OpenGL

OpenGL is a fast and simple interface for developing graphics applications that allows both two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphics to be made for free. 

It is one of the most commonly used graphics programming libraries. Being portable and completely free sets it apart from other graphics interface creation interfaces.

It allows developers to manage graphics hardware. OpenGL contains the commands necessary to define objects in the image and perform the necessary operations on these objects.

OpenGL, developed by Silicon Graphic Inc., offers multi-platform support. It is most commonly used on Windows operating systems, but is also widely used on many different operating systems such as Mac OS, Linux and Solaris. OpenGL is used on computers, mobile devices and game consoles. On the hardware side, manufacturers such as SGI, ATI, Nvidia or Intel offer OpenGL support on their graphics cards.

Where is OpenGL Used?

The areas of use of OpenGL are very common. It is commonly used on computers and mobile devices.

With OpenGL, it is possible to make games with simple and advanced graphics. Virtual reality, scientific visualization studies, flight simulators and video games are also included in the areas of use of OpenGL.

Games Developed in OpenGL:

• Cube 2: Sauerbraten
• Doom (2016), a video game
• Minecraft, a sandbox video game
• Dota2,
• Half-Life 2
• Angry Birds

They were developed using OpenGL. Also, game search engines such as Unity, Unreal Engine provide OpenGL and DirectX support.

Photo and Video:

• Adobe After Effects
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Premiere Pro

They provide OpenGL support.

Modeling and CAD:

• 3D Studio Max
• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Blender
• SketchUp

They provide OpenGL support.

What Programming Languages Can Be Coded With OpenGL?

OpenGL supports many programming languages, such as C++, C and Javascript, allowing both two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphic applications to be developed.

Furthermore;

• C#
• Python
• Perl
• Java

etc. programming languages are also supported by OpenGL.

Which Operating Systems Does OpenGL Support?

OpenGL supports all commonly used operating systems. Some of the supported operating systems are:

• Microsoft Windows
• Apple Mac OS
• Linux - Debian, RedHat, SuSE, Caldera

What Are The Features Of OpenGL?

1. Portable: OpenGL is independent of the operating system and platform, and does hardware-independent programming like the graphics card model. It has standardized drawing graphics on screen in the OpenGL library. It can be used on many platforms. Its portability has made it a popular graphics application development interface.
2. Independent of platform and window manager: OpenGL is independent of the platform. It works seamlessly in window managers like Win32, MacOS, and X-Window. OpenGL is a hardware-independent library. The main reason for it being hardware-independent is that it has no command to perform any window operations. To perform the specified tasks, it uses the existing features of the operating system.
3. Easy to learn: OpenGL can be understood and learned quickly. There are many documents available for OpenGL functions. It has many free educational documents.

What Are The Application Development Interfaces Based On OpenGL?

OpenGL ES:

OpenGL ES is a subset designed for embedded systems of OpenGL. It's designed for embedded systems like smartphones, tablet computers, video game consoles, and PDAs.

It can work between platforms without requiring a royalty. It does not include libraries like Glut and Glu. Instagram, one of today's popular applications, was made using OpenGL ES. BlackBerry and Apple devices also use OpenGL ES.

WebGL:

WebGL (Web Graphics Library) is a free application development interface used to create 3D graphics on web pages. It is supported by most current web browsers. It is managed by the Khronos Group.