
The OpenGL Timer Query
Christopher Lux
This chapter presents the OpenGL functionality to measure execution times of se-
quences of OpenGL commands using methods provided through the OpenGL timer
query. The special requirement of dedicated OpenGL timing methods for profiling
and runtime purposes is highlighted, followed by an introduction of the basic func-
tions and concepts regarding synchronous and asynchronous approaches to OpenGL
timing. Different types of applications are demonstrated, while indicating special
limitations to this functionality.
34.1 Introduction
How long does it take the graphics hardware (GPU) to execute a certain sequence of
OpenGL ...