OpenGL is a cross-language cross-platform API for rendering 2D and 3D graphics. It has been in development for over 16 years and is overseen by the Khronos Group. OpenGL's most recent release introduced some radical changes, moving to a fully programmable pipeline where developers must apply vertex attributes in shaders rather than using fixed-function functionality. Related libraries like GLUT and SDL provide windowing, input, and multimedia capabilities to complement the 3D rendering features in OpenGL.