What is the OpenGL® API?
The OpenGL API is the most widely adopted 3D graphics API in the industry, bringing thousands of applications to a wide variety of computer platforms. The API is not tied to any one operating system and reflects the thinking and talents of software developers from diverse graphics backgrounds. As a highly versatile 2D and 3D graphics API, the OpenGL API enables developers of software for PC, workstation, and supercomputing hardware to create high-performance, visually compelling graphics software applications. The OpenGL API is a rendering-only, vendor-neutral API providing 2D and 3D graphics functions, including modeling, transformations, color, lighting, and smooth shading, as well as advanced features such as texture mapping, NURBS, fog, alpha blending, and motion blur. The OpenGL API works in both immediate and retained (display list) graphics modes.The OpenGL API is window-system and operating-system independent. The OpenGL API has been integrated with Microsoft® Windows® and with