OpenGL is a cross-language, cross-platform application programming interface (API) for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics. It is mainly considered an API that provides a large set of functions that can be used to manipulate graphics. OpenGL is typically used to interact with a graphics processing unit (GPU) to achieve hardware-accelerated rendering.
OpenGL was developed by Silicon Graphics, Inc. (SGI) in 1991 and released on June 30, 1992. Since 2006, OpenGL has been managed by the non-profit technology consortium Khronos Group. Applications use OpenGL extensively in the fields of computer-aided design (CAD), virtual reality, scientific visualization, information visualization, flight simulation, and video games.
OpenGL is a software interface that allows a programmer to communicate with graphics hardware. It provides powerful functionality but is usually specific to the vendors implementation of OpenGL. A great feature of OpenGL is its support of extensions. Whenever a graphics company comes up with a new technique or a new large optimization for rendering, this is often found in an extension.
OpenGL is widely adopted in the industry and is considered the most widely adopted 2D and 3D graphics API. It is the industry standard for high-performance graphics.
