title: On Windows, how does OpenGL differ from DirectX?
body: <p>I don't have any hands on experience with graphics programming. I got this doubt when I was reading about graphics programming.</p>
  
  <p>From what I understand, because Windows didn't offer DOS like direct hardware access, DirectX was created. That means DirectX is the only sure way to achieve direct(ish) hardware access. Am I wrong?</p>
  
  <p>If I am not wrong, then OpenGL must be implemented either using DirectX itself or on top of DirectX.</p>
  
  <p>So doesn't it mean that on Windows OpenGL is really DirectX?</p>
  
  <p>Please note that my doubt is restricted to what the title says, exactly, and I am not interested why is one better than the other etc.</p>