The Cg Tutorial: The Definitive Guide to Programmable Real-Time Graphics

Cg (C for graphics) is a complete programming environment for the fast creation of special effects and real-time cinematic quality experiences on multiple platforms. By providing a new level of abstraction, Cg lets developers more directly target OpenGL®, DirectX®, Windows®, Linux, Mac OS X®, and console platforms, such as the Xbox™, without having to program directly to the graphics hardware assembly language. Cg was developed by NVIDIA® Corporation in close collaboration with Microsoft® Corporation, and is compatible with both the OpenGL API and Microsoft's HLSL for DirectX 9.0.

Cg is the key to unlocking the power of a new generation of programmable graphics hardware. This book is the definitive introduction to Cg, and will be essential for anyone programming high-quality real-time graphics. The Cg Tutorial will teach you to use Cg to create effects never before available for real-time applications."

The Cg Tutorial explains how to implement both basic and advanced techniques for today's programmable GPU architectures.

Major topics covered include:

    3D transformations
    Per-vertex and per-pixel lighting
    Skinning and key-frame interpolation
    Environment mapping
    Bump mapping
    Fog
    Performance optimization
    Projective texturing
    Cartoon shading
    Compositing 

Title The Cg Tutorial: The Definitive Guide to Programmable Real-Time Graphics
Authors Randima Fernando, Mark J. Kilgard
Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional (March 8, 2003)
Paperback: 384 pages
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0321194969
ISBN-13: 978-0321194961
eBook: http://http.developer.nvidia.com/CgTutorial/cg_tutorial_chapter01.html