Computer Graphics from Scratch: A Programmer's Introduction to 3D Rendering - Softcover

Gambetta, Gabriel

  • 3.97 out of 5 stars
    32 ratings by Goodreads
 
9781718500761: Computer Graphics from Scratch: A Programmer's Introduction to 3D Rendering
Softcover
ISBN 10: 1718500769 ISBN 13: 9781718500761
Publisher: No Starch Press, 2021

Synopsis

Computer Graphics from Scratch demystifies the algorithms used in modern graphics software and guides beginners through building photorealistic 3D renders.

Computer graphics programming books are often math-heavy and intimidating for newcomers. Not this one. Computer Graphics from Scratch takes a simpler approach by keeping the math to a minimum and focusing on only one aspect of computer graphics, 3D rendering.
 
You’ll build two complete, fully functional renderers: a raytracer, which simulates rays of light as they bounce off objects, and a rasterizer, which converts 3D models into 2D pixels. As you progress you’ll learn how to create realistic reflections and shadows, and how to render a scene from any point of view.
 
Pseudocode examples throughout make it easy to write your renderers in any language, and links to live JavaScript demos of each algorithm invite you to explore further on your own.
Learn how to:

  • Use perspective projection to draw 3D objects on a 2D plane
  • Simulate the way rays of light interact with surfaces
  • Add mirror-like reflections and cast shadows to objects
  • Render a scene from any camera position using clipping planes
  • Use flat, Gouraud, and Phong shading to mimic real surface lighting
  • Paint texture details onto basic shapes to create realistic-looking objects
    •  
    Whether you’re an aspiring graphics engineer or a novice programmer curious about how graphics algorithms work, Gabriel Gambetta’s simple, clear explanations will quickly put computer graphics concepts and rendering techniques within your reach. All you need is basic coding knowledge and high school math. Computer Graphics from Scratch will cover the rest.

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    About the Author

    Gabriel Gambetta started coding games around the age of 5 on a ZX Spectrum. After studying Computer Science and working at a respectable local company in his native Uruguay, he started a game development company and ran it for 10 years while teaching Computer Graphics at his alma mater. More recently, Gambetta has been working at Google Zürich, where he's been since 2011 except for a stint as an early engineer in the London-based multiplayer game tech unicorn Improbable.

    "About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

    Publisher
    No Starch Press
    Publication date
    2021
    Language
    English
    ISBN 10 
    1718500769
    ISBN 13 
    9781718500761
    Binding
    Paperback
    Number of pages
    248
    Rating
    • 3.97 out of 5 stars
      32 ratings by Goodreads