What is the difference between these terms:
- OpenGL (as in: “You should download OpenGL 1.2 …”)
OpenGL (Open Graphics Library) is in a protocall of sorts, as you have http version 1.0, 1.1, etc, then same holds true with openGL 1.0, 1.1, etc. It is best to used the newest version of openGL to take advantage of the added features.
- OpenGL Specification
Just list of what features are found in the current version of openGL.
- OpenGL Implementation
It is what programming languages and operating systems have support for openGL.
languages: C/C++, Java, Delphi, etc.
operating systems: Windows, UNIX, Mac, etc.
- OpenGL Related-Library
GLU and GLUT fall under here, could be any library that extends the function of opengl.
If you have had any programming experince you should understand the use of library’s to let you reuse useful routines in other programs without having to start from scratch.
- OpenGL Utility Library (GLU)
openGL Utility library, adds functions not found in opengl base library. GLU is built from the base opengl library functions.
- OpenGL Utility Toolkit (GLUT)
openGL Utility Toolkit is another library that adds useful functions not found in openGL base. I it good for the first time users of openGL.
Order of library:
openGL Base
GLU middle level functions (base + GLU)
GLUT higher level functions (base + GLU +GLUT)
But you do not have to use GLU or GLUT to write an openGL program, just makes it easier then have to write your own versions of there routines.
Originally posted by NaGl:
[b]Hi all !!
I am having a problem in understanding various names (or parts maybe) of this OpenGL family.
What is the difference between these terms:
- OpenGL (as in: “You should download OpenGL 1.2 …”)
- OpenGL Specification
- OpenGL Implementation
- OpenGL Related-Library
- OpenGL Utility Library (GLU)
- OpenGL Utility Toolkit (GLUT)
i am really very confused with these terms, i have read many introductions, nehe, redbook … etc, but i still can’t get it!
let’s see if my vision about this thing is right:
For the first problem:
When we say “OpenGL” we really mean GLU or GLUT … right ?
For the second problem:
the “OpenGL Specification” is not kind of binary software that you can execute, nor an interactive application development environment, but it is something like a PROTOCOL that everyone have to follow (like the HTTP protocol, all browsers & servers must follow it) … right ?
For the third problem:
(This is based on the previous vision)
When we say “OpenGL Implementation” we mean an application which follow the OpenGL protocol (like Netscape,IE,Opera for HTTP) … right ?
For the fourth problem:
still nothing in my mind about it
For the fifth & sixth problem:
GLU & GLUT are Implementations of openGL … GLU is simpler and smaller … and GLUT is bigger and have windowing management included … right ?
Sorry for my long message, but these terms are really confusing
Any help is appreciated so much …[/b]