What are Shaders in Unity used for?

Shaders in Unity are specialized programs that run on the graphics processing unit (GPU) and are primarily used for rendering graphics. They define how the surface properties of a 3D model appear when light interacts with it, controlling aspects such as color, texture, and effects like shadows and reflections. This capability allows developers to create visually rich environments and detailed character appearances by manipulating how objects look in relation to the light in the scene.

Using shaders effectively is crucial for achieving high performance in rendering because they are optimized to run on the GPU, which is designed specifically for the parallel processing tasks required in graphics rendering. This means that complex visual effects can be executed while maintaining high frame rates and smooth gameplay. Thus, the use of shaders is a key component of graphics programming within Unity, enabling developers to elevate visual fidelity and create immersive experiences.