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| Math knowledge required to learn OpenGL? |
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kentl
Member #2,905
November 2002
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I understand that OpenGL probably is the way to go for graphics (at present and) in the future. I have always used different 2D based graphic libraries so i have not been forced to deal with 3D vectors, matrix math and such things i understand are involved in 3D. I wonder how much algebra and geometry math that is required to be able to use OpenGL to create 3D applications? I would love it if the answers where quite specific so i understand which parts to focus on when gaining the necessary knowledge. |
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23yrold3yrold
Member #1,134
March 2001
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Minimal. Go play with the NeHe tutorials (no math required) and you'll learn what kind of math is needed. Most of the complex stuff is done by libraries now anyway, so don't sweat it. -- |
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X-G
Member #856
December 2000
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You are strongly encouraged to learn basic linear algebra; that's vectors and matrices for you. You don't need to know any advanced mathematics though. -- |
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Archon
Member #4,195
January 2004
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I bet that you can find out "how to do something" by looking at examples and only learning the code you need! |
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Richard Phipps
Member #1,632
November 2001
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Hmmm.. So you can get by with weak Trig skills? |
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miran
Member #2,407
June 2002
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Quote: Minimal. True. But it helps a lot if you actually know what you're doing instead of just copying code from tutorials... -- |
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Archon
Member #4,195
January 2004
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Quote: But it helps a lot if you actually know what you're doing instead of just copying code from tutorials...
Looks around - gets nervous |
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Chris Katko
Member #1,881
January 2002
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Basic OpenGL probably doesn't need very much math. But if you want to have physics in your game, good luck. -----sig: |
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kentl
Member #2,905
November 2002
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I could squeeze some "simple game physics" in there i am sure. Instead of using dx,dy i would have dx,dy,dz and do "falling" as normal with the dy variable. If i only worked with spheres or cubes i could even do the collision detection with my existing math knowledge I'll learn basic linear algebra to start with.. Thanks to everyone for the helpful replies! |
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Rash
Member #2,374
May 2002
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You can learn the math on the fly as you go on trying more complicated stuff. If you don't like the idea, just see it as learning more of "OpenGL". Apparently there is some sort of stigma on math by itself. |
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Tobias Dammers
Member #2,604
August 2002
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Real programmers aren't afraid of math! Seriously: Just start programming, and whenever you bump into math stuff you don't get: well, just one more chance to learn something new & useful! I would recommend, though, to learn the basic concepts of general game programming (logic loops, timers, input, data structures etc). Thinking in 3D is a bit more complex than in 2D, so you should get the basic stuff straight at least. --- |
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Indeterminatus
Member #737
November 2000
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I can only recommend the book "Tricks of the 3D game programming gurus" by LaMothe. It really helped me get into 3D math / programming. Being able to program your own software rasterizer you should have no problem of understanding what OpenGL does _______________________________ |
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nonnus29
Member #2,606
August 2002
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This is a really good tutorial I find helpful from time to time. |
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Mika Halttunen
Member #760
November 2000
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In my opinion you don't have to know much about math before attempting to use OpenGL. At least I didn't, and I have written several games using OpenGL (Ultimate Steroids, Enigma, I Have No Tomatoes). It really on depends what you're trying to do, your basic tile collisions will work in 3d too - just throw some no-brainer "physics" in (i.e. gravity) and you've got Enigma Naturally something more complex with realistic physics involves quite a bit of math. But to get started in OpenGL, no, you don't need a degree in math. |
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kentl
Member #2,905
November 2002
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Quote: "Tricks of the 3D game programming gurus" by LaMothe I'll check it out when i get more free time. I liked "J2ME Game Programming" released by LaMothe (not written though). Quote: This is a really good tutorial I find helpful from time to time.
Bookmarked! Thanks! Quote: Go play with the NeHe tutorials Ok, i was thinking that some math was required for them as well. But i will check them out. I will go with the learn the maths on the fly approach. Before i get started i will take a linear algebra course though to have some kind of foundation to build upon. |
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