OpenGL (Open Graphics Library) is a standard specification defining a cross-language cross-platform API for writing applications that produce 3D computer graphics (and 2D computer graphics as well). The interface consists of over 250 different function calls which can be used to draw complex three-dimensional scenes from simple primitives. OpenGL was developed by Silicon Graphics and is popular in the video games industry where it competes with Direct3D on Microsoft Windows platforms (see Direct3D vs. OpenGL). OpenGL is widely used in CAD, virtual reality, scientific visualization, information visualization, flight simulation and video game development.

Specification

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At its most basic level, OpenGL is a specification, meaning it is simply a document that describes a set of functions and the precise behaviours that they must perform. From this specification, hardware vendors create implementations — libraries of functions created to match the functions stated in the OpenGL specification, making use of hardware acceleration where possible. Hardware vendors have to meet specific tests to be able to qualify their implementation as an OpenGL implementation.

Efficient vendor-supplied implementations of OpenGL (making use of graphics acceleration hardware to a greater or lesser extent) exist for Mac OS, Windows, Linux, many Unix platforms and PlayStation 3. Various software implementations exist, bringing OpenGL to a variety of platforms that do not have vendor support. Notably, the open source library Mesa is a fully software-based graphics API which is code-compatible with OpenGL. However to avoid licensing costs associated with formally calling itself an OpenGL implementation, it claims merely to be a "very similar" API.

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wow it looks like OpenGL GPU performance is 2x slower on Mac then PC ;-(
inspirit (Eugene Zatepyakin) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:25:39 -0000
wow it looks like OpenGL GPU performance is 2x slower on Mac then PC ;-(
I just discovered OpenCTM. I may use this for my class at Full Sail, and possibly as a tool in the 5th Edition of the OpenGL SuperBible.
opengl (opengl) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:15:53 -0000
I just discovered OpenCTM. I may use this for my class at Full Sail, and possibly as a tool in the 5th Edition of the OpenGL SuperBible.
Looking for 2 permanent C++/OpenGL programmers as well as a contract to hire Datastage Developer for CT companies.
Amy_ITrecruitCT (Amy Cormier(Paolino)) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:36:37 -0000
Looking for 2 permanent C++/OpenGL programmers as well as a contract to hire Datastage Developer for CT companies.
@Chazamm OpenGL is not a download, it is classified as a specification. Kind of like a language. http://www.opengl.org/wiki/Main_Page
MacGyverMonster (Dustin) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:27:23 -0000
@Chazamm OpenGL is not a download, it is classified as a specification. Kind of like a language. http://www.opengl.org/wiki/Main_Page
@eilaeu Na Reversal Russa, o OpenGL programa VOCÊ!!! FUUUUUU!!!
stigmawall (Wallace Morais) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:54:33 -0000
@eilaeu Na Reversal Russa, o OpenGL programa VOCÊ!!! FUUUUUU!!!
@eilaeu Que qui vc ta falando? Nem vc controla a o lado OpenGL da força, rapaiz!!! xD
stigmawall (Wallace Morais) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:49:31 -0000
@eilaeu Que qui vc ta falando? Nem vc controla a o lado OpenGL da força, rapaiz!!! xD

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