VulkanTutorials

A C++ Vulkan learning repository focused on building fundamentals through small, incremental experiments: instance/device setup, swap chain management, graphics pipeline creation, command buffers, synchronization, and GLSL shaders.

This is a learning workspace. Code structure and abstractions will evolve as new topics are added and old parts are refactored.

Scope

What you can expect to find here:

• Vulkan initialization (instance, validation layers, physical/logical device)
• Swap chain lifecycle handling (recreate on resize, surface capabilities, image views)
• Graphics pipeline setup (shaders, fixed-function state, render pass / attachments)
• Command buffers, queues, and synchronization primitives
• GLSL shaders compiled to SPIR-V

Non-goals (for now):

• A stable engine API
• Cross-platform build system
• Long-term backward compatibility between commits

Build (Windows / Visual Studio)

Prerequisites

• Vulkan-capable GPU and driver
• Vulkan SDK installed (includes validation layers and shader compiler tools)
• Visual Studio (x64 toolchain)

Steps

1. Open Vulkan.sln in Visual Studio.
2. Select x64 + Debug or Release.
3. Build and run the startup project.

If the build cannot find Vulkan headers/libraries, verify that the Vulkan SDK is installed correctly and your environment is configured.

Shader compilation (GLSL -> SPIR-V)

GLSL shaders live under Shaders/. Compile them to SPIR-V before running the application.

• Use the provided script (compile.bat) if you are on Windows.
• Alternatively, use glslc from the Vulkan SDK to compile .vert/.frag files into .spv outputs.

Keep generated .spv files in the location expected by the application at runtime.

Repository layout (high level)

• Shaders/ Shader sources and SPIR-V outputs
• lve_*.{hpp,cpp} Vulkan wrappers/abstractions used during learning
• main.cpp Current entry point / demo runner
• Vulkan.sln Visual Studio solution

Notes

This repository is intentionally iterative:

• Commits may contain partial work while a feature is being explored.
• Refactors are expected as understanding improves.
• If you are using this as reference, prefer reading the latest commit on main.

References

• Vulkan Specification and official resources: https://www.khronos.org/vulkan/
• Vulkan SDK (LunarG): https://vulkan.lunarg.com/
• Vulkan validation layers: https://github.com/KhronosGroup/Vulkan-ValidationLayers

License

No license file is provided in this repository at the moment. If you plan to reuse or redistribute any part of this code, add an explicit license first.