Vertex Shaders Version 3 -

For the first time, shaders could sample textures directly in the vertex stage. This allowed for advanced effects like displacement mapping , where heightmaps deform mesh geometry in real-time.

Passes transformed data (and any extra attributes like interpolated colors) to the fragment/pixel shader. Shader model 3 (HLSL reference) - Win32 apps Vertex Shaders Version 3

Converts coordinates from Object Space (mesh origin) →right arrow World Space →right arrow View Space (camera) →right arrow Clip Space (screen). For the first time, shaders could sample textures

Vertex Shader Model 3.0 (vs_3_0), introduced with DirectX 9.0c, was a major milestone in graphics programming. It transitioned vertex shaders from basic coordinate transformers into high-performance, programmable processors capable of complex logic and texture sampling. Shader model 3 (HLSL reference) - Win32 apps

Version 3.0 introduced true if-else logic and loops, enabling shaders to skip unnecessary calculations and handle complex animation logic.