Graphic library

A graphic library is a software Bibliothèque specialized in the functions Graphique S. It makes it possible to add graphic functions to a program.

These functions are classable in three types which appeared in this chronological order and of increasing complexity:

Libraries of layout of elements 2D

These libraries are also known as low level . They make it possible to trace the basic graphic elements which are the lines, the polygons and to post Pixel S what makes it possible to post icon S and of image S.

The graphic libraries can communicate directly with the material i.e. the video Mémoire or a Graphics card or use a pilot.

The library X Window System under Unix is typically a library dedicated mainly to this type of functions.

Some old languages as the BASIC included/understood graphic functions like integral part of the language.

Libraries of user interface

The user interfaces are the graphic elements which make it possible the user to interact with the program. Appeared with the computer STAR of Xerox, they are now the base of the ergonomics of the computers.

They make it possible to build a chart with the program with windows, buttons, elevators.

In the libraries of user interface one can quote Motif, Qt, GTK, GNOME, Win32.

The libraries 3D

Appeared in the last chronologically, the libraries 3D make it possible to make Synthèse of image 3D i.e. draw elements in volume.

The first library 3D was made by Silicon Graphics: GL become OpenGL thereafter is one of most known with DirectX of Microsoft.

The current libraries 3D benefit, when they can it, from the capacities of the accelerating charts.

different library

The border between these types of libraries is sometimes fuzzy: the functions 2D are functions of bases used elsewhere as in the user interface. So that many graphic libraries often integrate several types of functions.

See too

  • Allegro - multi-media Multiplate-form, , Video game
  • DirectX - 3D, multi-media
  • GTK+ - multiplate-form, graphic Environment
  • JFC - graphic environment, 2D
  • Ogre - 3D
  • OpenGL - 3D
  • Qt - multiplate-form, user interface
  • Quartz - graphic environment
  • SDL - video, multiplate-form
  • SWT - multiplate-form, user interface
  • Tk - multiplate-form - graphical interface associated with Tcl
  • WxWidgets - multiplate-form - graphic environment
  • Xlib - 2D

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