Zen of Graphics Programming: Master the Art of Creating Fast PC Games and Graphics Applications - Softcover

Abrash, Michael

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1883577896 ISBN 13: 9781883577896

Publisher: Coriolis Group,U.S., 1996

Synopsis

Explains the PC graphics hardware to a very deep level, and how it impacts code performance. Treats both 2-D and 3-D graphics and animation in great detail. Shows that graphics optimization is largely a right-brain process, not simplyone of counting cycles and analyzing CPU execution speed. Provides tools and rationales for measuring performance of animated graphics. Provides examples of optimized graphics in both fundamental figures like lines, circles, and ellipses, as well as elaborate 3-D objects composed of multiple polygons. Presents the industry's best and most-detailed coverage of BSP trees, the cutting-edge algorithm that makes breathtaking real-time animated 3-D graphics possible!

About this title

Synopsis

Of all the programming disciplines, realtime graphics is perhaps the most constrained by the limitations of the desktop PC. Using the second edition of this volume, the user will learn the fundamentals of VGA graphics, including the hows and whys of drawing lines, ellipses, and polygons, both in 2D and 3D; and the theory and practice of seamless, flicker-free realtime 2D and 3D animation. This edition includes 3D mathetmatics for non-mathematicians, including cross products and dot products, and 3D clipping for realtime animation; explains what BSP trees are and how to create and traverse them quickly; shows you how to determine visibility of polygons in a 3D world for fast rendering. The CD-ROM includes source code and projects shown in the book, plus additional graphics tools and the Zen timer.

About the Author

Michael Abrash (Plano, TX) is a key software engineer for a major software corporation in the Pacific Northwest. He is the author of the best-selling and highly acclaimed Zen of Assembly Language, Zen of Graphics Programming, and numerous articles on graphics programming and code optimization for major publications including Dr. Dobb's Journal and PC TECHNIQUES (now Visual Developer Magazine).

Edition details

• Publisher: Coriolis Group,U.S.
• Publication date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1883577896
• ISBN 13: 9781883577896
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 832