

This tutorial assumes the reader is familiar with the basics of C++ programming using Microsoft Visual C++, including writing code, building applications, and basic debugging. That said, if you already know the DirectX 11 version of DirectX Tool Kit, you'll find the DirectX 12 version familiar and will have an easier time with the transition.ĭirectX 12 is also required to take advantage of Shader Model 6, DirectX Raytracing, Amplification & Mesh Shaders, or other DirectX 12 Ultimate hardware features. Both DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 provide access to the same core hardware features on Windows 10 / Windows 11, but drive the hardware in different ways which can allow a well-optimized DirectX 12 engine to achieve much lower CPU overhead than in DirectX 11. DirectX 12 is an extremely low-level API designed for graphic experts who have a solid understanding of the architecture of modern GPU hardware. DirectX 12 is an expert API which builds on knowing the ins & outs of DirectX 11. If you are new to DirectX, the place to start is the DirectX Tool Kit for DirectX 11 tutorials. If you are just looking for basic integration instructions, see Adding to a VS solution. This takes the form of a series of tutorial lessons for introducing the various functional parts of the tool kit. This is the Getting Started tutorial for DirectX Tool Kit which introduces the reader to using the DirectX Tool Kit with DirectX 12 in C++.
