Chapter 3: Extensions for OpenGL on Windows

OpenGL extensions introduce new features and enhance performance. Some extensions provide completely new functionality; for example, the compiled vertex array extension lets you lock down vertex arrays to improve performance. Other extensions enhance existing functionality; for example, the index texture extension lets you use texture mapping in color index mode.

In this chapter, you first learn about determining extension availability (an example program is included). The rest of the chapter discusses each new extension in detail.

Determining Extension Availability

The Compiled Vertex Arrays Extension

The Object Space Vertex Culling Extension

The Paletted Texture Extension

The BGRA Extension

The Index Texture Extension

The Index Material Extension

The Index Function Extension

The Index Array Format Extension