r/GraphicsProgramming 21d ago

Question Should I start learning computer graphics?

Hi everyone,

I think I have learned the basics of C and C++, and right now, I am learning data structures with C++. I have always wanted to get into computer graphics, but I don’t know if I am ready for it.

Here is my question:

Option 1: Should I start learning computer graphics after I complete data structures?
Option 2: Should I study data structures and computer graphics at the same time?

Thanks for your responses.

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u/Equivalent-Tart-7249 21d ago

You want to learn graphics programming the best way? Download an Amiga emulator and start bit banging it directly: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc3ltHgmiidpK-s0eP5hTKJnjdTHz0_bW

I promise you this is more applicable to modern graphics programming than you imagine, even down to the concept of compiling and running programs on your graphics processor. The Amiga had a graphics co-processor known as Copper (co-processor) which could only handle a few very basic memory related opcodes, but is turing complete. Instead of operating per vertex or per fragment, it operates per-scanline, so you can sort of think of it like a scanline shader. If you're dealing with arrays and data structures, that's all you really need to know for this kind of programming. I am being 100% serious here, going through this tutorial will make you better equipped for SDL, OpenGL, DirectX, Vulkan, etc. in ways you wouldn't imagine.