Name

    ARB_vertex_array_object

Name Strings

    GL_ARB_vertex_array_object

Contact

    Ian Romanick, IBM Corporation (idr 'at' us.ibm.com)

Notice

    Copyright (c) 2008-2013 The Khronos Group Inc. Copyright terms at
        http://www.khronos.org/registry/speccopyright.html

Specification Update Policy

    Khronos-approved extension specifications are updated in response to
    issues and bugs prioritized by the Khronos OpenGL Working Group. For
    extensions which have been promoted to a core Specification, fixes will
    first appear in the latest version of that core Specification, and will
    eventually be backported to the extension document. This policy is
    described in more detail at
        https://www.khronos.org/registry/OpenGL/docs/update_policy.php

Status

    Approved by the ARB on July 11, 2008

Version

    Last Modified Data: October 8, 2012
    Author revision:    13

Number

    ARB Extension #54

Dependencies

    This extension is written against the OpenGL 2.1 specification (December
    1st, 2006).

    APPLE_vertex_array_object affects the definition of this extension.

Overview

    This extension introduces named vertex array objects which encapsulate
    vertex array state on the client side.  These objects allow applications
    to rapidly switch between large sets of array state.  In addition, layered
    libraries can return to the default array state by simply creating and
    binding a new vertex array object.

    This extension differs from GL_APPLE_vertex_array_object in that client
    memory cannot be accessed through a non-zero vertex array object.  It also
    differs in that vertex array objects are explicitly not sharable between
    contexts.

New Procedures and Functions

    void BindVertexArray(uint array);

    void DeleteVertexArrays(sizei n, const uint *arrays);

    void GenVertexArrays(sizei n, uint *arrays);

    boolean IsVertexArray(uint array);

New Tokens

    Accepted by the <pname> parameter of GetBooleanv, GetIntegerv,
    GetFloatv, and GetDoublev:

        VERTEX_ARRAY_BINDING                       0x85B5

Additions to Chapter 2 of the OpenGL 2.1 Specification (OpenGL Operation)

    Add new section "2.X Vertex Array Objects" between sections "2.9 Buffer
    Objects" and "2.10 Rectangles".

    The buffer objects that are to be used by the vertex and geometry stages
    of the GL are collected together to form a vertex array object.  All
    state related to the definition of data used by the vertex processor is
    encapsulated in a vertex array object.

    The command

        void GenVertexArrays(sizei n, uint *arrays);

    returns <n> previous unused vertex array object names in <arrays>. These
    names are marked as used, for the purposes of GenVertexArrays only, but
    they acquire array state only when they are first bound.

    Vertex array objects are deleted by calling

        void DeleteVertexArrays(sizei n, const uint *arrays);

    <arrays> contains <n> names of vertex array objects to be deleted. Once
    a vertex array object is deleted it has no contents and its name is
    again unused. If a vertex array object that is currently bound is
    deleted, the binding for that object reverts to zero and the default
    vertex array becomes current. Unused names in <arrays> are silently
    ignored, as is the value zero.

    A vertex array object is created by binding a name returned by
    GenVertexArrays with the command

        void BindVertexArray(uint array);

    <array> is the vertex array object name. The resulting vertex array
    object is a new state vector, comprising all the state values listed in
    tables 6.6 (except for the CLIENT_ACTIVE_TEXTURE selector state), 6.7,
    and 6.8 (except for the ARRAY_BUFFER_BINDING state).

    BindVertexArray may also be used to bind an existing vertex array
    object. If the bind is successful no change is made to the state of the
    bound vertex array object, and any previous binding is broken.

    The currently bound vertex array object is used for all commands
    which modify vertex array state, such as VertexAttribPointer and
    EnableVertexAttribArray; all commands which draw from vertex arrays,
    such as DrawArrays and DrawElements; and all queries of vertex
    array state (see chapter 6).

    BindVertexArray fails and an INVALID_OPERATION error is generated if
    array is not zero or a name returned from a previous call to
    GenVertexArrays, or if such a name has since been deleted with
    DeleteVertexArrays.

