software interfaces, including 3d interfaces, are known as apis (application programming interface). the question is what these interfaces are used for and how they work.

    in simple terms: they make developers' work easier. in the past it was necessary to address the various hardware components directly in programming if you wanted to exploit their capabilities to the full. the apis are a kind of translator operating between the hardware and the software.

    the specification of standard definitions was the precondition for the proper function of these translation routines. these definitions are implemented by the hardware manufacturers during development and optimized for the hardware concerned. developers can implement complex procedures relatively easily by using these definitions. they can use a uniform command set when programming and do not need to know the characteristics specific to the hardware.