Explains Direct3D in clear, understandable language. Appeals to software developers interested in writing any type of 3D application for Windows 95, from hobbyist to professional. Emphasizes development of many types of software, not just games. Includes plenty of demos enabling readers of varying skill levels to create source code ideal for their needs. Includes a body of code that is fast, debugged and royalty-free so readers can program with Direct3D without having to learn the entire API. Addresses topics such as 3D coordinates, rendering, texture mapping, animation, hit-detection, lighting, and morphing.
The origin of the human race and the details of our early history are the subject of much debate. Early human history is only loosely recorded, but we can make some educated guesses about how we spent our time. For example, it is safe to say that we spent a good deal of time designing and using tools.
When we think of tools today, we think of wrenches and hammers, or, for us programmers, software tools. But the first tool was probably a sharpened rock or bone that served as a knife. From this humble beginning, we eventually designed spears, skewers, shields, and sheaths. We designed vessels for the transport and storage of food and water and slings to carry infants. We invented sewing to hold skins together. Later we invented the wheel. The bronze age saw the introduction of metal pans, swords and shields. The industrial revolution changed the worlds of finance, labor and consumerism forever with the introduction of complex machines that could perform routine tasks consistently and reliably. The last one hundred years has brought cars, washing machines and can openers to millions of homes around the world.
The point is that is that we have inherited a rich and powerful legacy: a legacy of shapes, levers, pulleys, cams, and gears, and this technical portion of our heritage is fundamentally three-dimensional.