GLFRAMEBUFFER

GLFRAMEBUFFER is a fundamental object in the OpenGL graphics API that represents a collection of buffer objects. These buffer objects, typically including color buffers, a depth buffer, and a stencil buffer, are collectively referred to as the frame buffer. The frame buffer serves as the destination for rendering operations. When a rendering command is issued in OpenGL, such as drawing a triangle or a texture, the resulting pixel data is written into the currently bound GLFRAMEBUFFER.

A GLFRAMEBUFFER object is not directly rendered to. Instead, it acts as a container for other buffer objects. The most common buffer object types associated with a frame buffer are GL_COLOR_ATTACHMENT, GL_DEPTH_ATTACHMENT, and GL_STENCIL_ATTACHMENT. These attachments point to texture objects or renderbuffer objects, which are the actual memory locations where the pixel data is stored.

Frame buffers are essential for advanced rendering techniques. For example, they enable techniques like deferred rendering, shadow mapping, and post-processing effects. By rendering to an off-screen frame buffer, developers can capture the rendered scene as a texture, which can then be used in subsequent rendering passes or manipulated in various ways. The ability to selectively bind and unbind frame buffers allows for flexible control over where rendering output is directed.