Graphics programming is the magic behind video games, film, and scientific simulation. Every explosion, dust particle, and lens flare you see on a computer screen is processed through a graphics card. In addition, because modern operating systems use the graphics processing unit (GPU) to draw their content, every pixel you see is rendered through the GPU and through software developed by a graphics programmer. It’s a broad topic, but one that has traditionally been the province of a select few. Even to experienced software developers, rendering is often considered a dark art, full of complex mathematics and esoteric tools. Furthermore, the rapid pace of advancement makes modern graphics programming a moving target, and establishing a foothold can be difficult.