Best way for a complete beginner to learn Open GL.

Have you looked at Learning Modern 3d Graphics Programming?

I haven't used it myself, but it seems fairly popular and might be the sort of resource you're looking for. It goes into quite some detail on theory, but I believe there are plenty of well-explained code samples included as well.

Here are some extra resources. Just poke around and find one you're comfortable using to learn from.

http://antongerdelan.net/opengl/

http://www.mbsoftworks.sk/index.php?page=tutorials&series=1

http://www.rastertek.com/tutgl40.html

http://www.lighthouse3d.com/tutorials/glsl-core-tutorial/

http://www.opengl-tutorial.org/

Thank you for the resources guys, i highly appreciate it .

Use shaders.

IMHO: don't lose your time with fixed-function pipeline (I've lost 6 months studying that) because your lines of codes will grow exponentially, and with shaders, you will learn interesting stuffs at the same time knowing that you are in the right way of learning OpenGL. Also, never hardcode geometry (use OBJ models or something for the job).

Have you looked at Learning Modern 3d Graphics Programming?

I learnt with this one. And at the time I didn't even had half the experience the OP has (instead of 3 years with C++ I think I had more like 3 months with it ).

It starts head on with the more modern OpenGL 3.3 (core profile) programmable pipeline, so no fixed-function cruft, and has all the matrix/vector/rasterization theory you need to get going. It has a series of small programs organized on a big workspace so you can follow them and tear them apart on your IDE of choice.

Thank you very much guys, i will definitely check out Learning 3D Modern Graphics Programming.

I'm currently building a video tutorial series on my website that covers OpenGL shaders that you might be interested in.

Interesting. I will check it out and thanks, however, i have a trouble learning from videos. Thanks anyway

The Chubu, did ArcSynthesis help you learn most of Open GL or did you use another resource with it?

IMHO: don't lose your time with fixed-function pipeline (I've lost 6 months studying that) because your lines of codes will grow exponentially, and with shaders, you will learn interesting stuffs at the same time knowing that you are in the right way of learning OpenGL. Also, never hardcode geometry (use OBJ models or something for the job).

Thanks for the advice and i do know the shaders are highly important in modern GL but if i am making a rendering engine for a game, i would also have to use the pipeline with shaders if i recall correctly? Or would i mostly use shaders? I am still quite new so sorry if these questions are typical or overused.

You do not need to use the fixed-function pipeline in modern OpenGL. In most cases, you will exclusively use shaders. Personally, I don't even know how to use the fixed-function pipeline in OpenGL since I was using Direct3D back in those days.

You do not need to use the fixed-function pipeline in modern OpenGL. In most cases, you will exclusively use shaders. Personally, I don't even know how to use the fixed-function pipeline in OpenGL since I was using Direct3D back in those days.

Thanks, i was thinking mostly of using shaders in Open GL since you are right that the newer Open GL is heavily reliant on Shaders if i am not mistaken. But say if i want to import models or if i want to move models using gainput. Would i have to use the fixed-function pipeline?

Guys thank you all for the help. All the resources your provided are very helpful and i am starting to understand Open GL.

The Arcsynthesis book is phenomanal and it explains Open GL very well. This is a amazing site and i wanted to say thanks.

If anyone else would like to learn Open GL or get started with it as a beginner than as the others suggested, i highly recommend : http://www.arcsynthesis.org/gltut/index.html.

The author is incredible.