There are a few ways to install GLScene. Which one will you choose depends on your intentions with this library. If you just want to try it out download the snapshot version.

GLScene from snapshot

Snapshot is an archive file containing all source code files. Snapshot is available from http://glscene.sourceforge.net/download.htm. Just unpack it wherever you want your GLScene to reside.

GLScene from CVS

Another way how to download GLScene is using CVS. CVS is an Internet protocol system used by SourceForge for on line accessing source code repositories by developers. Choose this method if you want to have the latest version of GLScene and check frequently for changes and updates. You will need CVS client in order to download. There are many CVS clients but I recommend www.tortoisecvs.org.

All CVS clients have one thing in common. It is called CVS root. It is a string, in fact an address that is used to access web. CVS root for GLScene is:

:pserver:anonymous@cvs.sourceforge.net:/cvsroot/glscene

If you have TortoiseCVS installed right click in directory where you want GLScene to be downloaded and select CVS Checkout. Enter the above CVS root. You will also have to specify which directory to download. This is called module. You need these modules: DelphiX (where X is your Delphi version), Source and Demos. You have to download directories one by one.

Once you have all GLScene files on your hard drive you can compile the packages in Delphi. Choose corresponding directory to your Delphi version. There are seven packages in GLScene.

1. GLCgx.dpk – Cg shaders.
2. GLS_DWSx.dpk –
3. GLScenex.dpk – core package containing GLScene itself.
4. GLS_ODEx.dpk – ODE is physics plug-in for GLScene.
5. GLS_SDLx.dpk –
6. GLSS_BASSx.dpk -
7. GLSS_FMODx.dpk – BASS and FMOD are sound plug-ins.

You may have to manually add GLScene directories in Delphi search path. After successful compilation there will be four new component tabs. By default they will be placed in the rightmost position next to other component tabs. You will have to scroll to the right in order to see them or rearrange the tabs. Now you are ready to use GLScene!

GLScene should be installed like a Delphi package, by opening the relevant ".dpk" file (GLScene5.dpk for Delphi5, GLScene6.dpk for Delphi6, etc.) and then clicking "Install" (check your Delphi manual for more details).

The sound-support and other optional packages install in a similar fashion, but make sure the underlying sound API/DLLs have been properly installed before attempting to install a package.

Typical problems:

• Samples run ok, but compile/design does not: recompile the dpk and make sure you do not have multiple version of the files
• Samples don't run, compile/design does: make sure an up-to-date bpl is accessible to the exe (like in the Delphi\Bin directory)
• Errors with ODE, check the DLL you're using is the good one (just copy it from the Physics directory)

Another way to get GLScene is to download GLScene preinstalled in Lazarus. This install is at http://www.skinhat.com/lazarus. In this install when you install Lazarus GLScene is already in the IDE.