A Theory of Pipeline

These are the “patterns behind the patterns” — the underlying concepts that drive everything else.

What is a pipeline? Why do we use the term?

The Map Metaphor

The diagrams represent an underlying space. What is it?

Patterns as Shapes

Within this space, many design patterns take on shapes that snap together. Often they look like letters, such as L, U, C, etc.

Planned Content

The following content is from the original book, and needs to be translated into this new format.

I hestitate to mention it before it is ready, but several people have asked me what the book will cover.

Graphics from a Pipeline Perspective

How low-level graphics APIs relate to pipeline concepts.

Patterns as Graph Transformations

Another way to look at patterns: as transformations to the underlying pipeline node graph.

Parenting, Grouping, and Hierarchy

Pipelines help us manage data by grouping it into higher and higher level chunks. It's good to look at this concept from the point of view of pipeline.

Asset Management

Not the same thing as source code management.

Objects and Classes

Use and abuse of the concepts of object orientation, including class, inheritance, and specialization. A discussion of Pixar's USD.