What is a Shader?

In Computer Graphics, the term "shader" refers to software that uses two four-dimensional (4D) programs, known as the vertex shader and the fragment shader, that together define the form and appearance of an object, model or geometry.

Oscar de la Hera Gomez
Written by Oscar de la Hera Gomez
First published on 03/26/2024 at 11:19
Last Updated on 03/27/2024 at 12:14
<p>A flower that represents spatial computing with the text "Shader" beneath it.</p>

In Computer Graphics, the term "shader" refers to software that uses two four-dimensional (4D) programs, known as the vertex shader and the fragment shader, that together define the form and appearance of an object, model or geometry.

SubscribeHow are Computer Graphics (CG) Rendered?

Shaders are computer graphics programs that are broken down into two four-dimensional (4D) programs:

What is a Vertex Shader?What is a Fragment Shader?What are Vertices in Spatial Computing?What are Geometries in Spatial Computing?What are Models in Spatial Computing?What are Objects in Spatial Computing?
<p>A screenshot of Chrome showing the point light in action.</p>

An example of a point light shader that uses uniforms.

Shaders are capable of taking in data or variables that are defined in software through uniforms and attributes as well as transferring vertex specific data or variables from the vertex shader to the fragment shader through varying or in/out variables.

What are Uniform Variables in Shaders?What are Attributes in Shaders?What are Varying or In/Out Variables in Shaders?

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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