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

by Gabriel Gambetta

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 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 perspective projection to draw 3D objects on a 2D planeSimulate the way rays of light interact with surfacesAdd mirror-like reflections and cast shadows to objectsRender a scene from any camera position using clipping planesUse flat, Gouraud, and Phong shading to mimic real surface lightingPaint 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.

Genres: Programming, Computer Science, Nonfiction, Technical, Technology, Software

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 18, 2021

Reviews

[Ravi Teja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent introduction to Computer Graphics, adhering closely to the principle: "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler."

As an experienced Computer Vision Engineer, I've long wanted to learn the fundamentals of Computer Graphics but struggled to find an approachable starting point given the subject's enormity. This compact and highly effective book solves that problem.

It introduces the core concepts in manageable chunks, using a "pseudo-code first" approach. This method provides a very solid foundation, making it the perfect stepping stone before tackling a more comprehensive or "meatier" textbook.

I thoroughly enjoyed studying this book, I genuinely couldn't put it down. To make a technical, academic subject so engaging requires a special skill, one that is clearly rooted in the author's deep and intimate understanding of the material.

My only minor critique is that the author appeared to rush the last couple of chapters, treating them less comprehensively than the strong, detailed approach used in the opening sections.

Nevertheless, this is a great book and an invaluable resource for anyone looking to build a fundamental understanding of computer graphics from the ground up.

[Ivan Koma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Всё-таки читать про 3d моделирование плохая идея, помню когда делал пончик в блендере, от одного вида модели уже получал удовольствие, от изменения при каждом рендере, здесь же будет лишь одна фотография с результатом на пару страниц, хотелось бы подметить что автор и сам ненароком замечает такую закономерность, когда говорит про рабочий стол компьютера у студентов (FR)

[snpefk]

Mr. Gambetta, you are under arrest for spoiling me with such a high level of educational material. Out of all the books about pure 3D graphics I’ve read (two? three?), this one takes the prize for being the clearest and easiest to follow, building everything from first principles. I don’t know how he does it, but it’s really, really easy to follow and understand all the math behind it.

[Satyaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://gabrielgambetta.com/computer-...