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Difference between WebGL and OpenGL
WebGL and OpenGL are graphics libraries which were developed by the Khronos Group. WebGL was developed in 2011 while OpenGL was launched in 1992. Users can use WebGL and OpenGL to make different types of images which can be either 2D or 3D. In this article, we will discuss the difference between WebGL and OpenGL.
What is WebGL?
WebGL is a JavaScript API which can be used for making 2D and 3D graphics. It can be expanded to Web Graphics Library. No plugins are required in any browser to make images by using WebGL. Fragment shaders and vertex shaders are supported by WebGL. Data visualization and cross-platform development features are also available. It is easy to learn so beginners can also use it easily. Automatic memory management is also supported by WebGL.
What is OpenGL?
OpenGL can be expanded to Open Graphics Library. This is an API that has the ability to communicate with the Graphics Processing Unit or GPU directly. C language is used to make the platform. It can be used for shading geometrical shapes. Users can make images according to the choice of image formats. Animation and rendering packages are also available.
Difference between OpenGL and WebGL
The table below shows the difference between OpenGL and WebGL.
| WebGL | OpenGL |
|---|---|
| It is used in browsers and web applications. | It is used to develop different types of video games. |
| Learning curve is comparatively less. | Learning curve is more due to the presence of a lot of features. |
| WebGL has no fixed function pipeline | Fixed function pipeline is available in the OpenGL. |
| Images in WebGL are used for web applications. | Images in OpenGL are used for desktop applications. |
| It is used for browsers and in web applications. | It is used for software installation. |
| Khronos Group developed WebGL in 2011. | Khronos Group developed OpenGL in 1992. |
| WebGL is written in JavaScript | OpenGL is written in C |
Which is better: WebGL or OpenGL?
WebGL is a graphic library which is a JavaScript API. Users who want to make 2D and 3D images can use WebGL. WebGL supports fragment shaders. It has less features so the learning curve is less. Comparatively, OpenGL is an API which has the ability to communicate directly with the GPU. It is used to give shades to geometrical shapes. Animation and rendering packages are also available in OpenGL.
Conclusion
WebGL and OpenGL are graphic libraries which are developed by Khronos. WebGL was developed in 2011 while OpenGL was developed in 1992. OpenGL is used to develop games and it has the ability to communicate directly with GPU. WebGL is used to make 2D and 3D images.
FAQs on WebGL Vs. OpenGL
1. What is WebGL context?
WebGL context is an object which has the ability to render the WebGL surface. It provides methods for drawing, managing buffers, creating shaders, and doing a lot of other things.
2. What is a vertex shader?
Vertex shaders can be used to work on a single vertex at a time in the 3D space. Color, position, and other attributes of each vertex can be changed easily.
3. What is a fragment shader?
Fragment shader has the ability to work on each pixel of an image on the screen. It helps to work with colors and other attributes of the image.
4. In which language is OpenGL written?
OpenGL is written in C while WebGL is written in JavaScript.
5. Which API is used to develop games?
OpenGL is used to develop games while WebGL is used in applications and web browsers.
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