Interactive Computer Graphics fourth edition presents introductory computer graphics concepts using a proven top-down, programming-oriented approach and careful integration of OpenGL to teach core concepts. The fourth edition has been revised to more closely follow the OpenGL pipeline architecture and includes a new chapter on programmable hardware topics (vertex shaders).

As with previous editions, readers learn to program three-dimensional applications as soon as possible. The Fourth edition focuses on core theory in graphics. Topics such as light-material interactions, shading, modeling, curves and surfaces, antialiasing, texture mapping, and compositing and hardware issues are covered.