A lightweight, reusable C++ interface layer for backend-agnostic application and engine architecture.
EngineInterface separates application logic from backend-specific systems such as rendering, input, audio, timing, and resource management. The goal is to create a stable set of C++ interfaces that allow different backend implementations, such as SFML, DirectX, mock systems, or future rendering APIs, to be integrated without rewriting core application code.
This project was developed as a software architecture exercise focused on:
- backend abstraction
- dependency inversion
- modular C++ design
- testable system architecture
- reusable engine components
- reduced coupling between application logic and external libraries
Although the project is demonstrated through game and visual application systems, the underlying design principles are transferable to wider STEM software contexts including simulation, tooling, embedded systems, robotics, technical platforms, and interactive applications.
Many visual or game applications become tightly coupled to a specific framework or multimedia library. This makes future changes difficult, especially when moving from one backend to another or when introducing automated testing.
EngineInterface addresses this by introducing a clean interface layer between core logic and backend implementation.
Application code communicates with stable interfaces, while backend-specific adapters handle the details of frameworks such as SFML or DirectX.
This allows:
- core logic to remain independent of backend libraries
- new backends to be added with minimal disruption
- mock systems to be used for testing
- external dependencies to be isolated
- architecture to remain maintainable as the project grows
- Backend-agnostic C++ interface layer
- Unified abstractions for rendering, input, audio, timing, and resources
- Separation of application logic from platform/library-specific code
- Swappable backend implementations
- Test-friendly architecture using mock or headless systems
- Modular structure designed for extension and maintainability
- Suitable for game, simulation, and visual application architecture
- keep systems loosely coupled
- support dependency inversion
- make backend replacement easier
- improve testability
- reduce framework lock-in
- encourage reusable architecture
- keep interfaces clear and focused
EngineInterface/
├─ Code/
├─ EngineInterface.NativeTests/
├─ EngineInterface.TestSupport/
├─ Resources/
├─ EngineInterface.sln
└─ README.md
SFMLEngine demonstrates how EngineInterface can be implemented against a specific multimedia backend while preserving separation between core logic and backend code.
- Modern C++ development
- Object-oriented design
- Interface-driven architecture
- Dependency inversion
- Backend abstraction
- Testable system design
- Software modularity
- Engine architecture
- Technical documentation
- Git version control
This project forms part of my continued technical development as a software engineer returning to STEM. It demonstrates practical C++ engineering, architectural thinking, problem-solving, and maintainable system design beyond a single game or framework.