    An INVALID_OPERATION error is generated if any of the *Pointer commands
    specifying the location and organization of vertex data are called while
    a non-zero vertex array object is bound, zero is bound to the
    ARRAY_BUFFER buffer object, and the pointer is not NULL[fn].
        [fn: This error makes it impossible to create a vertex array
              object containing client array pointers.]

Additions to Chapter 3 of the OpenGL 2.1 Specification (Rasterization)

    None

Additions to Chapter 4 of the OpenGL 2.1 Specification (Per-Fragment
    Operations and the Framebuffer)

    None

Additions to Chapter 5 of the OpenGL 2.1 Specification (Special Functions)

    Modify Section 5.4, Display Lists (p. 240)

    (add new paragraph after 10th paragraph on p. 244)

    Vertex array objects: GenVertexArrays, DeleteVertexArrays,
    BindVertexArray

Additions to Chapter 6 of the OpenGL 2.1 Specification (Querying GL State)

    Modify Section 6.1.2, Data Conversions (p. 248)

    (add new paragraph after last paragraph of section, p. 249)

    Vertex-array state variables are qualified by the value of
    VERTEX_ARRAY_BINDING to determine which vertex array object is queried.
    Tables 6.6, 6.7, and 6.8 define the set of state stored in a vertex array
    object.

    Modify Section 6.1.11, Pointer and String Queries (p. 257)

    (add new paragraph after 1st paragraph of section, p. 257)

    Queries for VERTEX_ARRAY_POINTER, NORMAL_ARRAY_POINTER,
    COLOR_ARRAY_POINTER, SECONDARY_COLOR_ARRAY_POINTER, INDEX_ARRAY_POINTER,
    TEXTURE_COORD_ARRAY_POINTER, FOG_COORD_ARRAY_POINTER, or
    EDGE_FLAG_ARRAY_POINTER return the value stored in the currently bound
    vertex array object.

    Add new section "6.1.X Vertex Array Object Queries" between sections
    "6.1.13 Buffer Object Queries" and "6.1.14 Shader and Program Queries".

    The command

        boolean IsVertexArray(uint array);

    returns TRUE if <array> is the name of a vertex array object. If <array>
    is zero, or a non-zero value that is not the name of a vertex array
    object, IsVertexArray returns FALSE. No error is generated is <array> is
    not a valid vertex array object name.

    Modify Section 6.1.14, Shader and Program Queries, p. 260

    (modify the first paragraph on page 263)

    Replace the text

    "Note that all the queries except CURRENT_VERTEX_ATTRIB return client
    state."

    with

    "Note that all the queries except CURRENT_VERTEX_ATTRIB return values
    stored in the currently bound vertex array object (the value of
    VERTEX_ARRAY_BINDING).  If the zero object is bound, these values
    are client state."

    (modify the 3rd paragraph on page 263 to read)

    The command

        void GetVertexAttribPointerv(uint index, enum pname, void **pointer);

    obtains the pointer named <pname> for vertex attribute numbered <index>
    and places the information in <pointer>.  <pname> must be
    VERTEX_ATTRIB_ARRAY_POINTER.  The value returned is queried from the
    currently bound vertex array object.  If the zero object is bound, the
    value is queried from client state.  An INVALID_VALUE error is generated
    if <index> is greater than or equal to the value of MAX_VERTEX_ATTRIBS.

Additions to Appendix X of the OpenGL X.X specification (Sharing)

    Vertex array objects are not sharable between contexts.

Additions to the GLX Specification

    No change is made to the GLX API.

Interactions with APPLE_vertex_array_object

    Vertex array objects as defined by this spec fill the same role as the
    objects defined in APPLE_vertex_array_object but have some significant
    semantic differences.  If both types of object are supported by an
    implementation, BindVertexArray will accept object names from either
    type of object.  Names passed to BindVertexArray must have been
    previously returned by GenVertexArrays, previously returned by
    GenVertexArraysAPPLE, or previously bound by BindVertexArrayAPPLE.
    BindVertexArrayAPPLE must also accept names that were previously returned 
    by GenVertexArrays and bound with BindVertexArray.

