OpenGL, a free and open-source graphics application interface that allows rendering of two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphics to digital displays. It is platform-independent and widely used in various environments, from games to virtual reality, mobile applications to computers. The abbreviation stands for 'Open Graphics Library,' which translates to 'Açık Grafik Kütüphanesi' in Turkish. It is developed by the non-profit Khronos Group, which has more than 180 members.

What is OpenGL?

OpenGL is a simple and fast interface commonly used by graphics application developers to create graphics. It is preferred for creating visual effects, scientific modeling, and computer-aided design. Additionally, hardware from manufacturers such as Nvidia and Intel supports OpenGL. OpenGL was first drafted in 1992, and its development processes are actively continued by the Khronos Group.

OpenGL is a library for computer graphics, used to create interactive applications that generate high-quality colored images consisting of three-dimensional geometric objects and images. It smoothly runs on devices with widely used operating systems like Windows, Linux, MacOS, and Solaris. Its support for gaming consoles like PlayStation 3 indicates its multi-platform support. The involvement of hardware manufacturers in its development makes it a preferred choice among graphics producers.

What Does OpenGL Do?

OpenGL is used to draw two-dimensional and three-dimensional geometric shapes and images. Geometric shapes include points, lines, and polygons. Pixel color matching and graphics are used in image drawing. Additionally, OpenGL connects images and geometric shapes using texture mapping.

Another function of OpenGL is state setting. State setting is the process of initializing internal data used by OpenGL to create basic elements. Setting up the mipmap level using texture mapping, adjusting the size and color of desired points, are examples of state settings.

What Are the Features of OpenGL?

The features of OpenGL range from mathematical calculation capabilities to advantages. These include:

• It is considered the standard for drawing graphics on the screen.
• It does not require special processing when moving between operating systems.
• It is supported by almost all operating systems.
• It is compatible with popular programming languages ​​such as C++, C#, Python, and Ruby.
• It can run independently of window managers like Win32, MacOS, and X-Window.
• It uses many different coordinate systems.
• It is easy to learn and has many tutorial documents.
• It optimally utilizes system resources.
• It is supported by device manufacturers such as AMD, Intel, Apple, and Huawei.

Where is OpenGL Used?

OpenGL is used in all applications capable of visualization and graphics-based operations. For example:

• Video games
• Flight simulators
• Virtual reality
• Metaverse
• Graphic modeling
• Engineering projects

What Are OpenGL-Based Application Development Interfaces?

OpenGL ES

OpenGL ES is an interface developed for embedded systems. Embedded systems are systems where the operating systems run in the background while the application runs on the front end. Devices with embedded systems, such as video game consoles and tactical defense systems, use OpenGL ES libraries to create graphics. Additionally, mobile applications like Instagram use graphics on mobile devices to provide users with faster and more efficient graphics.

WebGL

WebGL is an interface used to create three-dimensional graphics on web pages. It is supported by all modern web browsers."