SDL (Simple DirectMedia Layer), a software development library designed for creating high-performance video games and multimedia software, has received its first major version update since the release of SDL 2 in August 2013.
For those unfamiliar, SDL provides developers with low-level access to hardware features such as audio, input devices, and graphics hardware through APIs like OpenGL, Direct3D, Metal, and Vulkan. Written in the C programming language, SDL has served as the foundation for countless games and multimedia applications since its initial release in 1998.
The library's cross-platform nature makes it easy for developers to port their games to various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. SDL is also widely used as a backend for game engines and frameworks, powering popular games such as Portal, Stardew Valley, and Balatro.
SDL 3 introduces significant improvements that modernize the library and expand its capabilities. One of the primary goals of this update was to support new technologies that SDL 2 couldn't handle. Key features include HDR, improved high DPI handling, transparent windows, enhanced device hotplug functionality, and the ability to work with multiple mice and keyboards.
The introduction of object properties unlocks greater interoperability with native APIs. This functionality enables advanced use cases, such as hardware video decoding with full HDR support, leveraging the new renderer and texture properties.
The SDL API now features more consistent naming conventions and has been streamlined to be more flexible and user-friendly. For example, window creation now includes a new function that allows developers to create windows with customizable properties, offering greater control.
Other additions include several new interfaces that provide access to file system dialogs, directory management, platform-specific storage, and support for webcams and digital pens. The update also introduces various audio enhancements, including the addition of audio streams, automatic hardware management, and the ability for different parts of an application to use their own unique audio devices.
Finally, the documentation has been improved with new content and revisions to the API reference.
Although SDL 3 has just been released, the initial and current stable version is 3.2.0, with earlier versions being pre-release builds.
For a complete list of features and improvements, visit the releases page on GitHub. For more information about SDL, head over to the official SDL website.
