Version 0.8.1

V3DLib is a C++ library for programming the GPU's of all versions of the Raspberry Pi.

The GPU on the Pi's is called the VideoCore. The VideoCore is an SIMD¹ vector processor developed by Broadcom. It employs instructions that operate on 16 consecutive values of 32-bit integer or floating point values.

V3DLib offers a high-level programming language to facilitate VideoCore programming.
There are currently three different version of the VideoCore. All (three) versions of VideoCore are supported.

If you want to do fancy direct 3d rendering, OpenGL is a better choice. This library is intended to make general purpose calculations available on the Pi GPU.

At the risk of insulting your intelligence, following is the kernel of example program Hello:

void hello(Int::Ptr p) {
  *p = 1;
}

This code translates directly to QPU instructions. The thing to take away here is:

All values in QPU are 16 4-byte values.

• A parameter of type Int is actually represents 16 integer values.
• An Int::Ptr thus points to 16 consecutive integer values. The single operation in the kernel sets all of these integers to 1.

To get to grip on VideoCore programming, see the Basics Page.

• The Raspberry Pi's have a pretty nifty general-purpose GPU, the VideoCore. It bothered me to no end that this GPU largely unused; the only thing really using it is OpenGL.
• The Pi5 has a new version of the GPU. I resolved to update the project when I got the Pi5 to pass all unit tests; I have reached this point.
• I lost my previous account due to changes in the GitHub authentication. This account replaces my previous account.

This project builds upon the QPULib project, by Matthew Naylor. I fully acknowledge his work for the VideoCore IV and am grateful for what he has achieved. Plenty of his original code is still present in this project.
QPULib, however, is no longer under development, and I felt the necessity to expand upon it.

• For a global view of this project and the VideoCore, see the Overview Page.
• If you are interested in performance, view the Mandelbrot Profiling Page.
  Purchasing tip: Go straight to Pi5, don't bother with the rest.
• Scan the example programs to get an idea of the high-level programming language. Start with program Examples/Hello, perhaps the simplest possible program.
• To get a grip of what VideoCore programming looks like, view the Basics Page.
• To install a PI with V3DLib, see the Install Instructions.
• If you want to help in development, you are more than welcome. I warn you that it will be an uphill battle
  • Scan the conventions. Read the rest of the page at your own leisure.
  • Please look at the Known Issues, so you have an idea what to expect.