This book covers the topic of ShaderX programming, a game development skill in great demand. Also offers a collection of articles that provide an introduction to vertex and pixel shader programming using DirectX 9. Nearly a dozen experts in the graphics programming and software engineering fields share their knowledge on a variety of shader programming subjects, including how to integrate shaders written in the High Level Shading Language into your application and how to create shader-friendly 3D models. Other topics discussed are implementing shadow maps and shadow volumes to create realistic-looking shadow effects, using advanced lighting models, adding fog effects to increase a scene's realism, and unlocking the new features of the pixel and vertex shader 3.0 models. Additionally, facilitating the shader prototyping process using a new shader development tool is addressed. The companion CD contains examples and source code discussed in the articles.