Graphical libraries

For most programming needs, you’ll be able to use the standard high-level graphical toolkits available in Ubuntu. However, if you need to write applications that produce complex 2D or 3D computer graphics, you’ll probably have to resort to graphical libraries that provide you with a lower-level graphics manipulation capabilities. As an example, if you are writing CAD, scientific or complex game applications you’ll need access to these libraries to unleash the full potential of your user’s graphic hardware.

Resources elsewhere on the web

• OpenGL website – the home to the open source way of developing powerful 2D and 3D graphical applications, and the most widely-adopted graphics standard
• OpenGL reference pages – the OpenGL SDK, with documentation, sample code, libraries, and tools for creating OpenGL-basedapps
• OpenGL programming guide – the Red Book, the official guide to learning OpenGL
• OpenGL ES website – home to the OpenGL standard for Embedded Systems
• WebGL website – the member of the family with most potential: OpenGL for the web