Introduction to CAD: SolidWorks, OpenGL, and 3D Graphics

Computer-aided design (CAD) is the backbone of modern engineering, product design, and computer graphics. Understanding how digital shapes are created, modeled, and rendered is essential for anyone entering the fields of design, engineering, or software development. This text-based course guides you from the absolute basics of geometric modeling to practical implementation. You will explore how CAD software operates under the hood, how the 3D graphics pipeline processes shapes, and how to apply these concepts using industry-standard tools like SolidWorks and OpenGL. What you'll learn: Understand foundational CAD terminology, coordinate systems, and geometric modeling techniques; Navigate the stages of the 3D graphics pipeline from 3D coordinates to 2D screen pixels; Write clean OpenGL programs to render and manipulate basic 3D shapes; Create parametric parts and assemblies using SolidWorks design workflows; Apply modern design-for-manufacturing principles and standard data exchange formats; Analyze the mathematical foundations of curves, surfaces, and solid modeling. The course begins with core definitions and mathematical foundations before moving on to hands-on programming with OpenGL and practical modeling workflows in SolidWorks. Through clear written explanations and structured code walkthroughs, you will build a solid theoretical and practical foundation. This course is designed for beginners, aspiring engineers, and software developers looking to understand computer graphics and CAD from the ground up, with no prior design experience required. Start reading today to unlock the fundamentals of digital design and 3D graphics rendering.