Question about what is OpenGL?

[wilbasket23]

question what is OpenGL, what does it use for. also i heard peopl saying that "open source" what is that isn't there a particular web sites to go to to find out about "open source code" or sth

[Demosthenes]

Windows users know DirectX, right? Same thing.

OpenGL is an API (application programming interface). It is basically a bunch of libraries of functions and interfaces which allow programmers to, well, program. Instead of writing all your code for a specific graphics cards and optimizing it for a certain chipset and then doing that for every card in the market, it is usually better to have a middle man. OpenGL/DirectX is this middle man.

Both card manufacturers and coders conform to this interface. That way, when a coder calls a function on the API, it is guaranteed that it will return on any card (because the manufacturer puts those instructions in) and it is guanteed to return the right thing on any card. So, programmers need only to learn the general API and the manufacturers work on the more basic level to ensure their card works with the API. So, you should be able to deduce that the API is platform independent.

This is what I think.

Respectfully,

Demosthenes

Ohh, crap, I forgot, but you should have figured this out. OpenGL is a graphics API. opengl.org I think is the eddress.

[Demosthenes]

Guess I will cover the open source part, too.

Open source means that the actual source code of the program (be it in C/C++, Java, VB, Fortran, ML, Cobol, Lisp, etc) is made available to the public. MS Windows is not open source, so you cannot see what Windows is actually doing, but can only deduce from its behavior. You will most commonly see the term open source with respects to Linux.

The point of open source is to allow an open forum for software development. That is to say, I write something, publish it, and someone is free to update, change, improve it and republish it. Sorta like adding more cooks, but making the soup better. Open source also allows optimization, since the source code of a program can be compiled optimally for a specific machine.

That is what I think.

Respectfully,

Demosthenes

[Nuclear Krusader]

Is OpenGL better than DirectX? If so, why do the latests games have little or no support for it?

[Demosthenes]

The following is purely opinion, but I have always preferred OpenGL over DirectX. It has always run smoother and faster than DirectX and it kinda looks better. My main experience comes from running my PSX emulation through OpenGL, but I also run most of my games through OpenGL.

With respects to your question, I do not know the state of who is winning or why, but I bet the source of the answer, as with most things of this nature, lies in the fact that it is Microsoft. Like, code only for us or die. Just a thought, purely opinion. :)

Respectfully,

Demosthenes

[Nuclear Krusader]

Well, I've always preferred OGL over DX too. The games just look better and don't crash that often.

It is sad that too many programmers are using DX instead.

[mike breck]

OpenGL was always the preferred API for 3D modelling and CAD applications. As far as I know, it is still the preferred API with professionals using such software.

The great strength of OpenGL is that it platform independent. When you think about it, DX will only work on a Windows-based platform, whereas OpenGL can theoretically work on Windows, Linux, BeOS, Macintosh, and some types of Unix. Therefore, the continued development and support of OpenGL is extremely important if we wish to keep the freedom of using another OS apart from Windows.

As far as games are concerned, the greatest and most influential supporter of OpenGL has been John Carmack of id Software (when Carmack speaks the gaming industry listens). His enthusiasm for OpenGL, from the Quake engine onwards, has encouraged other developers and graphics card manufacturers, to continue to offer OpenGL as an option.

However, with the money that Microsoft has been pouring into development over the years, and with the demise of the wonderful 3dfx Glide API, DX has overtaken OpenGL as the preferred Windows API. The way things stand, OpenGL will always be a poor cousin to DX.

While I welcome the vast improvements made in DX, I sincerely hope that OpenGL continues to be supported in the Windows-based games platform.

However, this will depend on the continued support of the games developers - and Microsoft's "position" in the future.

[DilLy]

It's nice when games support both API's. Therefore if people have problems on one, they can try the other. Not a lot of games are doing this tho. (probably for internal resource reasons)

[aym]

few weeks ago I decided to learn some 3D programming, I had to choose between Open GL and DX, I chose Open GL because its supported by other platforms too.

[mike breck]

Well, if certain games do not offer OpenGL support, then we as customers and gamers should send the publishers and developers an email to make our dissapointment known.

We don't have to be rude to them, just let them know we are intelligent end-users who would prefer the choice.

If we don't tell them, then they don't think it's an issue, and will just take the easiest and cheapest route.

And make no mistake, game developers and publishers do take note of what their customers say...but you've got to say it first.

[Demosthenes]

You should let your wallet do the talking. When you talk, companies listen; when you put money on the table, companies act.

Unfortunately, too many are either happy with their Microsoft products to try anything else or are unwilling to change, because "everyone else uses it, and so must I".

Really, if some major game came out (Halo) that only supported DirectX, I doubt that people would withhold money because it was monopolistic. MS can do whatever they want and people will still buy it. Take XP activation for an example. People will fuss and moan, but, in the end, they will buy it. It is an absolutely cunning business strategy. Nuff said about MS politics.

Respectfully,

Demosthenes

[glc]

*I* won't buy XP..........