OpenGL Basics

Introduces core OpenGL concepts for building desktop graphics applications with the programmable pipeline.

Usage

Ask about OpenGL setup, shader compilation, buffer management, or rendering techniques.

Examples

• "Set up an OpenGL context with GLFW and GLAD"
• "Write a basic vertex and fragment shader in GLSL"
• "How do I load and apply a texture to a quad?"

Guidelines

• Use the core profile (3.3+) and avoid deprecated fixed-function pipeline
• Always check shader compilation and linking errors
• Use VAOs to encapsulate vertex attribute state
• Enable depth testing for 3D scenes to avoid z-fighting
• Clean up GPU resources (buffers, textures, shaders) on exit