Graphics and compute belong together
Vulkan™ is making it happen.
The next generation graphics API from Khronos.
Vulkan is the new generation, open standard API for high-efficiency access to graphics and compute on modern GPUs. This ground-up design, previously referred to as the Next Generation OpenGL Initiative, provides applications direct control over GPU acceleration for maximized performance and predictability.
“Industry standard APIs like Vulkan are a critical part of enabling developers to bring the best possible experience to customers on multiple platforms. Valve and the other Khronos members are working hard to ensure that this high-performance graphics interface is made available as widely as possible and we view it as a critical component of SteamOS and future Valve games.”
Gabe Newell - Valve
Gabe Newell - Valve
- Direct control over GPU operation, with minimized driver overhead for maximum performance
- Multi-threading-friendly architecture to increase overall system performance
- Designed to be used in a wide variety of devices including mobile, desktop, consoles, and embedded platforms
- Uses Khronos’ new SPIR-V™ intermediate representation for shading language flexibility and simplified drivers (see more on SPIR-V here)
- Extensible layered architecture enables innovative tools without impacting production performance while validating, debugging, and profiling
- Simpler drivers for low-overhead efficiency and cross vendor portability