This is the Safari online edition of the printed book.

OpenGL is a powerful software interface used to produce high-quality, computer-generated images and interactive applications using 2D and 3D objects, bitmaps, and color images.

The OpenGL® Programming Guide, Seventh Edition, provides definitive and comprehensive information on OpenGL and the OpenGL Utility Library. The previous edition covered OpenGL through Version 2.1. This seventh edition of the best-selling “red book” describes the latest features of OpenGL Versions 3.0 and 3.1. 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 seventh edition has been updated to include the newest features of OpenGL Versions 3.0 and 3.1, including:

• Using framebuffer objects for off-screen rendering and texture updates

• Examples of the various new buffer object types, including uniform-buffer objects, transform feedback buffers, and vertex array objects

• Using texture arrays to increase performance when using numerous textures

• Efficient rendering using primitive restart and conditional rendering

• Discussion of OpenGL’s deprecation mechanism and how to verify your programs for future versions of OpenGL

This edition continues the discussion of the OpenGL Shading Language (GLSL) and explains the mechanics of using this language to create complex graphics effects and boost the computational power 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. 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.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 2 Ratings

Very Disappointing - 2009-07-30
Reviewer Rating:
Extremely disappointed with this book. I was eagerly looking forward to this book hoping that this would enable me to learn the new programming model of OpenGL ( programmable pipe-line )which is substantially different from the previous versions. The initial description of this book ( before it was actually released )had mentioned that this edition would have 70% new material ( text and code ) and would completely cover the new approach. Not sure as to what happened but this book is mostly a re-print of the 6th edition with a small table next to each API which indicates whether the API is deprecated or not ( Most of it are deprecated and I'm not sure why we need a book that explains all the deprecated API's and how to program with deprecated features). Will wait for OpenGL SuperBible 5th Edition now ( Hopefully there is something like that in the works ).

Well, it should have been pure 3.1. - 2009-08-19
Reviewer Rating:
Much like the other reviewer, I have to admit being underwhelmed. Back at the OpenGL BOF at Siggraph in 2008, it was announced that the authors were working on an updated "Red Book". I waited patiently for this new edition, fully expecting a book that concisely covered the new 3.0-3.1 openGL api programming philosophy. Having used the Red Books for 6 years now, I looked forward to a straightforward narrative that would be easier to read than the spec and a pile of extensions.

Now, to give credit where it's due, this book does talk about the new APIs, (hence the 3 stars). But it is unfortunately littered with page after page of material on deprecated API bits. I can't imagine why the authors would do this, apart from maybe the publisher pushing a page count?

[...edit - I went on and on...]

Anyway, guys, please, if you're reading this, in the next edition, trim the fat. If it's not 3.1-compliant, cut it out. There are plenty of 2.1 references out there if someone has to learn outdated code.

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