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  Panda3D Manual: Tutorial: Compiling the Panda 3D Source on Windows
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This is a short tutorial of how to get Panda 3D to compile under Visual C++ 2005 Express edition

Step 1: Installing Visual C++ 2005, the Microsoft platform SDK and DirectX SDK:

First download and install visual C++ from:

http://www.microsoft.com/express/2005/

Next download and install the windows platform SDK from:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=0baf2b35-c656-4969-ace8-e4c0c0716adb&displaylang=en

Next download and install the Directx SDK from (yes I know it's huge :'( ):

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=C72D9F1E-53F3-4747-8490-6801D8E8B4EF&displaylang=en

Follow this tutorial to set-up Visual C++ Express 2005 with the platform SDK.

http://www.microsoft.com/express/2005/platformsdk/default.aspx

If all goes well and you can get your test program to compile in the above tutorial you are all set to use makepanda.bat or .py to compile panda.

Step 2: Download the source

Download the latest version of the Panda 3D source available at:

http://panda3d.net/download.php

Extract to an easily accessible place on your hdd (example: c:\panda_source)

Step 3: Open a command prompt

Easiest way is: START->RUN and type cmd, hit ok.

You will now have a command prompt open.

You will most likely be in the C:\Documents and Settings\<your user name> folder.

Type: cd C:\panda_source

This command cd "change directory" changes the directory to C:\panda_source

Type: makepanda\makepanda.bat

This brings up all the command options for makepanda.bat

For more info on dos commands: http://www.google.com.au/search?q=dos+prompt+for+beginners

Step 4: "The simplest way to compile panda is to just type..."

As the help text says:

Type: makepanda\makepanda.bat --everything

This process will take an hour or so, so it is best to go do something else because your comp will be using most of its resources on compiling.

For more information on using the makepanda tool to compile, please read the INSTALL-MK document, which is also available within the doc directory of your source tree.

Step 4: Make an installer

Type: makepanda\makepanda.bat --everything --installer

This should take much less time because if you notice there will be a "built" folder in your C:\panda_source this was created in the previous step

Conclusion

And that's it. Depending on your needs you can configure Panda 3D any way you wish.

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