Real-Time Shader Programming

CHAPTER 4

INTRODUCTION TO SHADERS

 

Shaders are intended to replace the fixed matte-plastic look that has been a part of consumer level graphics programs and games for the past few years. Shaders are intended to give greater freedom to artists and programmers so they may create a unique look and style for their application. Shaders are designed to run on the hardware (assuming a suitable interface is there) in real time, with control over just how involved and complicated the shader is in the hands of the programmer and artist. With shaders you can

• Perform basic geometry transformations

• Warp the geometry

• Blend or skin geometry

• Generate color information (specular and diffuse)

• ‘Tween vertices between transformation matrices

• Generate ...