WebGL

What is WebGL?

WebGL is a JavaScript API that enables hardware-accelerated rendering of interactive 2D and 3D graphics directly in web browsers without plugins, allowing developers to create cross-platform experiences accessible through standard web technologies.

How does WebGL work?

This browser-based graphics technology provides direct access to GPU capabilities through a standardized interface supported by all modern browsers across desktop and mobile platforms. By leveraging the device's graphics hardware within the JavaScript execution environment, WebGL makes sophisticated visual experiences possible without requiring users to install specialized software.

How is WebGL used?

For developers, WebGL offers a powerful distribution channel that bypasses app store gatekeepers while maintaining compatibility across operating systems.

Implementation typically involves managing the WebGL context, creating shader programs, handling buffers and textures, and optimizing performance for various device capabilities.

The technology has enabled increasingly sophisticated browser-based applications, from product configurators and data visualizations to educational simulations and interactive advertising experiences. As browser capabilities continue advancing, WebGL applications increasingly narrow the performance gap with native applications while maintaining their accessibility advantages.