NEWS - Sunday, June 16, 2002
Nvidia Introduces Cg: C For Graphics
What is C for Graphics? Today's software applications are, by and large, developed with a programming language called "C" or "C++." However, when it comes to creating complex visual effects, developers have had to use a highly restrictive assembly language. The Cg programming language—"C" for graphics—gives developers a major leap forward in ease and speed of programming the special effects that enable real-time cinematic-quality graphics experiences on the desktop. Programs no longer need to be written directly to the graphics hardware, enabling rapid development of stunning, real-time shaders and visual effects for both DirectX® and OpenGL® environments. The Benefits of Cg A high-level graphics language has broad appeal, facilitating development of graphics effects and ultimately providing high-impact, long-life applications for consumers. In addition, the use of Cg increases programmer productivity and decreases development time of more graphically complex games. Wide acceptance: Hundreds of developers have received training and information so that they can start writing Cg shaders today. Offline rendering companies, serving Hollywood's visual effects industry, are integrating the NVIDIA Cg Compiler into future product releases. And, DCC applications are embedding Cg into the digital artist's workflow, making shader technology friendlier and more accessible to non-programmers. High-impact, long-life applications for consumers: A game that uses Cg shaders can take advantage of the hardware that is available when it is run, and can take advantage of the features of a new GPU, without recompiling or upgrading the software. Games will last longer, providing excellent performance and benefiting from hardware upgrades. Increased programmer productivity: Over the long term, high-level languages like Cg reduce the time required for ongoing training. Each programmer does not need to maintain expertise regarding every platform and API nuance. More effects, shorter development time: Cg gives developers the ability to develop and integrate a greater number of shaders in the same amount of time, setting a game apart from the competition. In addition, effects can be developed once and compiled for a variety of APIs and platforms (not just PCs) to span all of the game developer's market. Check out the full article here.Source: http://www.nvidia.com/
