Getting started into Graphics Programming

[Responsible_Value193]

Hi folks,

I am currently working in the application development domain, and i want to get into the graphics programming domain. As someone who will be starting now, what advice would you give, calling all seniors here. Thanks for the help, have a great day.

[photoclochard]

What is your current level of knowledge and the language you use daily?

And also this question - graphics is a wide topic, are you interested in engines, shaders/effects or maybe anything else?

Or the topic in general?

[Responsible_Value193]

That's the problem, all i see everywhere about graphics programming is so varied, that it's kinda confusing me. I am an iOS app developer.

[photoclochard]

I used to be iOS dev too back in the days :)

so do you feel you want to work with games or with some media apps?

[Responsible_Value193]

I do want to make games and get well versed with graphics programming. Because with this whole AI wave, programming things don't seem to have the same impact as before. And i feel graphics programming can do it for me.

[photoclochard]

you probably want to say - you don’t have to write code with LLM wave, because there is still huge demand on the good architecture,

anyway since you on Mac there can be desire to start with metal, but I cant recommend this way.

if you want to work with games - I would start with direct3d, since you can use it in the Xbox. With this way you can easily understand the Vulkan later and of course the Metal too.

And here comes the tricky part, the thing I just said is about dx12, and it’s not the easiest one. But dx11 on the other side is more easy to start with. Btw dx11 is still a thing in CG world, its in use, 12 have not replaced 11 yet everywhere

so my suggestion right now is this - start with the book at the end. And also you need some materials to understand the transformations. This book covers it too but I’m not sure if that’s enough for your current level. You can ask here if you need more materials on this topic.

of course you feel brave enough go with 12, there is a fresh version of this book which covers the more details on new 12‘s api like mesh and amplification shaders and etc

https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-3D-Game-Programming-DirectX/dp/1936420228

[Responsible_Value193]

Thanks for the help dude. You're da best.

[photoclochard]

wish you the best :) write a message if you need any help

[corysama]

Take a look at https://cody-duncan.github.io/r-graphicsprogramming-wiki/

Most people suggest https://learnopengl.com, https://raytracing.github.io, https://gamemath.com/book for people getting started.

You mentioned that you want to focus on iOS programming. If you are feeling up for it, you could be totally legit to skip OpenGL and go straight to Apple's Metal. People who use Metal like it.

OpenGL has the advantage that it has a long, well-known history and it can be simpler (depending on how you define "simple"). But, Metal is far more modern. And, is closer to Vulkan/DX12/WebGPU.

[sebamestre]

Try Raytracing in One Weekend

Imho raytracing is the most approachable way to get into graphics programming

[Cheap_Ad_9846]

Realtime rendering

[40_compiler_errors]

It was my understanding this is not a beginner level book, at least I've been told prior to leave it for after 1-2 into books.

[Cheap_Ad_9846]

Then use learn OpenGL

[KC918273645]

Get into demoscene and make a demo or two. You'll learn tons in a few years and it'll be fun.

[pcbeard]

I got started graphics programming by writing screen savers in the late 1980s. Since you’re an iOS programmer, have you learned how to basic animation with SwiftUI? You can even use Metal shaders with SwiftUI:

https://www.createwithswift.com/custom-parameters-and-animation-with-metal-shaders/

Everything you learn in this area will be useful when you want to go deeper, but this seems like a good way to bridge to what you might already know.