The information in this topic pertains only to applications written in C++. See DirectInput Visual Basic Tutorials.

This tutorial takes you through the process of creating, playing, and modifying a simple effect on a force-feedback joystick. The effect is something like a balky chain saw that you're trying to get started. The sample code uses C++ syntax.

The preliminary step of setting up the DirectInput system and the final step of closing it down are essentially the same for any application and are covered in Tutorial 1: Using the Keyboard. However, when closing down the DirectInput force-feedback system you must take the additional step of releasing any effects you have created.

The tutorial breaks down the required tasks into the following steps:

• Step 1: Enumerate Force-Feedback Devices
• Step 2: Create the DirectInput Force-Feedback Device
• Step 3: Enumerate Supported Effects
• Step 4: Create an Effect
• Step 5: Play an Effect
• Step 6: Change an Effect