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Language wise, it sounds like your best jump off point is C and OpenGL.
I'm a C/C++ developer, but really unless forced by a GUI framework or whatever, i'll always drop back to C most of the time.

Properly set up OpenGL used for 3D will give you the access to hardware acceleration that you won't get any other way.

As for what effects to actually do, read some history of the demoscene (the book Freax is fantastic, as is the documentary Moleman) look at youtube videos of old and classic intros and demo's and see what effects grab your attention and have a go at replicating those.

Thanks for the answer! I started looking into glut so hopefully I will be able to get something running pretty soon.

Hello!

I am also new, both to this forum and to demo programming. I found this looking through the tutorial forum: http://elsewhere.stc.cx/demoprogramming/ It's not about graphics, but about timing and synchronization and some other tips. I actually think it was a very valuable seminar. I personally think a simple demo with good music and synchronization is better than a demo with just amazing graphics.

That's some pretty cool stuff, Kirl! I like the idea that demos can be made out of anything, but I don't think I have the required skills to make something out of that coffee machine just yet! Starting off with what I already know is probably the best choice.

I'll make sure to stick around. You all seem like a bunch of nice people.

Hello!

I have been studying some general programming (mostly Java) and algorithms for the past three years. I've also recently started looking into OpenGL and some basic 3d-rendering. I'm very interested in starting making demos, so I'm looking for some advice about where to start. So here is a couple of basic questions. (I guess you get these questions a lot, so if they are already answered somewhere else, please direct me to another thread!)

I guess that Java isn't the way to go to make efficient demos, so I wonder what language would be the best choice for me to start of with? I have done some very basic programming in C, but it seems as C++ is the most common choice. I don't mind learning new languages, I just want to be sure I start out with a good option!

Is there any better, more efficient API or is OpenGL a good starting point?

Does it matter if I use Windows or Linux? How should I choose?

I would also like to know if there is any good way to get started. I'm not asking for tutorials, but for what kind of code/effects or whatever I should start experimenting with. What was the first thing you created when you got started?

Thanks!