in 3d computer Graphics what is the importance of a wire mesh ? What do Libraries like Directx and OpenGL do?

Question

As I understand it, to view a structure in 3d, one defines it in terms of polygons and to view it in 3d one gets a 2d projection of the individual polygons rotated according to the given angle in space. If this is the case...what is the role of Directx and OpenGL? I have heard that they provide the primitives to draw, like sphere, cube, polygons etc. So does directx help in rendering the prmitives in 3d? And is one of the jobs of a graphics games engine programmer to use the libraries and provide for the rendering of wire meshes etc? What else does a graphics game engine do? I am very new to the subject so please answer it in an easy to understand way.
Also does directx have facilities for handling lighting and texturing and can you tell me a little more about it?

Answer 1

You've got the concept of the wire mesh down solidly.



OpenGL and DirectX (More accurately, Directx's section called Direct3D, as DirectX also has sections for sound, input, and network features, which OpenGL does not) are competing technologies for displaying game graphics. They are, at their core, nothing more than a large set of code functions and subroutines that allow the programmer to allocate memory and create the frames of a game program without having to directly touch the hardware itself. This simplifies the work needed in making a game by both limiting compatibility issues and testing and by not forcing the programmer to learn new functions for each new grahpics chip that gets released.



The game engine programmer then writes code that keeps track of where every object is, and passes that information through the DX or OGL functions to get the appropriate 2D image to display. In some cases, the programmer will write their own versions of the DX or OGL functions to make them more efficient, but less compatible (for instance, leaving out code the standard library has for hardware that's not powerful enough for the game they are making anyway).



Yes, DX does have functions for lighting and textures. Lighting features in a PC game that aren't already incorporated in DX are pretty rare, as they are exremely processor-intensive otherwise.

Answer 2

ok, before everything OpenGL isn't "useless" what's useless is GLUT, it truly is an extension of OpenGL. i might want to apply SDL instead of GLUT which isn't "useless". Now OpenGL is crossplatform meaning it quite works on Linux, Mac, and homestead windows. DirectX artwork on homestead windows and that i belive Mac. (by no potential used a mac so i can not say for particular.) the significant reason you would possibly want to often use OpenGL is in the adventure that your an Opensource Junkie like me : ) and also you want your courses to artwork on linux operating structures, otherwise using DirectX is in basic terms positive. note that Linux is a small marketplace even if it does exist and may not be left out so in the adventure that your quite formidable study both. Now as for Maya and 3DSMax. i imagine that the biggest massive difference i believe is that Maya is extra geared in route of animation and 3DSMax is extra for recreation layout. because you're staring at animation you'll likely favor to move with Maya. desire this permits you out. solid success

Answer 3

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