F

freeglut 2.4.0

Steve Baker – Open Source

freeglut: A Simple Solution for OpenGL Window Management

Pete Milner

freeglut provides a lightweight and efficient alternative to the original GLUT, making it easy for developers to create OpenGL applications.
2025 Editor's Rating

FreeGLUT is a widely-used open-source alternative to the OpenGL Utility Toolkit (GLUT) library. It provides a simple and portable framework for developing OpenGL applications. Initially developed by Pawel Olzhasa, Steve Baker later assumed the primary role in maintaining and developing FreeGLUT.

FreeGLUT offers several enhancements compared to the original GLUT library, including additional functionality and improved performance. It supports various operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it a versatile choice for cross-platform development.

Developers appreciate FreeGLUT for its ease of use and flexibility. It simplifies the process of creating graphical user interfaces in OpenGL applications by handling window management and input events. With FreeGLUT, programmers can focus on implementing graphics-related logic without getting bogged down in platform-specific details.

This library includes features like keyboard, mouse, and joystick input processing, as well as support for multiple windows. It also offers control over window properties like size, position, and fullscreen mode. These capabilities make FreeGLUT suitable for a wide range of graphics applications, from interactive simulations to video games.

One of FreeGLUT's key advantages is its permissiveness. Released under the X-Consortium license, FreeGLUT allows for free distribution and modification of the source code. This licensing model encourages collaboration and innovation within the developer community.

FreeGLUT stands out as a reliable and efficient tool for OpenGL development. Its intuitive interface, robust functionality, and cross-platform compatibility make it a popular choice among developers working on graphics-intensive applications.

Overview

freeglut is a Open Source software in the category Audio & Multimedia developed by Steve Baker.

The latest version of freeglut is 2.4.0, released on 02/18/2008. It was initially added to our database on 08/24/2007.

freeglut runs on the following operating systems: Windows.

freeglut has not been rated by our users yet.

Pros

  • Easy to learn and use for beginners
  • Open-source with a large community for support
  • Cross-platform compatibility
  • Provides basic functionality for creating OpenGL applications quickly

Cons

  • Limited features compared to more advanced OpenGL libraries
  • Some users may find the documentation lacking in detail
  • Limited built-in support for advanced graphics rendering techniques

FAQ

What is freeglut?

Freeglut is a free and open-source alternative to the OpenGL Utility Toolkit (GLUT). It provides a platform-independent interface for creating OpenGL applications.

Who is Steve Baker?

Steve Baker is the original creator of freeglut.

What are the main features of freeglut?

Freeglut supports many of the core features of GLUT, including window management, input handling, and event callbacks.

How can I install freeglut?

Freeglut can be installed by downloading the source code from the official website and following the installation instructions provided in the documentation.

Can I use freeglut in my commercial projects?

Yes, freeglut is released under the X Consortium License, which allows you to use it in both commercial and non-commercial projects.

Is freeglut cross-platform?

Yes, freeglut is designed to be cross-platform and can be used on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Does freeglut support modern OpenGL versions?

Yes, freeglut has been updated to support modern versions of OpenGL, including OpenGL 3.x and above.

Are there any alternatives to freeglut?

Yes, other alternatives to freeglut include GLFW, SDL, and SFML.

Is freeglut actively maintained?

Freeglut is currently maintained by a group of volunteers, and periodic updates are released to address bug fixes and compatibility issues.

Where can I find more information and resources about freeglut?

You can find more information, documentation, and community resources about freeglut on the official website at 'http://freeglut.sourceforge.net/'.


Pete Milner

Pete Milner

I'm Pete, a software reviewer at UpdateStar with a passion for the ever-evolving world of technology. My background in engineering gives me a unique insight into the intricacies of software, allowing me to provide in-depth, knowledgeable reviews and analyses. Whether it's the newest software releases, tech innovations, or the latest trends, I'm here to break it all down for you. I work from UpdateStar’s Berlin main office.

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