WebGL vs Canvas

Difference Between WebGL and Canvas

WebGL is the version of OpenGL, which is a 3D engine. It helps its user to perform 3D manipulation in web browsers. Canvas is a part of HTML5, allows its users with dynamic, script rendered 2D shapes. It can be considered a low level that has the ability to update bitmap images and does not have a built-in scene graph. These are used in the games (2D and 3D) with abstraction layers such as PIXI.js and several others like Three.JS and Unity.

Head To Head Comparison Between WebGL and Canvas (Infographics)

Below is the top 7 difference between WebGL vs Canvas:

Key Differences between WebGL and Canvas

Both are popular choices in the market; let us discuss some of the major difference :

1. The canvas element is the HTML element and was introduced with its 5^th generation (HTML5). This allows its users to draw on the screen using JavaScript; this dynamically generated graphics and animations are possible on the client-side, whereas WebGL is a non-standardised API that allows OpenGL functionality using JavaScript. A 3D rendered using a browser is possible.
2. Since both Canvas vs WebGL is JavaScript API’s so, there will be similarities to some extent, especially if we talk about bindings and framework development. Libraries are there in both that can save the development team’s precious timings and organizing and preferring codes. So, the point of discussion here is code writing. Canvas API is much easier to learn and understand if a user is looking to understand and write code from the initial level (or beginning). One can say minimal math understanding is required for understanding canvas, whereas WebGL needs a person who has some strong mathematical understandings.
3. WebGL vs Canvas are HTML5 goodies. If a device supports one, then it will automatically support other. The native 3D API for WebGL is faster and has more capabilities like rendering pipelines, code accessibility, and faster execution. 
4. Games are there everywhere. One can go to playstore to look for any number of possibilities and categories. Talking of 2D gaming and how these score upon each other in terms of 2D gaming. Canvas for sure if your requirement id 2D gaming (advanced). Amazing drawing features for 2D using canvas. The nature of your game makes this kind of selection. If your requirement is a 2D gaming with few moving items, Canvas is the solutions, and if there are repeatedly new frames, then for such kind of rendered loop, one needs to prefer Webgl.

WebGL vs Canvas Comparison Table

Let’s look at the top Comparison between WebGL vs Canvas –

Conclusion

Here we can see that the conclusion is easier and clear. One is easy to work and has an easier learning curve, while others are hard to execute and greatly impact the gaming industry. Canvas is good to work when the requirement of the application is light and 2D oriented. WebGL when the work you are developing is going to be more complex with more frames rate, and most importantly, its 3D. Each has its pros and cons, and the users’ work depends upon these when it’s time to choose the right match for your work. Both Canvas vs WebGL has great Libraries and User base.

One thing for sure –

ease of use:

(with a library) canvas = WebGL

(from scratch) WebGL << canvas

Recommended Article

This has been a guide to the top difference between WebGL vs Canvas. Here we also discuss the key differences with infographics and comparison table. You may also have a look at the following articles to learn more –

1. WebGL vs OpenGL
2. Laravel vs Zend
3. CentOS vs Ubuntu
4. JavaScript vs JQuery