This article series aims to demystify 3D graphics APIs like OpenGL, Vulkan, Metal, and DirectX by building a simplified software renderer from scratch in approximately 500 lines of C++.

The author believes understanding the underlying principles is crucial for efficient use of modern graphics libraries. The project involves generating an image from a 3D model (triangulated mesh and textures) without relying on external graphics libraries. Students typically spend 10-20 hours creating such renderers.

The foundation is a simple TGA file handler for image manipulation, starting with basic pixel setting. Line and triangle drawing functions are implemented manually. The complete code is available on GitHub, with initial source code provided to students. The example code demonstrates setting three white pixels on a 64x64 framebuffer, saving the output as `framebuffer.tga`.

Compilation instructions are provided, guiding users to clone the repository, build the project using CMake, and render sample models like `diablo3_pose.obj` and `floor.obj`, with the output saved to `framebuffer.tga`.