g++ -o openal_play openal_play.cpp -lopenal ./openal_play my_sound.wav
As discussed, the original OpenAL was developed by Creative. Its later implementations became proprietary, and development on it largely stalled. In contrast, is a free, open-source (LGPL-licensed), cross-platform software implementation that is actively maintained by a community of developers. OpenAL Soft started as a fork of the open-sourced Windows version and has since evolved into the most robust and modern OpenAL implementation available. openal -open audio library- 2.0.7.0
When selecting an audio engine for modern development, it helps to understand where the core OpenAL API sits relative to commercial middleware options: OpenAL 2.0.7.0 / OpenAL Soft FMOD Engine Audiokinetic Wwise Open Source / Free Runtime Proprietary (Free tier available) Proprietary (Free tier available) Primary Level Low-level API (Code-driven) Middleware (GUI + API) Middleware (GUI + API) Learning Curve Moderate (Requires manual math) Accessible for Sound Designers Steep (Advanced feature set) Resource Footprint Extremely Low Best Used For Lightweight Engines, Retro Emulation Indie to AAA Games AAA Games, Dynamic Scoring Future Outlook g++ -o openal_play openal_play