Updated July 5, 2023
Difference Between OpenGL vs DirectX
OpenGL is a cross-language as well as cross-platform of API (application programming interface) which works for the rendering of 2D and 3D vector graphics and interact with GPU (graphics processing unit) for achieving hardware-accelerated rendering. It was developed by the Khronos group as an open-source that was free to work with. DirectX is a group of different applications developed by Microsoft for working on a multimedia platform, programming of games, and other digital media sectors. All the member of this group has their name started with ‘Direct’ word, for example, you will have Direct3D for 3d modeling, Direct Draw and so on for different purposes.
Now we will proceed with our article with a comparison table and key difference of both software so that we have knowledge about some facts such as key features, operating system compatibility, and so on.
Head to Head Comparison between OpenGL vs DirectX (Infographics)
Below are the top 7 differences between OpenGL vs DirectX:
Key Differences between OpenGL vs DirectX
Following are the key differences between OpenGL vs DirectX:
- You may see many similarities between both software during the analysis of them because they have most similar aims but I will tell you some points which make them special in their working environment and are different from each other.
- OpenGL is strictly followed is the main aim that works for applications of programming interface(API) whereas being API DirectX also supports some other features which are part from API such as sound, input, music, networking as well as multimedia are supported by it.
- As we discussed OpenGL is a cross-plate from which is the plus point of it. If you want to work apart from windows then you can go with OpenGL but it is no possible with DirectX because it is only available on Windows and Xbox.
- OpenGL and DirectX are both describe vertices in traditional graphics ways that mean they have a set of data that consist of coordinates in space and that space defines vertex location or any other vertex related data. But both APIs handle vertices in their own ways such as you will find vertex blending in DirectX but not in OpenGL, Multiple operating systems is there in OpenGL but not in DirectX, Extension mechanism is available in both APIs, and so on.
- DirectX is the API of the Microsoft platform whereas OpenGL is open source which means hardware maker, as well as an operating system developer, can create an OpenGL implementation freely which can be part of their systems.
- You might find that OpenGL is faster than DirectX because it offers easy to handle libraries but with DirectX, you will have easy to handle input. OpenGL is a functionally based API for the rendering of 2d and 3d graphics whereas DirectX includes that functionality which gives supported features for mouse, keyboard, joystick for input, and rendering of 2d, 3d graphics also.
- OpenGL may lag in this context that it creates only graphics and for other features, it relies on some other programs but DirectX has a well-established cupboard for this purpose and has many support features in it.
- When it goes to upgrade DirectX then its entire program changes but in the other hand, OpenGL creates extensions that do not change its original program and add few features in it which enhance its working ability.
- You will not find any tool designed especially for controlling the game and its graphics in OpenGL while DirectX has full control over it by its some specially designed tool. While using both software you will also find different ways of management in the channel of colors (RGB channel) because both process different methods for giving their best result.
- This was our analysis with you about OpenGL and DirectX for getting more and more information about them so that we can go through their main aspects.
OpenGL vs DirectX Comparison Table
|
Basis |
OpenGL |
DirectX |
| Definition | It is an open-source cross-platform application of interface programming which works on rendering of vector graphics of 2d and 3d graphics. | DirectX is a collection APIs which re using for many different types of multimedia platform as well as game programming. |
| Developer | It was developed by the Khronos group but originally Silicon Graphics Inc. started its development in 1991 and released on June 30, 1992, for public use. | Microsoft was its developer and launched it on September 30, 1995. |
| Operating systems | OpenGL can be installed on Linux, Mac OS, and Microsoft Windows operating systems. | DirectX can run on Microsoft Windows, Dreamcast, Xbox, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Xbox series, and Series S because it is compatible with these operating systems. |
| Latest version | The latest version of OpenGL was released 3 years ago means on July 31, 2017, and named 4.6. | 12 Ultimate API was released on November 10, 2020 as its latest collection. |
| Availability | For working with OpenGL you can visit on www.opengl.org and have it on your personal computer. | Visit www.microsoft.com for DirectX and you can get any of the members of its collection to start working with that. |
| Supported file format | It supports .obj, .3ds as 3d model file formats for working on them. | You can have 3d model of this software in c4d, max, obj, fbx, ma, 3ds, blend, 3dm, and many more file formats. |
| Written in Language | OpenGL is written in C or C++ computer language. | As C and C++ are game designer’s pet languages so that is way DirectX is also written in C and C++ computer languages. |
It was a nice discussion about some important points of OpenGL and DirectX which give you a lot of information about their basic requirement and capacity. Now i will take you through some special features of both software individually.
Conclusion
Now after pointing out the main facts of both software from this article according to you, you can find a solution of your doubt that was which is better API, OpenGL or DirectX? In my point of view, you should try both software so that you can decide which is better on the basis of your own opinion.
Recommended Articles
This is a guide to OpenGL vs DirectX. Here we also discuss the opengl vs directx key differences with infographics and a comparison table. You may also have a look at the following articles to learn more –
