FreyaHolmer/ShaderForge
ShaderForge
ShaderForge is a web-based GPU tool and visual GLSL shader editor. It serves as a node-based shader designer that allows users to construct programs for the graphics processor by connecting logic blocks in a directed acyclic graph rather than writing manual code.
The tool functions as a technical art workflow bridge for creating game assets and surface materials. It provides a browser-based environment for real-time authoring, featuring instant GLSL compilation and live hot-reloading of GPU programs.
The system converts visual graph connections into GLSL source code using abstract syntax tree generation and schema-driven node mapping. It further supports real-time adjustment of graphical effects through buffer-based data binding.
Features
- Node-Based Shader Editors - Provides a node-based shader editor for designing graphical effects and materials without writing manual code.
- Web-Based GPU Authoring Tools - Offers a browser-based environment for real-time shader authoring with instant compilation and hot-reloading.
- GPU Shader Designers - Serves as a dedicated tool for constructing GPU programs that control rendering and visual output.
- Hot Reloading - Supports live hot-reloading of GPU programs to update shader effects in real-time without restarting.
- Browser-Based Shader Compilation - Enables instant visual feedback by compiling GLSL shader strings directly within the browser.
- Visual Effect Shaders - Allows users to build custom visual effect shaders using a node-based interface.
- Real-Time Graphics Development - Provides a high-performance environment for creating interactive visual effects with instant iteration.
- Node Graph Engines - Utilizes a node graph engine to manage the logical flow of shader operations via a directed acyclic graph.
- Technical Art and Rigging - Bridges the gap between artistic vision and technical implementation by visually mapping shader logic.
- Abstract Syntax Tree Generators - Implements an abstract syntax tree generator to translate visual graph connections into structured data for GLSL conversion.
- AST-to-Source Generators - Uses AST-to-source generators to emit final GLSL code from the visual graph's intermediate representation.
- Asset Pipelines - Facilitates the creation of custom materials and surface properties for integration into game engine asset pipelines.
- Real-Time Shader Parameters - Provides a system for real-time shader parameters, linking visual inputs to GPU uniform variables.
- Function Mapping Schemas - Maps visual node types to specific GLSL functions and variables using a predefined schema of mathematical operations.
