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= What is a Shader = | = What is a Shader = | ||
A shader is a programmable replacement for parts of the fixed function OpenGL pipeline. | |||
Shaders offer: | |||
* Opportunity for Improved Visual Quality | |||
* Algorithm Flexibility | |||
* Performance Benefits | |||
To make it simple, a shader is a program that is loaded on the GPU and called for every vertex or pixel: this gives programmers the possibility to implement techniques and visual effects and execute them faster. In modern games or simulators lots of shaders are used: lights, water, skinning, reflections and much more. | To make it simple, a shader is a program that is loaded on the GPU and called for every vertex or pixel: this gives programmers the possibility to implement techniques and visual effects and execute them faster. In modern games or simulators lots of shaders are used: lights, water, skinning, reflections and much more. |
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