**Book Description: OpenGL Computer Graphics: Complete Guide** Dive into the world of real-time graphics with *OpenGL Computer Graphics: Complete Guide Build 50 Graphics Projects Including Shader Programming* by Lau Hamco. Published in 2025, this definitive guide empowers developers, game designers, and graphics enthusiasts to master OpenGL through 50 hands-on projects. From rendering 2D sprites to creating complex 3D scenes with advanced shaders, this book offers a structured path to building professional-grade graphics applications. ### Why This Book? OpenGL remains a cornerstone of cross-platform graphics programming, powering everything from video games to scientific visualizations. This book combines theoretical insights with practical projects to teach you how to harness OpenGL’s full potential. Whether you’re a beginner setting up your first OpenGL window or an advanced developer tackling real-time shadow mapping, Lau Hamco’s clear explanations and comprehensive examples make complex concepts accessible and engaging. ### What You’ll Learn - **Core OpenGL Concepts**: Master vertex buffers, shaders, and the graphics pipeline with projects like rendering a 2D triangle and a 3D cube with lighting (Projects 1, 9). - **Advanced Texturing**: Implement multi-texturing, normal mapping, and cubemaps for realistic surfaces, as seen in Projects 12 (multi-textured terrain) and 18 (reflective water surface). - **Shader Programming**: Write dynamic vertex and fragment shaders, including physically-based rendering (PBR) and compute shaders for effects like cloth simulation (Projects 7, 37). - **Real-Time Techniques**: Create immersive scenes with shadow mapping, particle systems, and screen-space ambient occlusion (Projects 17, 19, 22). - **Game Development**: Build game loops, handle input, and implement collision detection for a 3D game level (Project 23). - **Specialized Applications**: Explore volumetric rendering, procedural terrain, and real-time data visualization for scientific and creative projects (Projects 25, 26). - **Performance Optimization**: Learn profiling, debugging, and instanced rendering to ensure smooth performance (Projects 27, 28). - **Cross-Platform Graphics**: Adapt projects for mobile (OpenGL ES) and web (WebGL) platforms (Project 30). ### Key Features - **50 Hands-On Projects**: Progress from simple 2D animations to advanced applications like multiplayer game prototypes and crowd simulations (Projects 39, 44). - **Comprehensive Resources**: Access code, assets, and interactive WebGL demos via a companion GitHub repository and website, with setup guides and troubleshooting tips. - **Practical Tools**: Leverage libraries like GLFW, GLEW, GLM, Assimp, and STB Image, with detailed setup instructions for modern IDEs. - **Advanced Techniques**: Master PBR, global illumination, and compute shaders for cutting-edge graphics (Projects 21, 37). - **Debugging and Optimization**: Use RenderDoc and NVIDIA Nsight to profile and fix common OpenGL errors (Appendix C). ### Who Should Read This Book? Perfect for intermediate to advanced programmers, game developers, and visualization specialists. Beginners with basic C++ or JavaScript knowledge can start with foundational projects, while experienced developers will appreciate advanced topics like deferred rendering and skeletal animation. ### Why Buy Now? In an era of immersive games and visualizations, mastering OpenGL is a career-defining skill. This book’s project-based approach, paired with real-world applications, equips you to create stunning graphics for games, simulations, or mobile apps. Don’t miss the chance to elevate your skills with a resource praised for its clarity and depth.