Interactive Computer Graphics fourth edition presents introductory computer graphics concepts using a proven top-down, programming-oriented approach and careful integration of OpenGL to teach core concepts.   The fourth edition has been revised to more closely follow the OpenGL pipeline architecture and includes a new chapter on programmable hardware topics (vertex shaders).  

As with previous editions, students learn to program three-dimensional applications as soon as possible--low level algorithms (for topics such as line drawing and fill polygons) are presented after students are creating graphics.   The Fourth edition focuses on core theory in graphics.   All topics required for a fundamental course, such as light-material interactions, shading, modeling, curves and surfaces, antialiasing, texture mapping, and compositing and hardware issues are covered.