What are Varying or In/Out Variables in Shaders?

In Computer Graphics, the term "varying" or "in/out" refers to variables that are defined in the vertex shader and which are passed down to the fragment shader.

Oscar de la Hera Gomez
Written by Oscar de la Hera Gomez
First published on 03/26/2024 at 11:59
Last Updated on 03/26/2024 at 14:32
<p>A flower that represents spatial computing with the text "Varying In/Out Variables" beneath it.</p>

In Computer Graphics, the term "varying" or "in/out" refers to variables that are defined in the vertex shader and which are passed down to the fragment shader.

SubscribeHow are Computer Graphics (CG) Rendered?

Varyings or in/out are vertex-specific data or variables that are defined by the vertex shader and which are passed down to the fragment shader.

What is a Shader?What is a Vertex Shader?What is a Fragment Shader?What are Vertices in Spatial Computing?

When writing shaders, the syntax that is used is one of two:

Please note that regardless of whether you use in/out or varying, the variable name must be identical in both the vertex shader and the fragment shader.

For example uses of varying or in/out, consult the guides below.

How to pass data from a vertex shader to a fragment function in MetalHow to pass data from a vertex shader to a fragment shader in ThreeJS

Looking for tutorials on how to implement shaders?

For examples on how to implement shaders in WebGL and Metal (Apple), consult the guides below.

Apple Metal Resources GuideReact, ThreeJS & GLSL Resources

Looking to learn more about how computer graphics (CG) are rendered?

Consult our article below to learn more about how computer graphics are rendered.

How are Computer Graphics (CG) Rendered?

Looking to learn more about Technology, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality or Spatial Computing?

Search our blog to find educational content on technology, A/R, V/R, M/R and spatial computing.

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