    In addition, the enumerant value for VERTEX_ARRAY_BINDING is the same
    as VERTEX_ARRAY_BINDING_APPLE.

    This allows applications using ARB VAOs to safely call into libraries that
    internally use Apple VAOs, and vice-versa.

    The first bind call, either BindVertexArray or BindVertexArrayAPPLE,
    determines the semantic of the object.

GLX Protocol

    The following rendering commands are sent to the server as part of a
    glXRender request.

        BindVertexArray

            2           8               rendering command length
            2           350             rendering command opcode
            4           CARD32          array

        DeleteVertexArrays

            2           8+(n*4)         rendering command length
            2           351             rendering command opcode
            4           CARD32          n
            n*4         LISTofCARD32    arrays

    The following non-rendering commands are sent using glx single requests:

        GenVertexArrays

            1           CARD8           opcode (X assigned)
            1           206             GLX opcode
            2           3               request length
            4           GLX_CONTEXT_TAG context tag
            4           CARD32          n
          =>
            1           1               reply
            1                           unused
            2           CARD16          sequence number
            4           n               reply length
            24                          unused
            n*4         LISTofCARD32    arrays

        IsVertexArray

            1           CARD8           opcode (X assigned)
            1           207             GLX opcode
            2           3               request length
            4           GLX_CONTEXT_TAG context tag
            4           CARD32          array
          =>
            1           1               reply
            1                           unused
            2           CARD16          sequence number
            4           0               reply length
            4           BOOL32          return value
            20                          unused

    New protocols for GetPointerv and GetVertexAttribPointerv are specified

        GetPointerv

            1           CARD8           opcode (X assigned)
            1           208             GLX opcode
            2           3               request length
            4           GLX_CONTEXT_TAG context tag
            4           ENUM            pname
          =>
            1           1               reply
            1           1               unused
            2           CARD16          sequence number
            4           m               reply length, m = (n + p) / 4
            4                           unused
            4           CARD32          n
            16                          unused
            n           LISTofBYTE      params
            p                           unused, p=pad(n)

        GetVertexAttribPointerv

            1           CARD8           opcode (X assigned)
            1           209             GLX opcode
            2           4               request length
            4           GLX_CONTEXT_TAG context tag
            4           CARD32          index
            4           ENUM            pname
          =>
            1           1               reply
            1           1               unused
            2           CARD16          sequence number
            4           m               reply length, m = (n + p) / 4
            4                           unused
            4           CARD32          n
            16                          unused
            n           LISTofBYTE      pointer
            p                           unused, p=pad(n)

Errors

    INVALID_OPERATION is generated if any of the commands defined in this
    extension is executed between the execution of Begin and the corresponding
    execution of End.

New State

    Get Value               Get Command Type    Value   Attrib
    ---------               ----------- ----    ------- ------
    VERTEX_ARRAY_BINDING    GetIntegerv Z+      0       vertex-array

New Implementation Dependent State
    
    None

Issues

    (1) Are vertex array objects client or server state?

    DISCUSSION: Ideally they should be server state, like texture objects.
    However, much of the state that is encapsulated by VAOs is client-state.

    RESOLUTION: Resolved.  VAOs are server state.  This essentially means that
    client array state must be duplicated on the server.  For practical
    purposes, VBOs already require this duplication.

    (2) What happens when a buffer object that is attached to a non-current
        VAO is deleted?

    RESOLUTION: Nothing (though a reference count may be decremented). 
    A buffer object that is deleted while attached to a non-current VAO
    is treated just like a buffer object bound to another context (or to
    a current VAO in another context).

    (3) Are VAOs sharable?

    DISCUSSION: There are many difficulties and complications involved in
    guaranteeing correct behavior when "container" objects are sharable.

