which programming language should i learn to program for ms dos

Cawl canallia

Demi-God
Level 2
45%
Joined
Mar 8, 2025
Messages
168
Level up in
82 posts
Reaction score
824
Points
1,227
Location
The Matrix
I'm working on a project involving MS-DOS, but the only engine I've found is Turbo C, which I can't even run sample code from the creators themselves. I'd like to find a 3D or 2D engine that I can use in a programming language that doesn't require me to search for a tutorial from 2007
 
I would guess C or C++ would be your best bet since that's what a lot of DOS programs were coded in back then. Check out Open Watcom (which still has active support) for your IDE. I don't really know much regarding engines though.
 
Then you would need the DJGPP compiler to work on a modern OS for modern hardware to even do whatever you want. My common knowledge is "use Allegro for 2D and use Mesa for 3D". Overall C and C++ are your friends for game development.
 
Hmm, I can't recall any famous DOS engines from back in the day other than Doom engine, Quake engine and BUILD, all of which are open source these days but probably not quite what you're looking for.

I found some funky things though: here and here
 
  • Learn C if you want to make real DOS programs or games.
  • Use Assembly if you want tiny, fast, low-level control.
  • Try Turbo Pascal if you want something simple and fun.
  • Use DOSBox to test your stuff.
    Or you can go ahead and use C++
 
Last edited:
Learn C.

C++ and/or Assembly if you hate yourself.
 
Then you would need the DJGPP compiler to work on a modern OS for modern hardware to even do whatever you want. My common knowledge is "use Allegro for 2D and use Mesa for 3D". Overall C and C++ are your friends for game development.
where should i download?
 
where should i download?
Well overall starter links:



You may bump into links that end up in 404 so you need "Wayback Machine" for it. For example: https://web.archive.org/web/20020616072142/http://www.grandgent.com/gfoot/vivace/

So if you find some inaccessible useful link search that link on this to try to access snapshots of the page: https://web.archive.org/



And google "DJGPP dos game development" or something to find tutorials and stuff.

You wanna develop a DOS game but it would be realistic to find old hardware and stuff to develop them on but you can use "modern" ways to develop a DOS game on modern stuff which is what your primary goal should be. That's where DJGPP comes in.

Test the game on this: https://www.dosbox.com/download.php?main=1

Good luck, soldier. <o lol
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Connect with us

Support this Site

RGT relies on you to stay afloat. Help covering the site costs and get some pretty Level 7 perks too.

Featured Video

Latest Threads

How to deal with Video Game Overload

Hey everyone, just wanted to know how you are dealing with something I'd call Video Game...
Read more

Synthwave heaven - The Midnight

they released a banger just recently. if you don't know of them, you are in for a treat. check...
Read more

Deathmatch thread

Pick any two characters from anywhere in the world of fiction. Pit them against each other and...
Read more

Help running burned cd of ps1 games with mechapwn

its just going to no input after spinning for a bit, i installed mecha pwn with the usa retail...
Read more

What are the ugliest looking shows you’ve seen or came across?

I’ll start (Note: this is my opinion):
IMG_0936.jpeg

Big Mouth
IMG_0937.webp

Season 10 of Fairly...
Read more

Online statistics

Members online
79
Guests online
3,009
Total visitors
3,088

Forum statistics

Threads
13,019
Messages
316,925
Members
872,782
Latest member
Fresh2711

Advertisers

Back
Top