<P style="MARGIN: 0px">OpenGL is a powerful software library that uses programmable shaders, texture maps, and advanced geometric techniques to manipulate and color 2D and 3D objects to produce high-quality, computer-generated images and compelling interactive applications.</P> <P style="MARGIN: 0px"> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0px">   The <B><I>OpenGL Programming Guide, Eighth Edition</I></B>, provides a comprehensive overview of the OpenGL application programming interface (API) and its associated language for programmable shaders, the OpenGL Shading Language (GLSL).  This new 8<SUP>th</SUP> edition, completely rewritten to explain the most recent techniques in OpenGL programming, combines the API coverage of previous editions of the best-selling "red book", and the programmable shading elements of the "orange book" into a single updated reference.</P> <P style="MARGIN: 0px"> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0px">   In the 8th edition, you'll find simple explanations of the OpenGL shading pipeline, guiding the beginner programmer through creating their OpenGL application by writing and compiling shaders; specifying and rendering 3D objects; interactively viewing objects from different perspective vantage points; employing lighting, texture maps, and other shading techniques to create compelling visual effects.  In addition, this book also explores all of the shading capabilities available in GLSL and OpenGL's shading stages, including geometry and tessellation shaders.</P> <P style="MARGIN: 0px"> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0px">   This 8th edition contains over 85% new material describing the latest features of OpenGL through Version 4.2, including: </P> <UL> <LI>initializing all of the geometry-processing shader stages: vertex, geometry, and tessellation shaders; and a through discussion of shading using fragment shaders </LI> <LI>a through coverage of the OpenGL shading language and its features </LI> <LI>advanced discussions of rendering techniques including instanced rendering, and transform feedback </LI> <LI>intense rendering techniques that include bump mapping for visual effects, and vertex texture mapping for displacement mapping</LI></UL> <P style="MARGIN: 0px"> </P>   The OpenGL Technical Library, which includes <B><I>The OpenGL Programming Guide, Eighth Edition</I></B>, provides tutorial and reference books for OpenGL.  The Library enables programmers to gain a practical understanding of OpenGL, and helps them unlock its full potential.  The OpenGL Technical Library, like OpenGL itself, continues to evolve under the influences of the OpenGL ARB Working Group, which is part of the industry consortium Khronos Group.