Reasoning: glVertex3f vs glVertexPointer

This is just a question about OpenGL design.

Why is it that so many functions explicitly state the data type and component count in the function name, while others do not?

Case in point:
glVertex3f - three components per vertex, floating point type

glVertexPointer - we specify component count and type as parameters to the function. Doesn’t this eliminate certain driver optimization opportunities by requiring a data type check, potential data casts, etc?

It just seems inconsistent, and I’d like to know ‘why’ if there’s someone with the answer.

Thanks,
– Jeff

In glVertexPointer, you do specify the type of data. There is no significant loss in speed in this case since once the pointer is set, no type checking is needed.

nod It just seems inconsistent without apparent reason.

– Jeff