OpenGL

OpenGL (Open Graphics Library) is a cross-platform, cross-language API for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics. It provides a set of functions to interact with a graphics processing unit (GPU) to produce hardware-accelerated images, widely used in applications such as video games, CAD software, and scientific visualization.

Also known as: Open Graphics Library, GL, OpenGL ES, OpenGL Core Profile, OpenGL 4.6

Why learn OpenGL?

Developers should learn OpenGL when building graphics-intensive applications that require real-time rendering, such as video games, simulations, or data visualization tools. It is essential for understanding low-level graphics programming, GPU interactions, and shader development, offering fine-grained control over the rendering pipeline for performance-critical scenarios.

Learning Resources

• docs: OpenGL Official Documentation
• tutorial: Learn OpenGL Tutorial
• book: OpenGL Programming Guide (Red Book)
• course: OpenGL Course on Udemy
• video: OpenGL Tutorial Series by The Cherno on YouTube