OpenGL

OpenGL, or the Open Graphics Library, is a 3D graphics language developed by Silicon Graphics. Before OpenGL, if software developers wanted to create three-dimensional graphics, they would have to write separate graphics code for each operating system platform and they needed to vary it for different graphics hardware as well. However, using OpenGL, developers can create graphics and special effects that will appear nearly the same on any operating system and any hardware that supports OpenGL. This makes it much easier for developers of 3D games and programs to port their software to multiple platforms. So how exactly does OpenGL work? Well, programmers write OpenGL code in which they specify a set of commands. Each command executes a drawing action or creates a special effect. Using hundreds or thousands of these OpenGL commands, programmers can create 3D worlds which can include texture mapping, transparency (alpha blending), hidden surface removal, antialiasing, fog, and lighting effects. An unlimited amount of viewing and modeling transformations can be applied to the OpenGL objects, giving developers an infinite amount of possibilities. Basically, this all leads to more realistic 3D graphics.