OpenGL(R) SuperBible: Comprehensive Tutorial and Reference (4th Edition)

OpenGL® SuperBible, Fourth Edition, begins by illuminating the core techniques of “classic” OpenGL graphics programming, from drawing in space to geometric transformations, from lighting to texture mapping. The authors cover newer OpenGL capabilities, including OpenGL 2.1’s powerful programmable pipeline, vertex and fragment shaders, and advanced buffers. They also present thorough, up-to-date introductions to OpenGL implementations on multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux, UNIX, and embedded systems.

Coverage includes

· An entirely new chapter on OpenGL ES programming for handhelds

· Completely rewritten chapters on OpenGL for Mac OS X and GNU/Linux

· Up-to-the-minute coverage of OpenGL on Windows Vista

· New material on floating-point color buffers and off-screen rendering

· In-depth introductions to 3D modeling and object composition

· Expert techniques for utilizing OpenGL’s programmable shading language

· Thorough coverage of curves, surfaces, interactive graphics, textures, shadows, and much more

· A fully updated API reference, and an all-new section of full-color images

You’ll rely on this book constantly–whether you’re learning OpenGL for the first time, deepening your graphics programming expertise, upgrading from older versions of OpenGL, or porting applications from other environments.

Now part of the OpenGL Technical Library–The official knowledge resource for OpenGL developers

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. Originally developed by SGI, the Library continues to evolve under the auspices of the OpenGL Architecture Review Board (ARB) Steering Group (now part of the Khronos Group), an industry consortium responsible for guiding the evolution of OpenGL and related technologies.

Contents

Preface xxvii

About the Authors xxxv

Introduction 1

Part I: The Old Testament

Chapter 1 Introduction to 3D Graphics and OpenGL 9

Chapter 2 Using OpenGL 33

Chapter 3 Drawing in Space: Geometric Primitives and Buffers 73

Chapter 4 Geometric Transformations: The Pipeline 127

Chapter 5 Color, Materials, and Lighting: The Basics 173

Chapter 6 More on Colors and Materials 229

Chapter 7 Imaging with OpenGL 251

Chapter 8 Texture Mapping: The Basics 303

Chapter 9 Texture Mapping: Beyond the Basics 341

Chapter 10 Curves and Surfaces 377

Chapter 11 It’s All About the Pipeline: Faster Geometry Throughput 421

Chapter 12 Interactive Graphics 457

Chapter 13 Occlusion Queries: Why Do More Work Than You Need To? 481

Chapter 14 Depth Textures and Shadows 495

Part II: The New Testament

Chapter 15 Programmable Pipeline: This Isn’t Your Father’s OpenGL 515

Chapter 16 Vertex Shading: Do-It-Yourself Transform, Lighting, and Texgen 547

Chapter 17 Fragment Shading: Empower Your Pixel Processing 567

Chapter 18 Advanced Buffers 601

Part III: The Apocrypha

Chapter 19 Wiggle: OpenGL on Windows 641

Chapter 20 OpenGL on Mac OS X 685

Chapter 21 OpenGL on Linux 713

Chapter 22 OpenGL ES — OpenGL on the Small 735

Appendix A Further Reading/References 773

Appendix B Glossary 777

Appendix C API Reference 783

Index 1141

Customer Reviews:

A Great Tutorial

By D. Clemens - July 22, 2007

I just started learning OpenGL a few months ago. OpenGL.org has a free ebook on OpenGL 1.1 but I hate reading at the computer and I wanted to learn OpenGL 2.1.

So I bought this book since it was just published this month and covers 2.1.

So far, I just finished chapter 5 and I am quite pleased. I have no negative feedback on the text itself as I think the author does a great job. Each topic is covered comprehensively and transitions between topics are subtle enough so as to not lose the reader.

Now for teaching purposes the text and source code use GLUT. Thankfully, the author also includes sections on OS specific OpenGL setup.

best OpenGL book

By techno hermit - June 7, 2009

All things considered, this is the best book on writing graphics applications based upon the OpenGL API. No question about it.

You'll also want to buy the "OpenGL Shading Language" which gives the complete description of GLSL (AKA the OpenGL Shading Language), especially if you want to write more advanced shaders.

Also, you must definitely download and print the latest "OpenGL Specifications - version 3.10" (or later) and "OpenGL Shading Language - version 1.40" (or later) from the <http://www.opengl.org> website (currently at http://www.opengl.org/registry>). These are excellent *free* documents in PDF format, but not as easy to learn from as the books mentioned above.

When you become somewhat "advanced", you'll definitely want to review the "GPU GEMS" books. These are great to own in hardbacks, but can also be read for free on the <http://developer.nvidia.com> website (thanks nvidia!).

I've written DirectX, PlayStation and OpenGL... read more

Good explanations, but very poor code quality

By J. McDonald - March 25, 2010

I am a Software Engineer of ~30 years, and have worked with many development frameworks and used many reference manuals. I purchased the OpenGL Superbible (4th edition) because I wanted a good tutorial-style text on OpenGL programming. In that light, I am pleased with the general layout and presentation style of the book so far. (I've only gotten through the first handful of chapters.)

Be warned, however, that while the book gives a good high-level view of concepts, it is of quite poor quality with respect to details. The code examples in the book are literally riddled with errors and omissions. The full set of example source can be downloaded from the opengl.org web site, and seems to include corrections to most or all of the errors in the printed text. Were it not for this saving grace, I would have felt compelled to rate the book far lower.

As it stands, I must rate the book as merely OK. The high-level concepts are presented well, but the frequency of... read more