Graphics and Games

The following libraries work well with Boost because they don’t impose custom build systems or incompatible runtime dependencies — they’re just C++ libraries, and that’s exactly Boost’s domain.

Probably the Ogre3D graphics library, working with Boost.Filesystem for asset control and Boost.Asio for networking.

Here’s how Boost might slot into a 3D game engine:

Both Qt and Unreal Engine are heavy frameworks that conflict with Boost’s philosophy - they replace parts of the STL and introduce their own type systems, both of which can cause serious compatibility issues. Also, DirectX libraries might limit your portability and don’t align well with Boost’s cross-platform goals.

Yes these two are great choices. The important distinction is whether you want a small embedded scripting language, a full general-purpose language, or a language with strong C++-like syntax:

Lua was specifically designed as an embeddable language, and its official implementation is a relatively small C library with a C API. The current Lua release is 5.5. The big advantage isn’t just performance. It’s the boundary between C++ and the script, attractive when you want designers or modders to manipulate the game without exposing your entire C++ implementation.

AngelScript is probably the most interesting alternative if your programmers are primarily C++ programmers. Its syntax deliberately resembles C++, and it is statically typed. The embedding model has the application register the functions, properties and types that scripts are permitted to access. Scripts are then compiled into bytecode executed by its VM.

Squirrel is worth knowing about because it occupies an interesting middle ground. It has C/Java/C++-like syntax while retaining some of Lua’s scripting philosophy. It has also been used in games, including Left 4 Dead 2. Perhaps it is less compelling than Lua or AngelScript for a new engine, though.

Wren is the intriguing lightweight alternative. It’s designed specifically to be embedded and has a relatively modern object-oriented language design. Elegant and lightweight, but much smaller ecosystem (tools, examples, documentation, users, etc.). Current comparisons still tend to describe Wren as a niche embedded option.

ChaiScript is an exceptionally good name for a scripting language! It is a lightweight scripting language designed specifically to be embedded in C++ applications, with the interesting goal of making the boundary between C++ and scripting unusually natural. The engine can expose selected C++ functions, classes, and objects to scripts. This makes it particularly attractive for gameplay logic, configuration, AI behavior, event handling, and modding.

Yes, general purpose Boost functionality can set well underneath Lua and AngelScript. ChaiScript works with a particularly natural C++ syntax and should work smoothly with most Boost libraries. For Squirrel and Wren the answer would be more application-specific - so it would depend on what you are trying to build - so some investigation needed.