And a new D3D interface called Fahrenheit is on the horizon (last I heard). Much easier now than using Immediate (or even retained) mode. As far as the learning curve goes, the new Direct3DX utility library that ships with the DirectX 7 seems to simplify D3D. Word is, however, that things are looking up and more hardware support for OpenGL will increase in the near future. It would be great for modelers (I believe 3DS Max uses it). I've not had much experience with it, but the little bit of research I've done has led me to the descision that now is not the time to use OpenGL exclusively.
#Directx12 vs opengl 4.4 windows#
For example, they say the windows implementation is quite slow. Some capabilities might not be, but what the hardware doesn't handle DirectX hardware emulation does.Īlso, the implementation of OpenGL you choose is a factor. Many cards only handle a small subset of the API (mini-drivers), while some don't support it at all.ĭirect3D on the other hand, is supported by nearly every card on the market. The other thing to keep in mind is that the level of support for OpenGL by Graphics card manufacturers is lacking. Which is to say don't pick one or the other because you've heard one is faster (that point can be debated forever).Īlso relaize that OpenGL can be used wih DirectAccess/input/sound so they really shouldn't be a factor.Įssentially you have to use both and pick your preference. OpenGL is (IMO) more clean and easier to learn.īoth API's are acclerated to the point that the real 'benchmark' relies on the job programming. This is the only thing that I see as a major difference because past that both DirectDraw/3d and OpenGL contain transfomration and rasterization functions. You can gain (pseudo)direct access to video memory so that you can manipulate it directly. Here is my 2 cents on it all (no actual cash value)ĭirectDraw/3d (on its simplest level) sets up an environment that is similar to what VGA programming used to be. So the question really is OpenGL vs DirectDraw/3d. It is strictly graphics, whereas DirectX can handle sound networking input and graphics. Well first we have to clarify that OpenGL is not the same type of API as DirectX.