Don't want to see articles from a certain category? When logged in, go to your User Settings and adjust your feed in the Content Preferences section where you can block tags!
We do often include affiliate links to earn us some pennies. See more here.
NVIDIA has put out what they call 'VkHLF', a high level abstraction library on top of Vulkan. Looks like it's under a BSD-style license too.

It's described as so:
QuoteVkHLF is an experimental high level abstraction library on top of Vulkan. It adds features like transparent suballocation, resource tracking on the CPU & GPU and simplified resource creation while staying as close as possible to the original Vulkan API. In contrast to Vulkan-Hpp, which was carefully designed not to introduce any additional cost, this library can add a signifact cost depending on the usage pattern. Though, when used properly, it is possible to use this library with minimal additional cost while improper use can result in OpenGL performance levels.


It's still in the early stages, but it sounds very interesting. It essentially makes working with certain parts of Vulkan easier without adding an overhead if used correctly.

I wonder how many more Vulkan layers we can expect to see?

You can find VkHLF on github. Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Tags: NVIDIA, Vulkan
7 Likes
About the author -
author picture
I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly came back to check on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly. Find me on Mastodon.
See more from me
The comments on this article are closed.
15 comments
Page: 1/2»
  Go to:

rkfg Jan 10, 2017
Combining high and low levels is way to go as always. It speeds up developing while allowing for optimizations later if needed. I expect it to be like OpenGL (or even D3D considering it's in C++) in terms of ease of use but with the ability to rewrite slow paths at the lowest level possible. Before only vendors could fix that.


Last edited by rkfg on 10 January 2017 at 9:41 pm UTC
EzyRhino Jan 10, 2017
Why nshidia, why??
Leopard Jan 10, 2017
Quoting: EzyRhinoWhy nshidia, why??

Because of Nintendo Switch
tuubi Jan 10, 2017
View PC info
  • Supporter
If using VkHLF incorrectly can result in performance comparable to OpenGL used correctly, this is a win-win. :)

But seriously, Vulkan needs libs like this to make it accessible to the masses.
Shmerl Jan 10, 2017
Sounds good. We need more middleware like that.
edo Jan 11, 2017
We need a layer that makes vulkan as easy to use as metal, that will make many devs lo love it
Shmerl Jan 11, 2017
Vulkano is easier to use than raw Vulkan: https://github.com/tomaka/vulkano
tuubi Jan 11, 2017
View PC info
  • Supporter
Quoting: ShmerlVulkano is easier to use than raw Vulkan: https://github.com/tomaka/vulkano
Yeah, but I don't think game devs will switch to Rust just to use it. Anyway, the more the better. There's never a single approach that works best for everybody.
STiAT Jan 11, 2017
Hmh, lacking a bit of docs... reading a bit of the sourcecode (for me) does not really tell me how to "properly" use the API.

@Shmerl hmh.. Rust... have dabbled a bit in it, liked it so far. Seems to get more and more popular out there...
tuubi Jan 11, 2017
View PC info
  • Supporter
Quoting: STiATHmh, lacking a bit of docs... reading a bit of the sourcecode (for me) does not really tell me how to "properly" use the API.
No wonder considering the dislaimer:
QuoteSince this project is in its early stages and under heavy development expect bugs and interface changes for a while. It should not be used for production code yet!
While you're here, please consider supporting GamingOnLinux on:

Reward Tiers: Patreon. Plain Donations: PayPal.

This ensures all of our main content remains totally free for everyone! Patreon supporters can also remove all adverts and sponsors! Supporting us helps bring good, fresh content. Without your continued support, we simply could not continue!

You can find even more ways to support us on this dedicated page any time. If you already are, thank you!
The comments on this article are closed.