Learning Visualization Library

We assume that you already know C++, you know how to compile a program and you have some understanding of linear algebra and geometry.

If after reading the Introduction page you want to know more about Visualization Library's features and design then take a look at the Features Overview and Grouped Classes and Functions pages.

A quick look also at the Annotated Class List will give you a more detailed idea of the available features.

If you would like to have a visual understanding of Visualization Library's architecture then take a look at the Visualization Library Architecture page.

If you are an OpenGL programmer and want to know how an OpenGL feature maps to Visualization Library (or the other way around) you will find the OpenGL vs VL Feature Mapping page very useful.

Several tutorials and examples are available from the Quick Start Guides page to get you started with the most important VL programming concepts.

In the src/examples/ directory you will also find a set of example applications demonstrating how to implement various techniques using Visualization Library.

Do not forget that you can search through the online documentation using the Search for box on the top-right corner of every page.

If you would like to be notified of the latest developments, events and news regarding Visualization Library subscribe to Visualization Library Newsletter.

OpenGL Background

Since a VL programmer is essentially a C++ OpenGL programmer, some kind of OpenGL background is highly desirable in order to effectively use Visualization Library.

If you are just starting your journey in the 3D graphics realm then the OpenGL SuperBible will provide you with very good theoretical and practical foundations.

More advanced users will absolutely need the OpenGL Shading Language and at the OpenGL Programmers Guide 6th edition.

You might also want to bookmark the OpenGL 2.1 Reference Pages as they are extremely useful for the everyday work.

GUI Bindings

Chances are that you are using a GUI framework that is officially supported by Visualization Library, like Win32, MFC, QT4, SDL, GLUT and Cocoa. If you would like to see how to use Visualization Library within a particulare GUI framework then take a look at the src/examples directory, which contains a set of minimalistic applications that demonstrate how to use VL with several GUI frameworks.

Good luck and have fun!