Chapter 14.   Introducing Java 3D

The next fifteen or so chapters will be about 3D games programming using Java 3D, Java's scene graph API which can run on top of OpenGL or DirectX.

I'll summarise the main elements of Java 3D, leaving program examples aside for the moment. Then, as in Chapter 1, I'll examine Java 3D's suitability for games programming by considering the main criticisms leveled against it.

There's been an explosion in alternative ways of programming in 3D with Java. I'll list the main ones under the headings of Java bindings for OpenGL, scene graph APIs, and game engine bindings.

Downloads

• The PDF file for the draft chapter (the old ch.7) (197 Kb). Last updated: 26th July. 2004.
   
• A brief overview of the new features in the early access version of Java 3D 1.4 presented at JavaOne 2005 in June (272 Kb). This presentation was written by Kevin Rushforth and Chien Yang from the Java 3D development team. My book uses Java 3D 1.3.1.

• Up to the Killer Game Programming in Java Index Page
• Back to Chapter NUI-17. QR Codes
• On to 'Introduction to Java 3D' Slides