[SDL] using SDL_AddTimer in games

[Stephen Anthony]

On February 3, 2002 09:31 am, you wrote:
> What is the most efficient(read: consumes the least possible amount of
> CPU time) way to use the timer in a game loop?  Make a 10ms timer
> execute 'timer++' and then wait for handling moving and drawing until
> it reaches the wanted about of msecs and then reset it again?  Or what
> way do you recommend?  A simple gameloop would be like this?
>
> 	create timer
>
> 	while (timer < time_to_wait_until_next_frame);
>
> 	move objects;
>
> 	draw objects;
>
> 	reset timer;
>
>
> Is there a better way?

I have tried this approach in a project I'm working on (sdlstella, an 
Atari 2600 emulator).  The only problem is that since you are tied to a 
10 ms timeslice, you will not be able to get an exact framerate.

For example, assume that the rest of your game takes 4 ms and you have to 
wait for 6 ms.  When you try to wait for 6 ms, you will actually be 
forced to wait for 10, effectively slowing the framerate down.

If your game is not sensitive to framerate, then this may be acceptable.

Good luck,
Steve