Applications use the IDirect3D3 interface to create Direct3D devices, viewports, lights, and materials. In addition, the IDirect3D3 interface creates textures. Textures under the IDirect3D2 interface were manipulated using texture handles. The IDirect3D3 interface significantly extends the texturing capabilities of Direct3D. To accommodate these changes, the IDirect3D3 interface no longer utilizes texture handles. Instead, it makes use of texture interfaces. For more information, see Textures.
Direct3D creates devices by invoking the IDirect3D3::CreateDevice method. For details, see Direct3D Devices.
The IDirect3D3::CreateViewport method is called when creating viewports. For more information, see Viewports and Clipping.
Lights and materials are created through calls to the IDirect3D3::CreateLight and IDirect3D3::CreateMaterial methods respectively. For more information, see Lighting and Materials.