DirectX 10 is a set of application programming interfaces (APIs) developed by Microsoft for use in Windows operating systems. Released in 2006, it enhances the graphics capabilities of video games and other multimedia applications, allowing for more realistic visuals and improved performance. One of the key features of DirectX 10 is its support for advanced graphics techniques, such as shader model 4.0, which enables developers to create more complex lighting and shading effects. This version also introduced a new graphics pipeline, improving efficiency and allowing for better resource management in games.