This book introduces the basic concepts of Direct3D with engaging hands-on projects. Solid solutions are given to basic, real world 3D programming problems. The book teaches Windows programmers how to apply the Direct 3D API to accomplish typical 3D graphics objectives.

Currently, there aren't any good books on Windows graphics programming. Programmers looking for help are left to muddle their way through online documentation and API books that don't focus on this topic. This book paves new ground, covering actual graphics implementation, hidden restrictions, and performance issues programmers need to know about.

Ron Fosner provides tips and teaches techniques enabling Windows programmers to optimize OpenGL performance on the Windows platform. Topics include model and view matrices, bitmaps and texturing, and manipulating OpenGL objects. Numerous programming examples in C are provided.

The licensing of OpenGL to many leading computer companies, including Microsoft, has made it possible for graphics programmers to learn to write stunning 3D graphics programs using the industry graphics standard on the world's most popular operating system. And OpenGL Programming of Windows 95 and Windows NT is the key to the door of opportunity for those who see the tremendous potential for programmers who can produce high-quality 3D applications on these platforms. Using numerous examples, Microsoft's Visual C++ programming platform, the C++ programming language, and the Microsoft Foundation Classes, Fosner starts with a generic C application that can be compiled from any 32-bit C compiler and, step by step, covers the basics of creating an OpenGL program selecting the appropriate pixel format; arranging the device context and rendering contexts; enhancing OpenGL programs to achieve maximum speed; using display lists and texture maps; finding OpenGL enhancements hidden in your video driver; programming OpenGL's Modelview matrix to get the effects you want; and providing rapid animation under Windows - without bogging down the user interface. Most important, you'll absorb this knowledge within the context of developing a Windows application that you can experiment with and actually use in your Windows programs. You will gain hands-on experience in designing, creating, programming, measuring, and optimizing a real OpenGL 3D animation program.

This book provides an accessible approach to the study of Windows programming with Visual C++. It is intended to be an introduction to Visual C++ for technical people including practicing engineers, engineering students, and others who would like to understand Windows programming and use its inherent graphic capabilities. While the book is aimed at a technical audience, the mathematical content is modest and it should be readable by most people interested in C++ programming. It introduces readers to Windows programming in a natural way, making use of the object-oriented environment, the Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC), and the document/view organization.Over fifty example projects are included on a companion CD. These example projects are used in the book's tutorial format initially by introducing Visual C++ programming and important C++ concepts. Then coverage of Windows programming begins with fundamental graphics operations including interactive drawing with mouse inputs. This is followed by program interaction through Windows tools for creating drop down menus, toolbar buttons, dialog windows, file input/output, output to printers, etc. Basic animation concepts are presented, using classes to develop, manipulate and display geometric shapes. Graphs are plotted as objects and the process of creating color contour plots is discussed.After using this book and following its collection of example programs, readers should be well prepared to write interactive programs which integrate Windows functionality and graphics with their own C++ programming. The step-by-step structure of each example in the book is described thoroughly and only standard Microsoft resources for graphics are required. Exercises at the end of each chapter provide opportunities to revisit and extend the tutorial examples. The project folders on the CD include complete program code for all examples. Files are also provided that contain classes and functions for handling geometric objects and graphs and which may be easily adapted for a wide variety of application programs.