This post summarizes libraries to create 3D or 2D graphics and sound.
For those libraries to create both graphics and sound toghether, you can check this post.
Graphics and multimedia libraries should not be confused with game engines. You can read more about game engines on this post.
Advantages of using Graphics Libraries
Using multimedia libraries allow to create applications that work on different hardware and operating systems (cross-platform).
List of Multimedia Libraries
List of multimedia libraries:
- OpenGL
- OpenGL ES
- Vulkan
- Direct3D
- Metal
OpenGL
OpenGraphics Library (OpenGL) is a graphics library. It is developed by the Kronos Group, that is a non-profit technology consortium.
Since its released in 1992 is very established.
It has been around for decades and has gone through various versions and extensions. OpenGL provides a higher level of abstraction, making it easier for developers to work with graphics hardware without needing to manage every detail. It is widely used for 2D and 3D graphics and can target various platforms, including desktop, mobile, and embedded systems.
It is Free and Open Source Software (FOSS).
OpenGL ES
OpenGL Embedded Systems is OpenGL ES is a graphics library library specific for embedded systems.
It is Free and Open Source Software (FOSS).
Vulkan
Vulkan is an effort to combine OpenGL and OpenGL ES, and it is not backwards compatible. It is also developed by the Kronos Group.
It was released in 2016.
It is designed with a focus on high performance, efficiency, and parallelism, making it well-suited for applications that demand the utmost control over graphics processing. It is often used in complex 3D games, simulations, and applications where performance optimization is a critical concern.
It is Free and Open Source Software (FOSS).
Direct3D
Direct3D is a graphics library for Windows products. It is developed by American company Microsoft.
It is a component of the library DirectX, also referred as DX.
DirectX SDK is included in Windows SDK since Windows 8. You can read more about it on this external link.
It is proprietary.
Metal
Metal is a graphics API for Apple products. It is developed by Apple.
It is proprietary.
You might also be interested in…
- Multimedia Libraries
- Game Development Frameworks
- Game Development Engines
- Cross-platform Programming Toolkits
- Cross-platform Application Frameworks
External References
- Nicol Bolas; “What are Metal and Vulkan?“; StackExchange.com
- Wikipedia; “List of 3D graphics libraries“; Wikipedia