Open GL in normal applications

Graphics and GPU Programming Programming

Started by Xetrov August 18, 2001 10:42 AM

6 comments, last by Xetrov 22 years, 8 months ago

116

Author

August 18, 2001 10:42 AM

I was wondering why OpenGL is rarely used for 2d applications, such as file managers, web browsers etc. Is it the wrong sort of API to use? Almost my entire experience with programming in GUIs (i mean not Text/console apps) has been with openGL. I was just wondering if it was the wrong sort of API to use for an easily portable application, such as a web browser or filemanager etc? If it is, can anyone suggest another API which is as easy to use? Thanks in advance

NickW

321

August 18, 2001 10:59 AM

Well, the main reason why people don''t use OpenGL for 2D is because it''s a 3D engine. It doesn''t allow you to draw directly to the screen, (Except with glDrawPixels, which is very slow). If you''re looking to do stuff in 2d in windows, try using the GDI or even DirectX. If you''re looking for portability, check out SDL (www.libsdl.org). With SDL you can write completely portable code, so I highly recomend it.

NickW

wolfman8k

140

August 19, 2001 09:13 AM

Allegro is a lot better than SDL.

Maximus

124

August 22, 2001 06:40 AM

OpenGL isnt a 3D engine, its a graphics API. It does 2D just as well as it does 3D.

-----------------------"When I have a problem on an Nvidia, I assume that it is my fault. With anyone else's drivers, I assume it is their fault" - John Carmack

outRider

852

August 24, 2001 05:56 PM

But its probably not used for stuff like file managers because then you''d need a 3D card to use that file manager. How many people out there using a file manager or a web browser (many millions) also have a 3D card? I know you can run OGL in software but then whats the point of even using OGL? Just use GDI or DDraw.

------------
- outRider -

Midnight Coder

122

August 24, 2001 06:03 PM

GDI is used for normal applications because it''s almost guaranteed to work the same on all video cards and computers.

Julio

116

August 24, 2001 06:20 PM

quote:
Allegro is a lot better than SDL.

Allegro is geared more towards beginners. I don''t mind using it, but I''d never make a game or demo with it. it''s too restrictive.

How many Microsoft employees does it take to screw in a light bulb?
None, they just declare drakness as a new standard.

My HomepageSome shoot to kill, others shoot to mame. I say clear the chamber and let the lord decide. - Reno 911

Anonymous

August 25, 2001 10:02 AM

quote:Original post by Julio

Allegro is a lot better than SDL.

Allegro is geared more towards beginners. I don''t mind using it, but I''d never make a game or demo with it. it''s too restrictive.

What can''t you do with it? There''s also tons of addons.

Open GL in normal applications

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