What are the best guides / tutorials / books / websites for someone with minimal experience (or none) in the world of 3D graphics programming?
I realize that the fundamentals of 3D graphics and mathematics apply across platform specific 3D library implementations such as OpenGL, DirectX, WPF etc..
Therefore it would be useful if answers would explain if they focus on a specific library implementation, on the fundamentals, or maybe both.
Rationale for for asking this question:
With Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) 3D on the scene, it's realistic for many programmers to now seriously consider using 3D for their applications, where this would have been almost impossible even a few years ago.
I'm sure there are many programmers out there, like me, who find the leap from 2D to 3D a very big one.
It's because graphics programming goes beyond just the code and circuit boards most programmers are used to. It delves deeply into the field of advanced math and physics. You have to make sure you have a solid understanding of math to be able to create the computer images you see in video games.
How much does a Graphics Programmer make? As of Oct 29, 2022, the average annual pay for a Graphics Programmer in the United States is $133,085 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $63.98 an hour. This is the equivalent of $2,559/week or $11,090/month.
3D computer graphics (in contrast to 2D computer graphics) are graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data (often Cartesian) that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images.
Learn about Computer Graphics3D computer graphics are simple to learn but may take a while to master fully. Creating realistic images using computer programs is a vital part of a lot of the entertainment industry, so mastering these programs gives you access to a rewarding creative career.
I recommend that you implement a simple software based 3d rendering engine. Simple stuff like line, quads, lighting etc. You will learn a whole lot more about 3d programming in general, and it will give you a good prescriptive on 3d graphics and it's limitations.
This should get you started: http://www.devmaster.net/articles/software-rendering/part1.php
Petzold's 3D Programming for Windows is an obvious start if you are doing WPF.
For Opengl the book is available free online , there are also tutorials at NeHe although OpenGL does require that you understand the details of transforms to really do more than cut and paste
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