CGTalk - Shaders

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fabriciomicheli

04-02-2003, 11:36 AM

Hi.
I've been working for a year and half in 3D, and I've learnt a lot. I always have heard the word "shader", but lastly, I've realized that this word is used in different ways.

I would like to know what is the "Correct" meaning of "shader". Do you know?

leigh

04-03-2003, 12:49 AM

The reason why it's definition is somewhat hazy is due to the different terminology in different apps.

Generally speaking, a shader is something that changes the way that light affects a surface, as opposed to textures, which change the appearance of the surface itself.

However, in terms of Maya and Renderman and such, a shader refers to a surface that has been set up all nicely. You can also write shaders for PRman, which is a programming thing.

Go figure :)

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