Question 1

How do I migrate from Vulkan-LoaderAndValidationLayers to the new repositories?

Accepted Answer

Replace dependencies with the four new repos: Vulkan-Headers for API definitions, Vulkan-Loader for driver management, Vulkan-ValidationLayers for debugging, and Vulkan-Tools for additional utilities. Update your build system to reference these components separately, as outlined in their respective READMEs.

Question 2

What's the difference between Vulkan-LoaderAndValidationLayers and Vulkan-ValidationLayers?

Accepted Answer

The old repository bundled headers, loader, validation layers, and tools together, while Vulkan-ValidationLayers is a standalone repo focused only on validation layers. The split allows for more modular updates and maintenance, but requires managing multiple dependencies.

Question 3

Can I still use the deprecated repository for my existing Vulkan project?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it remains read-only for servicing existing projects, but for any new development, bug fixes, or Vulkan spec updates, you should migrate to the new repositories to ensure compatibility and access to latest features.

Question 4

Why was Vulkan-LoaderAndValidationLayers deprecated?

Accepted Answer

It was split into separate repositories in 2018 for better modularity and maintenance. This allows independent development of headers, loader, validation layers, and tools, improving scalability and reducing complexity in the Vulkan ecosystem.

Question 5

How to enable validation layers in Vulkan for debugging?

Accepted Answer

Validation layers can be enabled at runtime by setting environment variables like VK_INSTANCE_LAYERS or using Vulkan's layer management APIs. Detailed steps are in the layers/README.md of the original repo or the new Vulkan-ValidationLayers repository.

Question 6

Is the mock ICD still available after the split?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the mock ICD for testing Vulkan drivers is likely included in the Vulkan-Tools repository or similar components. Check the new repos for specific availability and usage instructions, as it may have been moved or updated.

Question 7

Should I use Vulkan-LoaderAndValidationLayers or the new repos for learning Vulkan?

Accepted Answer

For learning, the new repositories are recommended as they are actively maintained and reflect current best practices. However, the demos and tests from the old repo can still be useful for reference, but you'll need to adapt them to the split structure.

LoaderAndValidationLayers

What is LoaderAndValidationLayers?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions