OpenGL 2.1+ Render with data returned form assimp library

Question

I have just readed this tutorial about load a 3D model file: http://www.lighthouse3d.com/cg-topics/code-samples/importing-3d-models-with-assimp/. Its render routine uses a recursive_render function to scan all node.

My question:

1. What is a aiNode struct store?

2. What different form this method and above method:

   for (int i=0; imNumMesh; ++i) { draw scene->mMeshes[i]; }

Thanks for reading!

Answer 1

1) The aiNode struct is defined in the Assimp library. Here you can find it its definition on the official documentation:

Public Attributes
aiNode **       mChildren       // The child nodes of this node.
unsigned int *  mMeshes         // The meshes of this node.
aiString        mName           // The name of the node.
unsigned int    mNumChildren    // The number of child nodes of this node.
unsigned int    mNumMeshes      // The number of meshes of this node.
aiNode *        mParent         // Parent node.
aiMatrix4x4     mTransformation // The transformation relative to the node's parent. 

2) I don't know what is the difference between "your method" and recursive_render, but looks like you are missing a lot of information (childs, etc). I'd have a closer look to recursive_render