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Im on windows i would like to have a .exe file which is a 3d viewer, similar to blender.
Which language do i code it?
Which libraries would i need to use?
Note: when i mean creating my own 3d engine i mean that i would do myself the maths, i dont want a prebuild one Thanks

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[-] entwine@programming.dev 5 points 3 days ago

https://scratchapixel.com/ for valuable background

After that, I recommend you learn webGL and write your first project in javascript. It's not as cool as a native executable in C++, but you will gain a lot of crucial 3D graphics knowledge without getting sidetracked by typical native development woes (which should not be underestimated)

Once you feel you have a good grasp on the 3D math, working with a graphics API, writing shaders, and the general architecture of a 3D application, THEN you should start looking into native development. Maybe start learning Vulkan as a next step, although that's a tough one if you don't already have C or C++ experience (mostly because of memory management concepts). Instead of Vulkan, you could instead go with OpenGL or a high level library like Sokol.

It should go without saying that this isn't an easy topic. It's a deep, deep (but rewarding) rabbit hole. There's a lot of stuff to learn, and it will take a while. A sense of overwhelming dread, hopelessness, and inadequacy is part of the process.

this post was submitted on 11 Jan 2026
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