It is an LLVM/Clang-based shader compiler for compiling HLSL programs to DirectX Intermediate Language (DXIL), which can then be fed into DirectX GPU drivers from various vendors. While Microsoft Windows is clearly the main focus, today’s update improves support for Linux builds.
The DirectX shader compiler on Linux can leverage this LLVM-based compiler to hand over HLSL to SPIR-V for consumption by Vulkan drivers, use WSL2, continuous integration, or support DXIL while being Linux-based. It is useful for building farms, etc. For other (Linux) cloud-based shader compiler scenarios. Since Microsoft open-sourced his DirectX Shader Compiler in 2017, Linux support has gradually become a reality, and it has been enjoying Linux support since 2018.
Today’s DirectXShaderCompiler v1.8.2403 “March 2024” update brings full support for shader model 6.8, improved compile-time validation, improved stability, and various diagnostic improvements. Additionally, “Further improvements to Linux build quality.”
The Linux update includes build system improvements to help you use Linux, as well as test coverage enhancements on Linux.
If you would like to download this open source DirectX Shader Compiler or learn more about new releases, you can do so via GitHub.
