starting graphics programming

[giannhssdra]

Hello all

I want to move from terminal programs to graphical programs but i dont know where to start.I see that openGL is used a lot but dont know anything about it.

Where do you think i should start?Is openGL a good tool for graphical programming or i should start with something else.

Thanks

[ResidentBiscuit]

OpenGL is just fine for GPU programming. Though, it is about as low as you'll reasonably get. There are many libraries built on top of it that abstract a lot of the lower level functions so you don't have to worry about it. I personally don't like the amount of abstraction some of these libraries put into them, but just something to keep in mind.

[giannhssdra]

I see what you mean.
But what do you suggest for starting?I suppose you have worked with graphics.
Does it worth it to learn openGL?Would i benefit from starting it or maybe i should start with a higher level library?

Thanks

[ResidentBiscuit]

I think it's really just preference. Some will say go learn a higher language, get the feel for it, then work in a lower level API. Some will the say the opposite. The lower you work, the more control you have. The more control you have, the harder things may seem. It's all a trade off

[giannhssdra]

Can you tell me if this is the recommended way to install openGL?All i find about installation is this.

apt-get install freeglut3
apt-get install freeglut3-dev

Can i install it from a tar.gz file to a fixed directory?

Thanks