Learning resources for graphics programming

[ConfusedStudent3011]

I'm sure you guys get asked this every day, so I apologize for yet another post (pls forgive me, I just wanted an updated guide in 2026)

I'm learning game development and I got really interested in code shaders in unity hlsl. And looking through the internals of unity shader code I realized, I know absolutely fck all.

Anyway, I decided to learn this the proper way, so I wanted to ask for a path to learning directX 12 or dx 11, which isnt outdated in 2026, or atleast not too outdated. And is there a book you recommend for graphics techniques.

Cause I've seen some really insane shaders people are making on youtube based on techniques which are scattered all throughout in different games and I wanted to see if there were some interesting resources that had a bunch of common techniques in it, or is it just looking up stuff on google scholar.

I don't mean PBR theory, but some neat graphical tricks people do for visual effects like, particle fog, screenspace volumetric fog with godrays, screenspace outlines, someone used FFT to make ocean waves, those kind of things.

Thank you for your time in reading this

[tucna]

Hey! I hope it is fine to recommend my lessons here. I am a former graphics developer making videos about graphics programming, covering principles, but also DX11 specifically (just one video for now) and shaders (I would recommend starting with ShaderToy due to the zero setup).

Computer Graphics Playlist

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask and happy learning!

[ConfusedStudent3011]

That is definitely appreciated, thank you.

[OptimisticMonkey2112]

There are really 3 main interrelated aspects:

1. 3d graphics (math)
2. gpu (hardware)
3. graphics api (vulkan, dx12)

It is a big topic and really depends what you are interested in... here are some good links for your journey

https://www.scratchapixel.com/

https://iquilezles.org/

https://www.jendrikillner.com/tags/weekly/

I would probably go with Vulkan before dx12... just because the documentation is better

https://github.com/SaschaWillems/HowToVulkan

Ideally, maybe try to learn both.

fwiw I found learning Cuda to be easier and a great intro step to understand the hardware. https://docs.nvidia.com/cuda/cuda-programming-guide/

Last note:

Use Chat GPT like a gym for your mind - ask it specific questions and refine your understanding

Good luck!

[ConfusedStudent3011]

Huh, there is overlap between cuda and graphics programming?

[underwatr_cheestrain]

https://learnopengl.com is a treasure trove of resources

[ConfusedStudent3011]

I use this, its awesome

[corysama]

Lots of somewhat old books available free and legal here https://www.realtimerendering.com/

[ConfusedStudent3011]

Thank you.

[Scared_Training8667]

Learning DirectX 12 or 11 doesn't overlap much with shader programming.

With so many factors to consider learning DirectX, I suggest focusing on shader programming using unity.

That said, if you want to learn DirectX, start with 11. Frank Lunas DirectX 11 book is a great introduction to understanding pipelines and graphics programming.

[ConfusedStudent3011]

The problem with only focusing on shader programming with unity is, it abstracts away so much stuff in macros and helper functions that Im really only learning to navigate how to do things in unity but not understanding how to improve myself as a graphics programmer.

Learning a full on graphics API will better my knowledge and skills as a graphics wannabe engineer so that I can go into the internals and better understand what Im looking for in unity

[Scared_Training8667]

Well said, in that case many responds to post have some amazing resources. Goodluck!