Graphics Shaders: Theory and Practice

by Mike Bailey, Steve Cunningham

Graphics Shaders: Theory and Practice is intended for a second course in computer graphics at the undergraduate or graduate level, introducing shader programming in general, but focusing on the GLSL shading language. While teaching how to write programmable shaders, the authors also teach and reinforce the fundamentals of computer graphics. The second edition has been updated to incorporate changes in the OpenGL API (OpenGL 4.x and GLSL 4.x0) and also has a chapter on the new tessellation shaders, including many practical examples. The book starts with a quick review of the graphics pipeline, emphasizing features that are rarely taught in introductory courses, but are immediately exposed in shader work. It then covers shader-specific theory for vertex, tessellation, geometry, and fragment shaders using the GLSL 4.x0 shading language. The text also introduces the freely available glman tool that enables you to develop, test, and tune shaders separately from the applications that will use them. The authors explore how shaders can be used to support a wide variety of applications and present examples of shaders in 3D geometry, scientific visualization, geometry morphing, algorithmic art, and more. Features of the Second Edition: The authors thoroughly explain the concepts, use sample code to describe details of the concepts, and then challenge you to extend the examples. They provide sample source code for many of the book’s examples at

Genres: Technology

518 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Hi, I’m Mike Bailey—high school flunky extraordinaire and Navy-trained fixer.

Grew up in Illinois (good riddance), traveled half the world, bounced through Florida, washed up in Northern Wisconsin where winters drag, coffee bites, and toast is slathered in existential dread.

Started scribbling poetry in high school. Spent decades fixing gear, cranking out tech docs, business briefs, and Navy-grade justifications proving I can fake adulthood. Along the way, I developed a refined distrust of the usual suspects and a weaponized sense of sarcasm.

Debut novel: 10101 SOS: A Bit in Distress. Inspired by Queensrÿche’s song NM156 + Douglas Adams + unhinged early South Park = absurd roast of civilization in a universe that’s half mirror, half funhouse and half anti-reality. Immersive. Entertaining. Mildly infuriating. Exactly the point.

Off-duty, I still fix stuff—mechanical, electrical, philosophical, and the occasional cracked toenail. I only wear Hawaiian shirts and wear my socks inside out because comfort > conformity.

Also: certified Illinois Wastewater Operator because nothing says “I understand society” like a license to handle its output.

Cracked lens supplied. Bring your own conveyance.

Reviews

[Manuel Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from beginning to end.

It's a shame the book's website is down yet I was able to implemented tons of the examples with no need for the code in the website.

Recommend for anyone wanting to demystify shaders in their minds and be able to think how and when to apply them.

Also goes well with Shadron! (at least for vertex/fragment shaders)

[Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled missing spots in my understanding of shaders. I'd say not for total beginners - you should have some understanding of the pipeline & shading before opening it.