It''s for vertex/pixel shaders. The idea is to have one language and one compiler so we don''t have to worry about using one of each from ATI and nVidia to stay compatible.

nVidia and ATI have both released their own versions of what they call "vertex and pixel shaders." These are programs run by a special processing unit on the ''GPU'' that perform specific instructions either on a per-vertex or per-pixel level. For example, one could write a vertex shader to create a transparent "shell" around a model like the Quad Damage effect in Quake III - though Quake III does this without vertex shaders, on the CPU. One could use pixel shaders to create a quality bumpmapping effect. You can go to the vendors'' websites (particularly nVidia''s) to see them brag about what their vertex and pixel shaders can do.

These vertex and pixel shaders are written in an ASM-like language and uploaded to the graphics card. Although the main program can be written in C++, the vertex shader still must be sent in a low-level form.

The creators of the "shader compiler" created a high-level language to describe vertex and pixel shaders. Their compiler creates GPU code from shader code written in this high level language.

You do not need vertex and/or pixel shaders in order to light your geometry using traditional vertex-lighting techniques, nor do you need them to perform texture mapping or any other standard technique. They are useful, and the shader compiler therefore seems useful because it appears to help you author them. However, since it sounds like you''re new to OpenGL, I''ll give you this advice: wait a bit before you use the vertex and pixel shaders. If you''re not and simply haven''t been keeping up with the lingo that the marketing people have been inventing, then I apoligise for misinterpreting your post.

I hope that answers your question.

You could have a look at the hardcore game programming articles on gamedev about the vertex/pixelshaders...

They are for directx but maybe you get the idea when you read that

And with opengl 2.0 you still can use it with vc++.. the compiler where NaliXL is talking about is only for things like pixel and vertex shaders(you now, those new capabilities for the geforce 3/4 and the new ati cards)

As far as I now those instruction are still a little basic and are really compiled in another program.. but you can achieve very realstic and nice effects with them

[edit] I just missed TerranFury's post.. Is it really difficult to program with PS/VS? I now what they are and saw some pictures of what you can make with them but how difficult is it?

[edited by - Scheermesje on May 3, 2002 4:22:16 PM]

No, the stuff is not mainly for hardware manufacters..

The programmer who makes the program can use this instructions to acces the hardware more directly. But they are in a sort of ASM and need to be compiled..

Well, the intent of this is that eventually, you *won't* need to know the assembly-like language. You can write your shaders in this higher level language, and have it work on all hardware that supports it.

Oh, and it'll probably be a while before ATI and nVidia release OpenGL 2.0 compatible drivers. I'd guess that the spec is at least a year away from even being finalized. Part of the reason for 3D Labs releasing this compiler was to push things forward a bit.