OpenGL Programming on Mac OS X: Architecture, Performance, and Integration

Description

The Macintosh has fully embraced OpenGL throughout its visual systems. In fact, Apple's highly efficient, modern OpenGL implementation makes Mac OS X one of today's best platforms for OpenGL development. OpenGL® Programming on Mac OS® X is the first comprehensive resource for every graphics programmer who wants to create, port, or optimize OpenGL applications for this high-volume platform.

Leading OpenGL experts Bob Kuehne and J. D. Sullivan thoroughly explain the Macintosh's diverse OpenGL APIs, both old and new. They illuminate crucial OpenGL setup, configuration, and performance issues that are unique to the Macintosh platform. Next, they offer practical, start-to-finish guidance for integrating key Mac-native APIs with OpenGL, and leveraging the full power of the Macintosh platform in your graphics applications. Coverage includes

• A thorough review of the Macintosh's hardware and software architectures and their performance implications
• In-depth, expert guidance for accessing OpenGL from each of the Mac's core APIs: CGL, AGL, and Cocoa
• Interoperating with other Mac APIs: incorporating video with QuickTime, performing image effects with Core Image, and processing CoreVideo data
• Analyzing Mac OpenGL application performance, resolving bottlenecks, and leveraging optimizations only available on the Mac
• Detecting, integrating, and using OpenGL extensions

An accompanying Web site contains all example code, plus additional OpenGL-related resources.

This book will be especially valuable to current Macintosh programmers seeking to leverage OpenGL's power; all OpenGL developers porting their applications to the high-volume Mac platform; and cross-platform graphics developers who want to access more of the Mac platform's native power.