Initializing the library properly

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 46 views

Introduction

The GLFW library is a popular and widely-used cross-platform library for creating windows and handling input. However, in some cases, the GLFW library may not be initialized properly, resulting in errors and crashes. In this article, we will explore the causes of the "GLFW library is not initialized" error and provide a step-by-step guide on how to resolve it.

Understanding the Error

The error message "The GLFW library is not initialized" is typically displayed when the GLFW library is not properly initialized before being used. This can occur due to various reasons, including:

Missing Initialization: The GLFW library must be initialized before being used. If the initialization is missed, the library will not function correctly.
Incorrect Initialization: The GLFW library must be initialized with the correct parameters. If the parameters are incorrect, the library may not function correctly.
Library Version Issues: The GLFW library version may be incompatible with the application or the system. This can cause the library to malfunction or not initialize properly.

Reproducing the Error

To reproduce the error, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Run the Application on Linux without Display

To reproduce the error, you need to run the application on a Linux system without a display. This can be done by running the application in a headless mode or by using a virtual machine.

Step 2: Run the Benchmark

Before sending your application a quick benchmark of your system is required. The benchmark consists of running a render of a 30-second replay using danser. Please close every CPU/GPU-intensive application running on your computer.

Step 3: Proceed to the Benchmark

Press enter to proceed to the benchmark.

Step 4: Download the Benchmark Map

Downloading the benchmark map (894883) at https://dl.issou.best/ordr/maps/894883.osz: 3292332 bytes to download...

Step 5: Finish Downloading the Benchmark Map

Finished downloading the benchmark map.

Step 6: Run the Benchmark Replay

Benchmark replay already exists.

Step 7: Panic: NotInitialized

2025/03/10 12:48:46 panic: NotInitialized: The GLFW library is not initialized

Step 8: Goroutine 17

2025/03/10 12:48:46 goroutine 17 [running, locked to thread]:

Step 9: GitHub.com/go-gl/glfw/v3.3/glfw.acceptError

2025/03/10 12:48:46 github.com/go-gl/glfw/v3.3/glfw.acceptError({0x0, 0x0, 0xc000039280?})

Step 10: GitHub.com/go-gl/glfw/v3.3/glfw.panicError

2025/03/10 12:48:46 github.com/go-gl/glfw/v3.3/glfw.panicError(...)

Step 11: GitHub.com/go-gl/glfw/v3.3/glfw.WindowHint

2025/03/10 12:48:46 github.com/go-gl/glfw/v3.3/glfw.WindowHint(0xc000039218?, 0xc000039208?)

Step 12: GitHub.com/wieku/danser-go/framework/platform.SetupContext

2025/03/10 12:48:46 github.com/wieku/danser-go/framework/platform.SetupContext()

Step 13: GitHub.com/wieku/danser-go/app.run.func2

2025/03/10 12:48:46 github.com/wieku/danser-go/app.run.func2()

Resolving the Error

To resolve the error, you need to ensure that the GLFW library is properly initialized before being used. Here are the steps to resolve the error:

Step 1: Initialize the GLFW Library

The GLFW library must be initialized before being used. You can initialize the library using the glfwInit() function.

err := glfw.Init()
if err != nil {
    log.Fatal(err)
}

Step 2: Set the GLFW Library Version

The GLFW library version must be set before being used. You can set the version using the glfw.SetLibGLVersion() function.

glfw.SetLibGLVersion(3, 3)

Step 3: Set the GLFW Library Parameters

The GLFW library parameters must be set before being used. You can set the parameters using the glfw.WindowHint() function.

glfw.WindowHint(glfw.ContextVersionMajor, 3)
glfw.WindowHint(glfw.ContextVersionMinor, 3)

Step 4: Create a GLFW Window

A GLFW window must be created before being used. You can create a window using the glfw.CreateWindow() function.

window, err := glfw.CreateWindow(800, 600, "GLFW Window", nil, nil)
if err != nil {
    log.Fatal(err)
}

Step 5: Make the GLFW Window Visible

The GLFW window must be made visible before being used. You can make the window visible using the glfw.MakeContextCurrent() function.

glfw.MakeContextCurrent(window)

Step 6: Run the Application

The application can now be run using the glfw.Run() function.

glfw.Run()

Conclusion

Q&A: Resolving the GLFW Library is Not Initialized Error

Q: What is the GLFW library and why is it not initialized? A: The GLFW library is a cross-platform library for creating windows and handling input. It is not initialized when the library is not properly set up or when the initialization is missed.

Q: What are the common causes of the GLFW library is not initialized error? A: The common causes of the GLFW library is not initialized error include:

Missing Initialization: The GLFW library must be initialized before being used.
Incorrect Initialization: The GLFW library must be initialized with the correct parameters.
Library Version Issues: The GLFW library version may be incompatible with the application or the system.

