Kickstart Computer Graphics

Learn the Theory. Write the Code. See the Graphics Come Alive.

Book Description

Don't Just Learn Computer Graphics. Build What You See.

Computer graphics is one of the most visual and rewarding subjects in computing - yet most textbooks separate theory from code, leaving students unable to apply what they have studied. This book closes that gap with a programming-first approach which teaches theory and implementation together.

Kickstart Computer Graphics uses WebGL as its practical platform throughout. Starting with graphics systems, image formation, camera models, and the rendering pipeline, you will build interactive applications, while learning primitives, attributes, coordinate systems, transformations, viewing, and projections. The book then covers GLSL shader programming for vertex and fragment stages, GPU architecture, frame buffer techniques, compositing, curves, surfaces, and advanced rendering. WebGL runs directly in the browser using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS - no complex library setup, no platform dependency, just code and results.

Whether you are studying computer graphics for the first time, preparing for examinations and projects, or building a practical foundation for a career in software or game development, this book gives you the theory, the mathematics, and the working code to understand and build modern graphics systems from the ground up.

What you will learn

● Understand computer graphics systems, rendering pipelines, and GPU architecture.

● Develop interactive 2D and 3D WebGL applications from the ground up.

● Apply transformations, coordinate systems, viewing, and projection techniques.

● Program vertex and fragment shaders using GLSL.

Table of Contents

1. Overview of Graphics Systems and Models

2. Introduction to Graphics Programming

3. Cameras, Projection, and Viewing

4. Geometric Transformations

5. Transformation Matrices

6. Lighting and Shading

7. Graphics Pipeline: From Vertices to Fragments

8. Frame Buffer and Discrete Techniques

9. Compositing, Curves, and Surfaces

10. Advanced Rendering

       Appendix

       References

       Index