OpenGL Overview

OpenGL provides a software interface for graphics programming. This interface consists of a basic set of OpenGL subroutines; a set of utility subroutines that provide additional functionality; a set of subroutines that supports the use of OpenGL with AIXwindows and related drawing widgets. For information on these subroutines, refer to the following articles:

• OpenGL Subroutines
• OpenGL Utility (GLU) Library
• OpenGL in the AIXwindows (GLX) Environment
• OpenGL Drawing Widgets and Related Functions

What's New?

Support for OpenGL Version 1.2:

The OpenGL within AIX LPP Version 4.3.2 has been enhanced to support OpenGL Version 1.2. New features include 3-dimensional textures, additional texture-mapping control, new pixel formatting capability, and support for the Vertex Array Draw Element Range function. Because OpenGL 1.2 is a superset of OpenGL 1.1, all programs written for OpenGL 1.1 will run on OpenGL 1.2 without modification, recompiling or relinking.

OpenGL 1.2 support is available in this release only on the GXT3000P. Users of other graphics adapters are limited to functions contained in OpenGL 1.1 and OpenGL 1.1 extensions. The optional Imaging Extension subset is not supported by IBM's OpenGL 1.2 implementation at this time.

ZAPdb:

The ZAPdb Interactive OpenGL Debugger has been enhanced to support all new features provided in OpenGL Version 1.2.

Three New Extensions:

We announce three new extensions to OpenGL in conjunction with AIX 4.3.2. For details on implementation, consult the user documentation. Brief descriptions follow:

• MultiDrawArray Extension: This enables users to group together multiple primitives, and send them to the adapter with one call. This is supported on all OpenGL-capable adapters except the GXT1000.
• Texture Mirrored Repeat Extension: This gives users the capability of specifying texture maps without discontinuities at the edges. This is supported only on the GXT3000P.
• Color Blend Extension: This gives users more options in creating blended and/or translucent colors without having to use an alpha buffer. This is supported only on the GXT3000P.