How Vertex Array Objects (VAO) encapsulate vertex attribute state in OpenGL 3.3+:

Instead of calling glVertexAttribPointer and glEnableVertexAttribArray before every draw call:

1. Bind VAO (glBindVertexArray(vao)).
2. Bind VBO and configure vertex layout (Position at location 0, Normal at location 1, UV at location 2).
3. Unbind VAO.

During rendering, a single glBindVertexArray(vao) restores all vertex buffer bindings and attribute layouts in 1 state change before calling glDrawElements!

VAOs turn dozens of individual OpenGL state calls into a single atomic binding operation.

Always unbind VAOs (glBindVertexArray(0)) after setup to prevent accidental state modification from helper draw routines.