What is an API?
An API has low level functions that provide or give you access to hardware. Some of the functions include control of myriad input devices, 2D and 3D graphics or sound, functions for sound sampling and control over multiplayer and network gaming.
Graphical APIs
Graphics API's is a platform that gives software developers access to graphics hardware without the need to write lots of code. Its already there. Most graphics card are written using C and C++ language you won't need language support
An API has low level functions that provide or give you access to hardware. Some of the functions include control of myriad input devices, 2D and 3D graphics or sound, functions for sound sampling and control over multiplayer and network gaming.
Graphical APIs
Graphics API's is a platform that gives software developers access to graphics hardware without the need to write lots of code. Its already there. Most graphics card are written using C and C++ language you won't need language support
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/8/2/26828712/7633191_orig.jpg)
There are 3 main types of Graphics API's:
OpenGL
It was created by Silicon Graphics Inc and released in 1992. The software can be used in any platform such as MacOS, BEOS and Windows. It is an open standard whoever any done to the source has to be approved by ARB (Architectural Review Board). Open GL really good for game developers as its independent meaning its portable. This API renders 2D and 3D graphics. This software is used a lot in CAD, Information visualizing, flight simulation, virtual reality and video games.
Open GL for ES (Embedded Systems)
Open GL for ES (Embedded Systems) its an API set up for rendering 2D and 3D Graphics for such things a video games. It uses a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) It designed for smartphones, tablets, games consoles and PDAs as they are embedded systems.
OpenGL
It was created by Silicon Graphics Inc and released in 1992. The software can be used in any platform such as MacOS, BEOS and Windows. It is an open standard whoever any done to the source has to be approved by ARB (Architectural Review Board). Open GL really good for game developers as its independent meaning its portable. This API renders 2D and 3D graphics. This software is used a lot in CAD, Information visualizing, flight simulation, virtual reality and video games.
Open GL for ES (Embedded Systems)
Open GL for ES (Embedded Systems) its an API set up for rendering 2D and 3D Graphics for such things a video games. It uses a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) It designed for smartphones, tablets, games consoles and PDAs as they are embedded systems.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/8/2/26828712/6469168.jpg?347)
Microsoft DirectX
Microsoft DirectX is a built in API. Its built into Microsoft Windows OS. An API has low level functions that provide or give you access to hardware. An API has low level functions that provide or give you access to hardware. Some of the functions include control of myriad input devices, 2D and 3D graphics, functions for sound sampling and control over multi-player and network gaming.
The component APIs that handle these functions are the following: · DirectDraw · Direct3D · DirectInput · DirectSound · DirectMusic · DirectPlay · DirectShow DirectX uses two drivers, the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) and the Hardware Emulation Layer (HEL), to send requests to the hardware device. When DirectX is installed it will check if your hardware has the capability to do certain features. Direct X is a COM (Component Object Model) this means that you have to create pointers instead of using functions.
DirectX vs OpenGL
You can't really compare then as OpenGL is just a graphics library and DirectX is lot of APIs.
What is a Sound API?
Well basically its the same as a graphics one just specific to audio functions.
Well basically its the same as a graphics one just specific to audio functions.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/8/2/26828712/2079009.jpg?1423494660)
OpenAL
OpenAL (Open Audio Library) is a interface software for audio hardware. It has many functions that programmers can use. It helps in producing high-quality sound output. Its designed specifically for multi-channel output for 3D sound sources. Its multi-platform so can be used across any platform and its very simple and easy to use. The coding style is similar to Open GL style it uses syntax. OpenAL is just a way to generate audio in 3D space.
OpenAL is great for gaming as it adds realism to the game by breaking down the long distance sound making it seem real it also has a Doppler effect which means the sound frequency can change due to a motion and densities of material.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/8/2/26828712/1423494568.png)
Java sound API
Java Sound API this is another sound API. The purpose like the purpose of the other API is to help you write programs. Its essential in any game to have a sound API without them the game would be dull and you wouldn't be able to capture the mood of feel of cut scenes or events you may walk into. Java sound is low level this affects the controls the input and the output of sounds. It has a really good degree of control over audio capability.