The importance and applications of WebGL

Sam Richards
Authored by Sam Richards
Posted Saturday, August 24, 2019 - 6:16am

At its core, WebGL is a nifty interface for JavaScript that allows the browsers of today to make use of 3D graphics without the need for extra plugins. For those who might not necessarily be experienced in the art of programming and web design, it might not be that big a deal. However, those who are well aware of the need for plugins when it comes to rendering graphics in a browser, WebGL comes as something of a revelation. Here are just a few reasons why WebGL is much more essential than you might think!

When plugins were the standard solution, so too were security issues

It might have been challenging to notice back in the day, but most plugins that were required to render specific types of graphics in a browser were often riddled with security issues. It is because such problems were simply par for the course when it came to working with browsers. While you might end up with the right plugin for your project, you have to deal with the security issues that came with it.

Fortunately, with the rise of WebGL, you can render impressive graphics without the need for any plugins. Whether you are a business owner looking to evolve your website or just working on a passion project, services such as those provided by a WebGL agency can offer an excellent solution.

The evolution of browser games

Even if you might not necessarily be familiar with the uses of WebGL or the traditional plugins, those who have played older flash games on their browsers are at least aware of what those plugins are capable of achieving. Sometimes, you might have needed to update your Flash plugin, or it would crash in the middle of your game. Gamers from that age put up with a lot to play their favourite flash games, and it was only with the advent of WebGL that the new generation of browser games came rolling around! What used to be challenging to render and work with is now much more accessible. It even encourages those who might have been interested in building browser games to give it a try.

Working with true 3D

You might think that rendering 3D in a browser simply means doing so in the gameplay sense of three-dimensional graphics. However, WebGL is capable of integrating true 3D, provided that the hardware matches the specifications necessary. It is the reason why VR and AR on phones are slowly given more of a chance to shine, as WebGL integration makes those programs much more comfortable to develop.

While some might not be aware of just how much of an impact WebGL has made on the industry, if you are looking to take advantage of an API that is easy to use and does not come with a slew of security issues, WebGL is the ideal interface. Only time will tell just how much WebGL can help the evolution of graphics in browsers and other products!

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