Vulkan

Volcano in German

Vulkan is a graphics and computing API (application programming interface) that gives software low-level access to GPUs.

Developed by the Khronos Group and released in 2016, it offers more direct hardware control than OpenGL, its predecessor, allowing better performance in games and graphics-intensive applications: The game runs smoother on Vulkan than DirectX.

graphics API

rendering

Interpretive depiction or performance

GPUVisual processing hardware
shaderGPU rendering microprogram
pipelineLong-distance fluid transport tube

driver · cross-platform · OpenGL · DirectX · compute · low-level · performance · texture · buffer · memory

geology

magma

Molten rock underground

eruptionViolent sudden release
lavaErupted liquid stone
craterImpact or volcanic basin

caldera · pumice · ash · tectonic · mantle · vent · pyroclastic · dormant · active · basalt

mythology

Hephaestus

Greek forge deity

forgeFurnace for shaping metal
blacksmithIron-shaping craftsperson
fire godDivine ruler of flames

Roman · deity · smithing · Olympus · anvil · hammer · craftsmanship · metallurgy · divine · pantheon

Star Trek

Spock

Logical alien or pediatrician

logicScience of valid reasoning
mind meldTelepathic merging of consciousness
pointy earsTapered auricular appendages

emotionless · meditation · telepathy · Federation · Romulans · peace · discipline · stoic · homeworld

Opposites

abstraction level

VulkanOpenGL

Graphics rendering specification

WebGL · Unity · game engines

platform philosophy

VulkanDirectX

Microsoft's multimedia programming interface

Direct3D

Family

volcano, volcanic, Vulcan, volcanism, volcanology, vulcanize, vulcanization, vulcanized, volcanologist

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