Introduction to WebGPU - CIS 565 GPU Programming Fall 2022

Guest lecture I gave at the University of Pennsylvania in October 2022, covering the WebGPU graphics API. Covers a wide range of WebGPU topics, including API overview, comparison with WebGL, best practices, and more.

There were a few issues with the recording: Audio quality is hit-or-miss, and audio was not captured for the introduction before I started speaking (0:02:30). Some of the student's questions can't be heard clearly since they generally didn't have microphones. Also, the live demos did not get captured on the main video feed, though you can see them at the links above. Sorry!

[smorebytes]

God so much information I was looking for is all contained here. Amazing. Thanks Brandon.

[huntermaverickwells]

Enjoyed this talk a lot! It really helped me understand what this new generation of WebGPU apps are going to be like. Really excited to get started writing my first one.

[mycollegeshirt]

well this was easily the best tutoiral. straight to the point. what's the differences.

[michaelnephesh]

Thank you for sharing the slideshow Brandon!

But I’m speculating out of curiosity. And I know it’s early to compare between both technologies because there’s no concrete examples yet to benchmark. But between the web version of the WebGPU API using JavaScript, and the native version, such as Mozilla’s rust implementation (compiled through WebAssembly) does one have any advantage over the other in terms of performance of the GPU?

People emphasize that web-assembly aims to execute at native speed. And I’m wondering if utilizing the WebGPU api with native code such as rust with WebAssembly would make a difference.

[emteiks]

If i want to change my sandwich a little bit i need to sign very new lengthy contract again? I was very optimistic about WebGPU first but seeing the code really discouraging. It seems that writing WebGPU is in fact more similar to writing webpack or typescript config than writing a code for app. why changing GLSL into WGSL? it looks bad and is not portable to any other existing framework. Will this be solved? can i use GLSL written shaders and port it to WebGPU?

[justinnoor]

With native WebGPU, where or why does web assembly fit into the picture? Why are developers using Emscripten/WASM in their WebGPU tool chain?

[jcrvzz]

Do you know of any good books for beginners? I’m currently in the 3rd chapter of the book “webgl programming guide”. But as you say, the API is going fade.

[justinnoor]

What’s the difference between native WebGPU and web WebGPU? How do we determine which one to use?

[LukaszHabrzyk]

Hi Brandon, is there some kind of roadmap for WebGPU? When will it be released?

[delvardosimon]

Hey Brandon! my name is Delvardo and I’m new to coding and blockchain development. I came across your brilliant work while using the ethereum Rinkeby test net that you and your partner Calvin Mackenzie developed a few years ago. I really appreciated that you guys gave permission to duplicate or make different versions of this project! I’m currently in the work of creating a project inspired by the Rinkeby test net and I believe that it will change the crypto space! But I do have one ask. How were you and your partner able to develop a system that can detect smart contracts through pasting the url of a tweet? Its insane!😂🔥 I’d love to speak to you about this if you would give me the opportunity!

[alexeyklyshnikov]

98 lines of code to draw a triangle ? Does anyone else got an issue with it ?