OpenGL(R) Programming Guide: The Official Guide to Learning OpenGL, Version 1.2 [Paperback]

The guide uses code examples in C and is targeted at programmers who have experience in coding yet are new to coding for OpenGL applications. The opening chapters go into descriptive detail of how OpenGL, the software interface for hardware 3-D chipsets, works and what you can expect from it, which turns out to be much more than you might have thought. Color plates are used, for example, to show how OpenGL handles such effects as motion blur and depth-of-field blur, in addition to shadows and texture mapping.

This is not a beginner's guide to programming computer graphics. Some previous knowledge of both programming in general and computer graphics in particular is required. For example, code snippets are used to describe how to implement these effects, but because OpenGL is platform-independent, some code examples may need to be modified when used with your specific compiler.

Filled with the expertise of those who standardized OpenGL, there is no better reference volume for learning and understanding this system. The examples cited are clear, commented, and explained. The only drawback to the book is that it lacks a companion CD-ROM--all examples must be either typed in or downloaded from an Internet FTP site. (The URL is listed in the preface.) --Mike Caputo

The OpenGL Programming Guide, Third Edition, provides definitive and comprehensive information on OpenGL and the OpenGL Utility Library. This book discusses all OpenGL functions and their syntax shows how to use those functions to create interactive applications and realistic color images.

You will find clear explanations of OpenGL functionality and many basic computer graphics techniques such as building and rendering 3D models; interactively viewing objects from different perspective points; and using shading, lighting, and texturing effects for greater realism. In addition, this book provides in-depth coverage of advanced techniques, including texture mapping, antialiasing, fog and atmospheric effects, NURBS, image processing, and more. The text also explores other key topics such as enhancing performance, OpenGL extensions, and cross-platform techniques.

This third edition has been extensively updated to include the newest features of OpenGL, Version 1.2, including:

* 3D texture mapping * Multitexturing * New pixel storage formats, including packed and reversed (BGRA) formats * Specular lighting after texturing * The OpenGL imaging subset * New GLU routines and functionality

Numerous code examples are provided to practical programming techniques. The color plate section illustrates the power and sophistication of the newest version of OpenGL.

The OpenGL Technical Library provides tutorial and reference books for OpenGL. The library enables programmers to gain a practical understanding of OpenGL and shows them how to unlock its full potential.

The OpenGL Technical Library was originally developed by SGI and continues to evelove under the auspices of the Architecture Review Board (ARB), an industry consortium responsible for guiding the evolution of OpenGL and related technologies. The OpenGL ARB is composed of industry leaders, such as 3Dlabs, Compaq, Evans & Sutherland, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Intergraph, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and SGI.

The OpenGL Programming Guide, Third Edition was written by Mason Woo, Jackie Neider, Tom Davis, and Dave Shreiner.