Fragmet/Vertex shaders

[pav]

hi all..

this isnt my first request for this...I just couldn't find any alternatives.

i'm a programmer, I use OpenGL only (hate D3D), and so far iv'e used for all its worth..but what i really want to do is learn how to use Fragment/Vertex shaders..

so far the only resources i found teach advanced topics,
and most refer to D3D and not to OpenGL..

I have a Radeon 7200 (64mb VIVO) and I know it doesn't support fragment shaders, but it does support vertex shaders (well, at least in a software emulation mode).
(I will get the 9700 soon, so no problem there)

so what i ask is can any of you guys help? im looking for NOT advanced references on how to use Shaders in OpenGL with an ATI card...
Mostly basics of both, after i get those down my system, ill continue to more advanced topics.

thanx a lot for all your help.

 

[Humus]

Have you read the specification?
That's a good starting point.
ATi developer pages can be quite useful too.

 

[NitroGL]

Also, take a look at the spec for ARB_vertex_program. It's kind of like D3D's Vertex Shader, and it's supported by a lot of cards now (the new nVidia drivers that were released today supports it).
With that spec and some D3D VS tutorials, you should be able to get something out of it

 

[GLMAN]

pav,

I definately understand your frustration. There is very little in the way of readable, formal documentation of advanded OpenGL feature: There's certainly no redbook equivalent about how to program shaders.

Reading the extension specs can be pretty bewildering. They're not intended as a manual to teach app developer but rather a definitive guide for driver developers on how to implement the extension.

Although there's not really much out there beside the specs, I'd suggest looking at some of the GL2 white papers about shader in general. Although the shading language there isn't supported on any card (yet), the paper will give you a good idea about what shaders are from a high. fragment_program and vertex_program are just lower level, more concise, forms of the language there (learning the details is where the specs will come in handy).