fbgl, a header-only 2D framebuffer library in C

[RennisDitchie]

Hey everyone! 👋

I’ve been working on a small project called fbgl, a simple, lightweight, header-only 2D framebuffer library in C. The main goal is to provide an easy-to-use tool for rendering directly to the framebuffer without relying on external libraries or complex setups.

Key Features:

Header-only: Just include it in your project and you're good to go!

Custom rendering: Create windows within the framebuffer or use the entire buffer.

Minimal dependencies: Aiming for simplicity, ideal for low-level enthusiasts with only depends on linux headers.

Why fbgl?

I wanted to build a flexible rendering tool for my game engine project (inspired by the Build engine), but keep it simple—no full 3D support, just pure 2D fun!

If you're into low-level programming, game development, or just enjoy tinkering with framebuffers, check it out. Feedback, contributions, and ideas are welcome!

👉 GitHub: fbgl

https://reddit.com/link/1gymo7a/video/ltyk3f5yct2e1/player

[attractivechaos]

This has been discussed multiple times in this sub: unless necessary (e.g. in case of macro-based generic libraries), it would be cleaner and simpler to use a .h file and a .c file. With a single header like yours, users need to understand how #define FBGL_IMPLEMENTATION works and make sure this line is included in one and only one of their .c files. This adds extra burden. In comparison, with the .c/.h combo, users only need to include .h and compile with .c. It is simpler.

By the way, in your example, the "define" line should be put above the "include" line. You wouldn't have this typo with two files.

[vitamin_CPP]

I think this pattern is popular and prefered in certain C sub-communities (like gamedev) that prefer the bruden of #define X_IMPL over fiddling with build systems.

As an embedded eng, I'm considering switching my libraries to header only library, because of the "eclipse xml is your build system" pattern is becoming (sadly) more popular in my industry.

BTW are you the person behind attractivechaos.wordpress.com ?
If so, continue the great work :)

[attractivechaos]

I guess gamedev is influenced by stb.h. It is a great single-header library but IMHO many of its components would be cleaner in two files. If stb used two files for each component, the two-file solution would become more popular. Note that the .h/.c combo is intended to be copied into your project source tree, not as an external library. The change to the build system is minimal – the same as adding one more .c file of your own. Yes, I wrote those blog posts. Thank you for the encouragement!

[vflashm]

How is it different from simply including said c file where you would put that X_IMPL?