Editing Shader (section)

== History ==
The first known use of the term "shader" was introduced to the public by [[Pixar]] with version 3.0 of their [[RenderMan Interface]] Specification, originally published in May 1988.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.redrabbit-studios.com/coursework/renderman/prman/RISpec/index.html|title=The RenderMan Interface Specification|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161208/http://www.redrabbit-studios.com/coursework/renderman/prman/RISpec/index.html |archive-date=June 25, 2018 }}</ref>

As [[graphics processing unit]]s evolved, major graphics [[software libraries]] such as [[OpenGL]] and [[Direct3D]] began to support shaders. The first shader-capable GPUs only supported [[pixel shading]], but [[vertex shaders]] were quickly introduced once developers realized the power of shaders. The first video card with a programmable pixel shader was the Nvidia [[GeForce 3]] (NV20), released in 2001.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/from-voodoo-to-geforce-the-awesome-history-of-3d-graphics/|title=From Voodoo to GeForce: The Awesome History of 3D Graphics|first=Paul|last=Lillypublished|website=PC Gamer |date=May 19, 2009|via=www.pcgamer.com}}</ref> [[Geometry shaders]] were introduced with Direct3D 10 and OpenGL 3.2. Eventually, graphics hardware evolved toward a [[unified shader model]].