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OpenGL GLU is a collection of graphical programming functions that provide additional functionality for basic OpenGL routines, including advanced primitive shapes, matrix operations, and support for NURBS. GLU also includes a mipmapping framework to increase rendering speed.
The OpenGL® Utility Library (GLU) is a collection of graphical programming functions that provide additional functionality for the basic OpenGL® routines. The base OpenGL® library provides a basic framework for rendering three-dimensional (3D) graphics, and OpenGL® GLU implements functions that work with the framework to provide the programmer with an extended set of tools that can be used to perform more complex operations in a more simple way. There are also several functions within OpenGL® GLU that make advanced primitive types such as cylinders and spheres readily available. In addition to support for complex modeling systems, GLU also includes functions for performing matrix operations, convenient translations for scene camera and viewport, and more readable function wrappers for common 3D graphics processing.
The OpenGL® GLU features attempt to expand upon the basic functions included in the standard OpenGL® library. Instead of simply focusing on rendering individual polygons, GLU attempts to provide more functions that help create and manage entire scenes. These include a number of routines that make it easier to translate camera position around arbitrary points, as well as streamlined features that help establish viewing volume.
Another part of OpenGL® GLU that is not in the core library is the implementation of advanced primitive shapes. While the standard library only provides functions for drawing triangles or polygons, the GLU has functions that can construct objects such as spheres, boxes and cylinders. Although these functions can easily be written by a 3D graphics programmer, you can save time by using already tested and bug-free versions.
In addition to shape primitives, there is also basic support for nonuniform rational b-splines (NURBS). These are very efficient geometric shapes that can bend and flow organically and use very little memory. Support for NURBS in the GLU allows a programmer or artist almost complete freedom in designing shapes and objects within a scene.
A high-level skill provided by OpenGL® GLU is a mipmapping framework. Mipmapping is a form of texture mapping that helps increase the rendering speed of a scene. This is accomplished by using more than one image for texture. Each texture is made up of several similar images, each smaller and less detailed than the last, so objects that are at a distance use less detailed textures and consequently render much faster.
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