Q: How can I reproduce the GLFW library is not initialized error? A: To reproduce the error, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Run the Application on Linux without Display

To reproduce the error, you need to run the application on a Linux system without a display. This can be done by running the application in a headless mode or by using a virtual machine.

Step 2: Run the Benchmark

Step 3: Proceed to the Benchmark

Press enter to proceed to the benchmark.

Step 4: Download the Benchmark Map

Downloading the benchmark map (894883) at https://dl.issou.best/ordr/maps/894883.osz: 3292332 bytes to download...

Step 5: Finish Downloading the Benchmark Map

Finished downloading the benchmark map.

Step 6: Run the Benchmark Replay

Benchmark replay already exists.

Step 7: Panic: NotInitialized

2025/03/10 12:48:46 panic: NotInitialized: The GLFW library is not initialized

Step 8: Goroutine 17

2025/03/10 12:48:46 goroutine 17 [running, locked to thread]:

Step 9: GitHub.com/go-gl/glfw/v3.3/glfw.acceptError

2025/03/10 12:48:46 github.com/go-gl/glfw/v3.3/glfw.acceptError({0x0, 0x0, 0xc000039280?})

Step 10: GitHub.com/go-gl/glfw/v3.3/glfw.panicError

2025/03/10 12:48:46 github.com/go-gl/glfw/v3.3/glfw.panicError(...)

Step 11: GitHub.com/go-gl/glfw/v3.3/glfw.WindowHint

2025/03/10 12:48:46 github.com/go-gl/glfw/v3.3/glfw.WindowHint(0xc000039218?, 0xc000039208?)

Step 12: GitHub.com/wieku/danser-go/framework/platform.SetupContext

2025/03/10 12:48:46 github.com/wieku/danser-go/framework/platform.SetupContext()

Step 13: GitHub.com/wieku/danser-go/app.run.func2

2025/03/10 12:48:46 github.com/wieku/danser-go/app.run.func2()

Q: How can I resolve the GLFW library is not initialized error? A: To resolve the error, you need to ensure that the GLFW library is properly initialized before being used. Here are the steps to resolve the error:

Step 1: Initialize the GLFW Library

The GLFW library must be initialized before being used. You can initialize the library using the glfwInit() function.

err := glfw.Init()
if err != nil {
    log.Fatal(err)
}

Step 2: Set the GLFW Library Version

The GLFW library version must be set before being used. You can set the version using the glfw.SetLibGLVersion() function.

glfw.SetLibGLVersion(3, 3)

Step 3: Set the GLFW Library Parameters

The GLFW library parameters must be set before being used. You can set the parameters using the glfw.WindowHint() function.

glfw.WindowHint(glfw.ContextVersionMajor, 3)
glfw.WindowHint(glfw.ContextVersionMinor, 3)

Step 4: Create a GLFW Window

A GLFW window must be created before being used. You can create a window using the glfw.CreateWindow() function.

window, err := glfw.CreateWindow(800, 600, "GLFW Window", nil, nil)
if err != nil {
    log.Fatal(err)
}

Step 5: Make the GLFW Window Visible

The GLFW window must be made visible before being used. You can make the window visible using the glfw.MakeContextCurrent() function.

glfw.MakeContextCurrent(window)

Step 6: Run the Application

The application can now be run using the glfw.Run() function.

glfw.Run()

Q: What are the best practices for using the GLFW library? A: The best practices for using the GLFW library include:

Initializing the library properly: The GLFW library must be initialized before being used.
Setting the library version correctly: The GLFW library version must be set before being used.
Setting the library parameters correctly: The GLFW library parameters must be set before being used.
Creating a GLFW window properly: A GLFW window must be created before being used.
Making the GLFW window visible: The GLFW window must be made visible before being used.

Q: What are the common issues with the GLFW library? A: The common issues with the GLFW library include:

Missing initialization: The GLFW library must be initialized before being used.
Incorrect initialization: The GLFW library must be initialized with the correct parameters.
Library version issues: The GLFW library version may be incompatible with the application or the system.

Q: How can I troubleshoot the GLFW library is not initialized error? A: To troubleshoot the error, you can follow these steps:

Check the initialization: Ensure that the GLFW library is properly initialized before being used.
Check the library version: Ensure that the GLFW library version is set correctly before being used.
Check the library parameters: Ensure that the GLFW library parameters are set correctly before being used.
Check the GLFW window creation: Ensure that a GLFW window is created properly before being used.
Check the GLFW window visibility: Ensure that the GLFW window is made visible before being used.