---
name: "SDL_JoystickOpen"
section: "3"
platform: "linux"
package: "libsdl1.2-dev"
version: "1.2.15+dfsg2-8"
release: "Debian 12 (Bookworm)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/SDL_JoystickOpen"
---

# SDL\_JoystickOpen(3)

Opens a joystick for use.

## NAME

SDL\_JoystickOpen - Opens a joystick for use.

## SYNOPSIS

**#include "SDL.h"**

**SDL\_Joystick \*SDL\_JoystickOpen**(**int index**);

## DESCRIPTION

Opens a joystick for use within SDL. The **index** refers to the N'th joystick in the system. A joystick must be opened before it game be used.

## RETURN VALUE

Returns a **SDL\_Joystick** structure on success. **NULL** on failure.

## EXAMPLES

```
SDL_Joystick *joy;
// Check for joystick
if(SDL_NumJoysticks()>0){
  // Open joystick
  joy=SDL_JoystickOpen(0);
  if(joy)
  {
    printf("Opened Joystick 0
");
    printf("Name: %s
", SDL_JoystickName(0));
    printf("Number of Axes: %d
", SDL_JoystickNumAxes(joy));
    printf("Number of Buttons: %d
", SDL_JoystickNumButtons(joy));
    printf("Number of Balls: %d
", SDL_JoystickNumBalls(joy));
  }
  else
    printf("Couldn't open Joystick 0
");
  // Close if opened
  if(SDL_JoystickOpened(0))
    SDL_JoystickClose(joy);
}
```

## SEE ALSO

**SDL\_JoystickClose**