SuperShader

An advanced IDE-like shader development environment with hybrid GPU/CPU/AI processing capabilities.

Overview

SuperShader is a professional-grade development environment for creating complex graphics applications. It features a two-process architecture:

• IDE Process: PyQt6-based interface for project management, configuration, and code editing
• Rendering Process: High-performance C++/OpenGL rendering engine with real-time visualization

Features

Project Management

• Create, load, and manage shader projects
• Support for hybrid projects combining GPU, CPU, and AI processing
• Configuration templates for common use cases

Shader Development

• Multi-language shader generation (GLSL, HLSL, Metal, WGSL)
• Syntax-highlighted code editor
• Real-time compilation and preview
• CPU and GPU shader execution

Real-time Visualization

• Live preview of rendered scenes
• Performance metrics display
• Debug overlay system
• Frame analysis tools

Advanced Processing

• CPU-based shader execution engine
• AI-enhanced graphics features (denoising, upscaling, anti-aliasing)
• Physics simulation integration
• Post-processing effects

Architecture

The application uses a two-process architecture for stability and performance:

[PyQt6 IDE Process] ←→ [C++ OpenGL Rendering Process]
     │                           │
     ├─ Project Management       ├─ Real-time Rendering
     ├─ Configuration UI         ├─ Shader Execution
     ├─ Code Editor              ├─ Debug Visualization
     └─ Process Management       └─ Performance Metrics

Installation

Prerequisites

• Python 3.8+
• C++ compiler (GCC, Clang, or MSVC)
• OpenGL 4.1+ compatible graphics driver
• CMake 3.12+
• Make (Linux/macOS) or Ninja (Windows)

Setup

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone <repository-url>
   cd SuperShader

2. Install Python dependencies:

   pip install -r requirements.txt

3. Build the C++ rendering engine:

   # Using the provided build script:
   ./build_renderer.sh
   
   # Or manually:
   mkdir build
   cd build
   cmake ..
   make

4. Run the IDE:

   python supershader_ide.py

Usage

1. Launch the IDE:

   python supershader_ide.py

2. Create a new project or open an existing one

3. Configure your scene, lighting, and materials

4. Write and edit shaders using the integrated editor

5. View real-time results in the preview window

Project Structure

• ide/ - PyQt6-based IDE components
• renderer/ - C++ OpenGL rendering engine
• core/ - Shared components and utilities
• modules/ - Shader module definitions
• examples/ - Sample projects and configurations

Contributing

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch
3. Make your changes
4. Submit a pull request

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

Support

For support, please open an issue in the GitHub repository.