OpenGL (Open Graphic Library) is a standard specification defining a cross-language, cross-platform API (Application Programming Interface) for writing applications that produce 2D and 3D computer graphics.
OpenGL is an open standard API that provides a number of functions for the rendering of 2D and 3D graphics and is available on most modern operating systems including but not limited to Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.
The interface consists of over 250 different functions calls which can be used to draw complex three-dimensional scenes from simple geometric primitives.
OpenGL was developed by Silicon Graphics Inc. (SGI) in 1992 and is widely used in CAD virtual reality, scientific visualization, information vizualisation and flight simulation. It is also used in video games, where it competes with Direct3D on Microsoft Windows platforms.
Direct3D is part of Microsoft's DirectX API. Direct3D is only available for Microsoft's various Windows operating systems (Windows 95 and above) and in the open source software Wine.
OpenGL is managed by a non-profit technology consortium, the Khronos Group.
