Learn Webgl - 10 Code Examples & CST Typing Practice Test
WebGL (Web Graphics Library) is a low-level JavaScript API for rendering high-performance 2D and 3D graphics in the browser using the GPU. It provides a JavaScript binding to OpenGL ES, allowing hardware-accelerated graphics without plugins.
Learn WEBGL with Real Code Examples
Updated Nov 25, 2025
Code Sample Descriptions
Simple WebGL Triangle
# webgl/demo/triangle.js
const canvas = document.getElementById('canvas');
const gl = canvas.getContext('webgl');
// Setup shaders, buffers, and render a triangle
// ... shader setup and buffer code ...
gl.drawArrays(gl.TRIANGLES, 0, 3);
A basic WebGL program in JavaScript that renders a triangle to a canvas element.
WebGL Clear Color
# webgl/demo/clear_color.js
const canvas = document.getElementById('canvas');
const gl = canvas.getContext('webgl');
gl.clearColor(0.0, 0.5, 0.5, 1.0);
gl.clear(gl.COLOR_BUFFER_BIT);
Sets the clear color and clears the canvas with WebGL.
WebGL Animated Triangle
# webgl/demo/animated_triangle.js
const canvas = document.getElementById('canvas');
const gl = canvas.getContext('webgl');
// Setup shaders and buffers
// ... setup code ...
let offset = 0;
function render() {
offset += 0.01;
// update vertex positions with offset
gl.clear(gl.COLOR_BUFFER_BIT);
gl.drawArrays(gl.TRIANGLES, 0, 3);
requestAnimationFrame(render);
}
requestAnimationFrame(render);
Animates a triangle by updating vertex positions every frame.
WebGL Colored Triangle
# webgl/demo/colored_triangle.js
const canvas = document.getElementById('canvas');
const gl = canvas.getContext('webgl');
// Setup shaders with color attributes
// ... shader and buffer code ...
gl.drawArrays(gl.TRIANGLES, 0, 3);
Renders a triangle with vertex colors.
WebGL Texture Example
# webgl/demo/texture.js
const canvas = document.getElementById('canvas');
const gl = canvas.getContext('webgl');
// Load image and create texture
const texture = gl.createTexture();
// ... texture setup ...
gl.drawArrays(gl.TRIANGLE_STRIP, 0, 4);
Loads a texture and applies it to a square.
WebGL Perspective Cube
# webgl/demo/cube.js
const canvas = document.getElementById('canvas');
const gl = canvas.getContext('webgl');
// Setup cube vertices, indices, shaders
// ... setup code ...
function render() {
// apply rotation
gl.clear(gl.COLOR_BUFFER_BIT | gl.DEPTH_BUFFER_BIT);
gl.drawElements(gl.TRIANGLES, 36, gl.UNSIGNED_SHORT, 0);
requestAnimationFrame(render);
}
requestAnimationFrame(render);
Renders a rotating cube using perspective projection.
WebGL Wireframe Cube
# webgl/demo/wireframe_cube.js
const canvas = document.getElementById('canvas');
const gl = canvas.getContext('webgl');
// Setup cube vertices and edges
// ... buffer and shader code ...
gl.drawElements(gl.LINES, 24, gl.UNSIGNED_SHORT, 0);
Draws a cube in wireframe mode.
WebGL Simple Lighting
# webgl/demo/lighting.js
const canvas = document.getElementById('canvas');
const gl = canvas.getContext('webgl');
// Setup shaders with normal and light uniforms
// ... setup code ...
gl.drawElements(gl.TRIANGLES, 36, gl.UNSIGNED_SHORT, 0);
Applies a simple directional light to a cube.
WebGL Orbiting Camera
# webgl/demo/orbit_camera.js
const canvas = document.getElementById('canvas');
const gl = canvas.getContext('webgl');
// Setup scene and cube
// ... setup code ...
let angle = 0;
function render() {
drawScene(angle);
angle += 0.01;
requestAnimationFrame(render);
}
requestAnimationFrame(render);
Implements a camera that orbits around the scene.
WebGL Post-processing Effect
# webgl/demo/postprocess.js
const canvas = document.getElementById('canvas');
const gl = canvas.getContext('webgl');
// Setup framebuffer and render scene to texture
// ... setup code ...
gl.drawArrays(gl.TRIANGLES, 0, 6);
Applies a simple post-processing effect using a framebuffer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Webgl
What is Webgl?
WebGL (Web Graphics Library) is a low-level JavaScript API for rendering high-performance 2D and 3D graphics in the browser using the GPU. It provides a JavaScript binding to OpenGL ES, allowing hardware-accelerated graphics without plugins.
What are the primary use cases for Webgl?
3D games and engines in the browser. 3D product configurators (cars, furniture, etc.). Scientific and medical visualization. Architectural & engineering simulations. GPU-accelerated data visualization dashboards
What are the strengths of Webgl?
Runs directly on GPU for high performance. Wide browser compatibility. Massive ecosystem (Three.js, Babylon.js). Ideal for complex 3D scenes. Works on desktops, mobiles, and embedded devices
What are the limitations of Webgl?
Low-level API (verbose and complex). Difficult debugging. Context loss issues. No guaranteed performance parity across devices. Deprecated long-term in favor of WebGPU
How can I practice Webgl typing speed?
CodeSpeedTest offers 10+ real Webgl code examples for typing practice. You can measure your WPM, track accuracy, and improve your coding speed with guided exercises.