nVIDIA's Cg, 3Dfx's T-buffer....what do you call these ?

[PowerK]

Cg, and T-buffer... what do you call these ? Are they called API (Application Programe Interface) just like DirectX, and OpenGL ? or middleware perhaps ? :?

 

[pcchen]

I think Cg is just a shading language. It's not an API nor middleware.
T-Buffer is a hardware implementation of multi-sample buffers. It's also not an API. An API such as DirectX, OpenGL, or Glide may have some interfaces that can control T-Buffer, though.

Middlewares are more like game engines or physics engines, etc.

 

[PowerK]

Oh, thanks.

I meant 3Dfx glide not t-buffer.

Cheers.

 

[3dcgi]

Glide was an API like DirectX and OpenGL.

 

[K.I.L.E.R]

Glide was an API like DirectX and OpenGL.

Only it wasn't anything like them.
Sorry, had to.

 

[Reverend]

I have never regarded Glide as an API. Its dependency is the reason.

As for Cg, it's a shading language, not an API.

 

[Colourless]

In a strict definition Glide IS an API, a hardware specific API. Remember API stands for Application Programming Interface. Glide very much was an API

 

[Rolf N]

I'd label Cg as middleware, because that's how its used. It's layered (on GL/DXG drivers) software.

In a strict definition Glide IS an API, a hardware specific API. Remember API stands for Application Programming Interface. Glide very much was an API

Agreed.

 

[hiostu]

I'd label Cg as middleware, because that's how its used. It's layered (on GL/DXG drivers) software.

I would say Cg is a higher level programming language, not middleware. It's a language which can be compiled to a lower level code that can be run on a gfx card. Middleware is a framework what can be used in building applications.

 

[aZZa]

I'd say it's fair to label Cg in any and probably all of the above categories - depending on what you consider Cg to actually mean.

*Cg as a unique programming language - exists.

*Cg is middleware in some regards - its a go between that can be used to bring shaders to the platform of choice - Dx / OpenGL / Xbox etc.

*Cg being a programming language/tool obviously provides a new programming interface for developers - maybe best described as a shading interface/language rather than API (depending on what level you view it)

*what about as a shader compiler/interpreter - perhaps even a part of a software driver???

I dont think there is a right or wrong answer here - as Cg is a package of programming tools designed to hopefully make shading easier for nVidia & their developers to use.

 

[euan]

Cg, and T-buffer... what do you call these ? Are they called API (Application Programe Interface) just like DirectX, and OpenGL ? or middleware perhaps ? :?

Gimmick? :?