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Chapter 5: Introduction to OpenGL Extensions


OpenGL extensions introduce new features and enhance performance. Some extensions provide completely new functionality; for example, the convolution extension allows you to blur or sharpen images using a filter kernel. Other extensions enhance existing functionality; for example, the subtexture extension lets you replace a portion of a texture without reloading the entire image.

Several extensions provide IRIS GL functionality that is not available in OpenGL 1.0. If you are porting a program from IRIS GL to OpenGL, you may therefore find some extensions particularly helpful. See Appendix A, "OpenGL and IRIS GL," for a list of IRIS GL commands and corresponding OpenGL functionality.

This chapter provides basic information about OpenGL extensions. You learn about:


Determining Extension Availability
Finding Information About Extensions

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