of-view, pathfinding, random number generation, and more.
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Libtcod alternatives ➤

libtcod: Open Source C/C++ and Python Library for Roguelike Gamess

libtcod is an open source C/C++ and Python library for developing roguelike games and procedural content generation. It handles input, graphical output, and provides helpful functions like field-of-view, pathfinding, random number generation, and more.

What is Libtcod?

libtcod is an open source C/C++ and Python library designed to help developers create roguelike games and applications featuring procedural generation. It was originally developed by Jice in 2008 and has been used in many roguelike games since then.

Some of the key features of libtcod include:

  • Portability - Works on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and Web via Emscripten
  • Fast graphical console rendering using SDL
  • Field-of-view calculations
  • Pathfinding algorithms like A*, Dijkstra's
  • Random number generation
  • Noise functions for procedural generation
  • Lua scripting support
  • Python bindings

By providing cross-platform graphical output, input handling, and common roguelike utilities, libtcod simplifies development so developers can focus on their game logic and content. Its modular approach makes it customizable as well. Many developers use it as a base then build custom systems on top of it.

While designed for roguelikes originally, libtcod has proven useful for other types of games and applications featuring procedural generation as well. Its wide language support via C/C++, Python, and Lua bindings makes it a versatile library for many projects.

Libtcod Features

Features

  1. Roguelike game engine
  2. Procedural content generation
  3. Field-of-view calculations
  4. Pathfinding algorithms
  5. Pseudorandom number generation
  6. Customizable graphical user interface
  7. Mouse and keyboard input handling
  8. True-color console rendering
  9. Customizable color palettes
  10. Unicode text rendering
  11. Portable across platforms

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Open source and free

Active community support

Well documented

Modular and extensible

Supports multiple languages (C, C++, Python, etc)

Cross-platform compatibility

High performance

Simplifies roguelike development

Cons

Steep learning curve

Limited to console/terminal graphics

Not suitable for non-roguelike games

Lacks some advanced graphics features

Documentation could be improved

No official IDE integration

Official Links

Official Website
https://bitbucket.org/libtcod/libtcod

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