Setup OpenGL with GLFW and GLAD

Welcome to this tutorial where we will walk you through the process of setting up OpenGL with GLFW and GLAD. If you’re wondering what OpenGL is, let me explain. OpenGL is a powerful Graphics Rendering API (Application Programming Interface) that provides developers with a set of functions to create and manipulate graphics in a cross-platform manner. It is widely used in various fields, including game development, computer graphics, scientific visualization, and virtual reality.

To set up OpenGL, we will need GLFW and GLAD. Let’s start with GLFW. GLFW provides a straightforward and easy-to-use API for creating windows and handling user input. It simplifies the process, especially for beginners. One of its key features is its cross-platform compatibility, allowing you to develop applications that can run on different operating systems such as Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. GLFW also takes care of various Windows-related tasks, such as creating windows and OpenGL contexts, handling input events like keyboard and mouse interactions, and managing window resizing and fullscreen modes. We will be using the latest version of GLFW in this tutorial.

Now, let’s move on to GLAD. GLAD simplifies the process of managing OpenGL function pointers. It generates platform-specific code for loading OpenGL functions, making it easier to use OpenGL in a cross-platform manner. With GLAD, you can dynamically load the required OpenGL functions at runtime, ensuring compatibility across different platforms and OpenGL versions.

By the end of this tutorial, you will have a solid understanding of how to set up OpenGL using GLFW and GLAD. So, let’s dive in and get started!