OpenGL and DirectX are graphics rendering programs with major differences. DirectX is preferred for games due to specific features, while OpenGL is made for graphics processing. DirectX has many supporting features, while OpenGL relies on other programs. DirectX has tools for controlling game volume, network, and input elements, while OpenGL only creates and supports graphics. DirectX is developed by Microsoft and works on various Microsoft systems, while OpenGL is open source and can run on many different operating systems. When updated, DirectX changes dramatically, while OpenGL creates extensions for new functionality.
Open Graphics Library® (OpenGL®) and DirectX® are both graphics rendering programs, but there are major differences between the two. Game programmers typically choose DirectX®, because it has many specific features for rendering games, while OpenGL® is made for graphics processing. OpenGL® and DirectX® also work on different operating systems (OS) due to the developers of the programs. OpenGL® only creates graphics and relies on other programs for essential features, while DirectX® has many of its own supporting features. When DirectX® is updated, the entire program changes; OpenGL® releases extensions that do not modify the program itself but add new functions.
Of OpenGL® and DirectX®, OpenGL® is the one that does not include specific tools for games. DirectX® has many tools for controlling game volume, network, and input elements. While OpenGL® can be used to create and control game graphics, it offers no other functionality, and programmers usually need to use other programs in conjunction with OpenGL® to complete a game’s output.
In addition to gaming features, OpenGL® and DirectX® take different approaches to other features indirectly involved in displaying graphics. For example, a picture may need to be controlled by hardware such as a mouse or joystick, or music may be associated with the picture. OpenGL® is only meant to create and support graphics, so it requires support from other systems for graphics to work properly. Depending on the required functionality, OpenGL® can rely on DirectX®. Many of these features are included in DirectX®, so it’s a standalone program.
OpenGL® and DirectX® are made to work on different OS. DirectX® is developed by Microsoft®, so this program is made to work on various Microsoft® systems and is often not supported by other systems. OpenGL® is built by various members and is an open source program, and is capable of running on many different operating systems and different computing environments, such as embedded systems.
When updated, OpenGL® and DirectX® are modified in different ways. User environment, hardware requirements and tools change dramatically when DirectX® is updated. This often requires users to relearn the program and hardware for older versions of DirectX® becomes obsolete and will not work with the new graphics. An OpenGL® update isn’t that drastic; instead of changing the user’s environment and releasing a completely new program, OpenGL® creates extensions. These add new functionality, and if another computer doesn’t have the same extensions installed, OpenGL® finds a way to display graphics using older extensions.
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