Education - Shader Writting for Noobs?

edimunster

As an effects artist for video games I keep coming to the realization that we are heavily dependent on tech/rendering and my lack of knowledge in this particular subject frustrates me quite a bit. I am looking to dive into shader writting (yes... code) for games but I don't really know where to start. There are TONS of resources out there but don't really know where to start... I would even go as far as paying for online classes and such (yes!!! is that bad how much I want to learn).

So a couple of question to begin with:
- What engine(or rendering environment) would be the easiest to debug shader code on?
- Code Language is best to start learn with? and compiling/debugging software?
- Online Resources that could help me get started? or if possible online courses that could help?

Thanks in advanced!

-Ed

kodde

Did you consider using any node-based shader authoring environments? I find it easier to work with, especially at first. Then after you're used to authoring with nodes its easier to transition to writing code.

I'm a Maya user and later versions of Maya have the ShaderFX system which lets you create real-time shaders down the the very "low level" parts of a high level shader enviroment. There are of course other node based shader authoring environments as well, Unreal Engine for instance.

Here's some ShaderFX tutorials(playlist) I've created if your interested:

kodde

And here's a one off for Unreal Engine 4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vGLVXHEQDQ

kodde

ShaderToy is a fun resource to play around with.
https://www.shadertoy.com/

Eric Chadwick

Kodde is the man. Also we have some resources here
http://wiki.polycount.com/wiki/Shaders