Glide (API)
| Company type | Proprietary software (originally), later open source |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer graphics, Software development |
| Founder | 3dfx Interactive |
| Products | 3D graphics API for Voodoo Graphics accelerator cards |
| Parent | 3dfx Interactive |
Glide is a 3D graphics API created by 3dfx Interactive specifically for their Voodoo Graphics 3D accelerator cards. Originally a proprietary technology, 3dfx eventually made the API open source. Glide prioritized high rendering efficiency, offering support for geometry and texture mapping with data formats aligned to those utilized internally by their hardware.
During the late 1990s, Glide gained significant traction due to the widespread use of 3dfx hardware. Nonetheless, the rise of Microsoft's Direct3D, the availability of comprehensive OpenGL implementations from competing graphics manufacturers, and the growing variety of 3D hardware solutions led to Glide becoming outdated.
Glide wrappers and emulators
The creation of Glide emulators started in the late 1990s. While active, 3dfx made efforts to suppress attempts at replicating its proprietary API by issuing legal challenges against early emulator projects. However, just prior to shutting down and transferring assets to Nvidia, 3dfx released the Glide API as open source along with detailed specifications for Voodoo 2 and Voodoo 3. This action facilitated Glide’s transition into an open source initiative, allowing continued development and integration.
See also
- Vulkan (API)
- 3dfx Interactive
- MiniGL
- Mantle (API) – an additional low-level API