    RESOLUTION: RESOLVED: NO.

    (4) Can buffer objects attached to a VAO be modified?

    DISCUSSION: Operations such as updating the contents of a buffer object,
    either via mapping the buffer or calling BufferSubData, are not
    problematic.  However, operations that cause a change in the underlying
    data structure can be very problematic from a hardware / driver
    perspective.  Currently the only such operation is BufferData which causes
    the buffer to be reallocated.

    RESOLUTION: RESOLVED.  Yes.  Calling BufferData on a buffer attached
    to a VAO is allowed.

    (5) What are the interactions with this extension and
        APPLE_vertex_array_object?

    DISCUSSION:  The only question is what the behavior should be when both an
    ARB vertex array object and an Apple vertex array object are bound at the
    same time.

    RESOLUTION: Resolved.  If both extensions are supported by an 
    implementation, both object types share a name space.  Most of the useful
    interactions fall out as a result of that.  Please refer to the section
    "Interactions with APPLE_vertex_array_object" above for more details.

    (6) Why don't the new tokens and entry points in this extension have
       "ARB" suffixes like other ARB extensions?

    RESOLVED: Unlike most ARB extensions, this is a strict subset of
    functionality already approved in OpenGL 3.0. This extension exists
    only to support that functionality on older hardware that cannot
    implement a full OpenGL 3.0 driver. Since there are no possible
    behavior changes between the ARB extension and core features, source
    code compatibility is improved by not using suffixes on the
    extension.

    (7) How does this extension affect the GLX protocol of the commands that
        modify or query vertex array state?

    RESOLVED: This extension changes the behaviour of all the commands that
    modify or query vertex array state to use currently bound vertex array
    object when a non-zero vertex array object is bound.
    Since vertex array object is stored in the server, new protocol must be
    specified for GetPointerv and GetVertexAttribPointerv.
    Additionally, commands GetVertexAttribdv, GetVertexAttribfv and
    GetVertexAttribiv must query state from the server and commands
    VertexAttrib*Pointer, EnableVertexAttribArray and DisableVertexAttribArray
    must modify state in the server when a non-zero vertex array object is
    bound. If the zero object is bound, the value is queried from client state.

Revision History

    Rev.     Date      Author   Changes
    ----  ----------  --------  ----------------------------------------------
      1   04/17/2008     idr    Initial version based on
                                GL_APPLE_vertex_array_object spec.

      2   04/18/2008     idr    Added sharability issue.

      3   05/02/2008     idr    Added issues #4 and #5.

      4   05/15/2008     idr    Resolved issue #1.  VAOs are server state.
                                Resolved issue #5.  ARB and APPLE VAOs share
                                a name space.

      5   06/04/200   Jon Leech Minor typos, rearrange errors.

      6   06/15/2008  Jon Leech More minor typos, clarify GenVertexArrays
                                behavior.

      7   07/08/2008     js    - noted that VAO is not supposed to include 
                                 CLIENT_ACTIVE_TEXTURE (bugzilla 3611)
                               - resolved all other open issues as per working 
                                 group discussions
                               - deleted obsolete INVALID_OPERATION on
                                 draw with client arrays since it's no
                                 longer possible to define a VAOs with client
                                 arrays, as per working group discussions
                               - synced up BindVertexArray language with GL 3 spec
                                 draft glspec30.20080708.1.pdf.

      8   08/07/2008  Jon Leech Remove ARB suffixes.

      9   08/20/2008  Jon Leech Cleanup formatting errors.

      10  09/21/2011  Jon Leech Clarify that all *Pointer commands generate
                                errors when attempting to specify client
                                array pointers in a VAO (Bug 3696).
      11  09/22/2011  Jon Leech Exclude ARRAY_BUFFER_BINDING from VAO
                                state (Bug 5659).
      12  09/19/2012  Jon Leech Language tweaks for consistency with
                                OpenGL 3.1 specification (Bug 4306).

      13  10/08/2012  srahman   Added GLX protocol and issue #7.