[jplusequalt]

>I'd like to understand what all that setup does and why it's done a particular way.

That's something you'll only understand after trying to build something non-trivial with an older graphics API like OpenGL.

[gspr]

Nonsense. Man-made things can be explained by humans without needing to experience what came before.

[jplusequalt]

Sure, it can be. Doesn't mean you'll take much away from it unless you're deeply familiar with the old ways of doing things.