Graphics Rendering
TLDR: Graphics rendering is the process of generating images, animations, or visual effects from raw data using computational resources like GPUs and CPUs. This process involves transforming models, textures, and lighting into a 2D or 3D visual format displayed on screens. Used in applications like video games, movies, and virtual reality, modern graphics rendering relies on specialized frameworks like DirectX (introduced in 1995) and OpenGL (introduced in 1992) for efficient and realistic output.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rendering_(computer_graphics)
Graphics rendering is typically divided into two methods: rasterization and ray tracing. Rasterization is a fast and widely used approach, converting 3D models into 2D images by projecting vertices and filling polygons. It is commonly employed in real-time applications like video games. Ray tracing, on the other hand, simulates light paths to create highly realistic images with reflections and shadows, making it ideal for visual effects in movies and high-quality rendering tasks. Advances in hardware like NVIDIA RTX GPUs have made real-time ray tracing feasible.
https://developer.nvidia.com/rtx
Modern graphics rendering pipelines include multiple stages, such as vertex processing, fragment processing, and post-processing effects like anti-aliasing or motion blur. Tools like Unity and Unreal Engine integrate these pipelines to simplify rendering for developers. The advent of hardware acceleration, programmable shaders, and AI-driven enhancements has further revolutionized graphics rendering, enabling lifelike visuals and efficient rendering of complex scenes in real-time applications.